When a fire guts through your neighborhood, it could cause untold damage to your property, especially your home’s roof. Some of the damages will be openly visible, while others could take some time to manifest, particularly those caused by soot and smoke. A typical homeowner’s policy should cover such damages. However, your insurer may be reluctant to offer the relevant compensation until you insist on it.
How To File a Roof Damage Claim After a Wildfire
You should take the following steps to push your insurer to compensate you for roof damage triggered by a wildfire:
- Document the damage. Take note of all the damage you can see before contacting your insurer. If the fire affected the health of anyone on your property, ensure they get medical help immediately. Ensure to also highlight invisible damage, such as odor, in the claim. A doctor’s report will act as documentary evidence for your claim.
- File a claim with your home insurance company. You should file your claim as fast as you can to increase the chances of being compensated. There is little time for further damages; hence the insurer may be less likely to refuse the claim. However, they may first want to see proof of the damage and will most likely send an adjuster to examine your roof.
- Cooperate with the insurer’s adjuster. Give the adjuster full access to the house, so they can see the damages you indicated in your claim. If you don’t trust their findings, you can research whether they may be untrustworthy and ask the insurer to send another person or hire one yourself if necessary.
- Take your insurer’s offer. The insurer will send an offer for compensation based on the adjuster’s report. Examine the offer keenly and calculate whether the amount will be enough to cater to all the roof repair or replacement costs. If it is too little, reject the offer because you cannot pursue the case legally after initially accepting whatever amount they propose.
Important Details About Roofs and Wildfires
While no roof is fully fireproof, several materials are fire-resistant and offer more protection during a wildfire. These include the following materials:
- Slate. While it is a pricey option, it has amazing fire resistance characteristics, making it a great pick when you live in an area prone to wildfires.
- Metal. Metal is also an ideal roofing choice since it does not ignite when on fire, particularly when it is class-A rated. Metals with such a protection rating are ideal for dry areas.
- Concrete. This material is as fireproof as it is heavy and durable. However, it requires plenty of engineering and design for proper installation.
Get Your Home a Fire-Resistant Roof Today
It is possible to prevent extensive roof damage during a wildfire by installing a fire-resistant roof. That way, you can avoid a leaner claim, which is paid out quickly in case of fire damage. At Roofing Optimum, we specialize in roof, battery storage and solar installation and can help you choose a better roof for your home. Contact us today for more details.
