Hurricane Damage to your Roof . . .?



As we all know, Florida residents have suffered wind damage to their
roofs due to Hurricane Wilma. Usually, the insurance adjuster is the
first one to scope the damage and provide the insured with an estimate
for repairs or replacement of their roofs. After the insured receives
their settlement, a roofer or contractor is contracted to inspect the
roof and provide their estimate or bid. Sometimes, the amount of the
settlement from the insurance company is not enough for the repairs or
replacement. The following are some reasons why the insurance company
might not be paying for complete replacement of roofs.

25% Ordnance

In the State of Florida, ordnance has been pass stating that if 25%, or
more, of the roof has been damage due to a covered ?peril? (wind, fire,
explosion, etc), the roof will need to be replaced. If a homeowner has
a home owner policy (Such as a HO-3 Special Form) that allows for
ordnance and code upgrades, the insurance company will most likely pay
to have the roof replaced at a fair and reasonable price. However, if
a homeowner?s policy sates that ordnance and code are ?excluded? under
their homeowner?s policy, the insurance company is only responsible for
the ?actual? damages to the roof.



Example: If you suffered wind damage to only 30% of your roof, then the
insurance company is only responsible for 30% of the roof repairs. Now
.. . . I know that you all are going to say ? The roofing company will
not repair the roof unless they can replace the entire roof, so that it
can be guarantee not to leak?! This is true, however, lets look at the
reason why roofing companies make this statement. If an insured has
30% wind damage to their roof and the other 70% of the roof is ?worn?
due to wear and tear, then ?YES?, the roofing company is indeed correct
in stating that the entire roof will need to be replaced. The problem
that most homeowner?s do not understand is that all homeowner polices
?exclude? coverage to any property items that suffered wear and tear.
So . . . , if you have a worn roof that suffered only minimal damage,
the insurance company will only pay for minimal damage! The worn
portion of your roof will need to be paid for by the homeowner!

Example: Your automobile tires become bald due to wear and tear. Do
you (A) contact the insurance company to place a claim to have the
tires replaced, or (B) go to a tire store to have the tires replaced?
Of course you go to the tire store to have the tires replaced because
the damage is due to wear and tear!

Prices at the time of this article should be $350.00-$375.00 a square
for replacement of shingles and felt, for a roof. Replacement for clay
and concrete tiles are $800.00-$1,000.00 a square! Please be aware of
roofing companies who sub contract their work because you will have a
difficult time if you need the workers to come back to your home to
correct poor installation problems concerning your roof!

Remember, when the roofing company completes the inspection of your
roof, ask him or her how much of the damage was due to wind or any
covered peril. Understanding what your homeowner?s property policy
covers, will make your settlement with the insurance company a whole
lot easier!

The Field Adjuster Guy
http://www.geocities.com/emos1234/great_outdoors.html