Archives November 2013

It’s not every day that we need to file an insurance claim with our homeowner’s insurance company to get a roof covered. Most people aren’t sure how insurance settlement works until they cross that bridge. The whole process can be a bit intimidating and time-consuming if you’re not sure what to expect. Eclipse Roofing has experience in helping local KC residents get new roofs covered in a timely and efficient fashion.

Help! A Storm Wrecked My Kansas City Roof!

If you suspect hail or wind damaged your roof, you should call a roof inspector to evaluate the situation. Since these no-obligation quotes are always free, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Having a professional opinion on your side is always a bonus when negotiating with an insurer.

Once you have a roofer’s assessment in hand, you should then call your insurance carrier’s claims office. The claim handler will assign a claim number and adjuster to your case. Be sure to keep all this information for your own records. Sometimes insurers ask you to get three different estimates from local KC roofers.

Get A Fair Insurance Settlement

The adjuster will schedule an appointment to come out and take a look at your roof. Inform your adjuster that you will have a roofing contractor present at the meeting (to serve as your advocate). Insurers, by nature, are looking to keep their costs down and  may not necessarily have your best interests at heart.

Once the adjuster has a look at your roof, he or she will provide a detailed summary of the repairs needed. In some cases, this may mean a whole new roof needs to be put on. The roofing contractor will compare this information to be sure no important details have been omitted. Any discrepancies will be negotiated with Eclipse Roofing’s insurance liaison on your behalf to ensure you get a fair deal.

Get Funding & Get Going

The initial check usually arrives with the claim summary. Sometimes additional paperwork is required by your mortgage company — a process which can take up to 10 days. Keep in mind, you will still be responsible to pay your deductible, whatever that may be. The total cost of the roof replacement will be covered by: the first insurance check, your out-of-pocket deductible, the amount of depreciation withheld by the insurance company, and any necessary supplements.  Once the roof has been completed, we will contact the insurance company to make sure any depreciation withheld is released and all the money promised by the insurer has been collected.

If you would like any more information about Eclipse Roofing’s insurance settlement work or a free roofing quote, please contact us at (913) 262-4700.

We know this is not the news Kansas City metro residents want to hear, but all signs point to a snowier winter this year. According to the Kansas City Star, areas of Kansas like Wichita received 30 inches of snow last year, tying previous records as the 5th snowiest winter on record. Typically, we see a good 14.7 inches of winter precipitation. However, this year, January is forecast to have above normal precipitation, with cooler arctic air and ridges in the upper atmosphere pushing cold surges across the nation’s mid-section. So what this means for homeowners is that it’s more important than ever to check out the roofing system before the snow flies and make sure you are buttoned down for the winter months!

Clean the gutters.

Autumn leaves left in gutters is one of the most common problems we see in the winter time when homeowners call to complain about leaky roofs. The melting snow sits on top of the heavy wet leaves and starts to back up onto the shingles, rather than go down the gutters and away from the home as designed. You may also want to consider installing gutter covers to prevent future debris accumulation.

Trim Surrounding Vegetation.

Are tree limbs hanging over your roof? A seemingly stable branch can give way under the pressure of frozen ice and snow during the stormier months. Take a good look at your tree situation and determine if your home is at risk. If you can’t reach the branches yourself, a contractor should be able to trim any wayward branches for $200 to $500.

Get The Roof Inspected For Leaks.

Stains on walls, missing shingles and indoor moisture accumulation are all signs of a roof that’s about to spring a major leak. There may be shingles that need a quick re-caulking, re-securing with metal flashing, or reinforcing with plastic cement. These small jobs shouldn’t cost you more than a few $100 at most and will give you peace of mind throughout the winter until the spring when you may want to pay for more substantial repairs or put up a new roof.

Check Your Attic.

Are all attic vents clear from obstructions? You may need to install more attic insulation or additional vents to prevent ice-damming if your home is  prone to icicle formation. You should have one square foot of intake and exhaust ventilation for every 300 sq ft of attic space.