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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.

By now, every Kansas City resident knows that the sound of dozens of golf balls hitting the roof is not a good omen. After a big storm rolls through, calls about leaks flood the homeowner’s insurance companies. It may be your gut instinct to call the insurance company right away to file a claim, but did you know that calling a roofer first can help get your claim approved? Keep in mind that insurance specialists work for a company, while roofers work for YOU.

Step 1: Take Notes.

Be sure to log the dates of hail or wind storms. Take photos of the storm or do an internet image search to find Kansas City hail storm damage. Finding photos of people showing the size of the hail is most helpful, say insurance agents.

Step 2: Get A Qualified Opinion.

Getting a second opinion from a roofer will help build your case. It isn’t always easy to get homeowners’ insurance storm-damage claims approved. Roofers are more than happy to provide you with a free estimate on storm damage. They know how to tell the difference between wear-and-tear damage and immediate storm damage. A good KC roofer will come back when the insurance adjuster comes to assess the damage, acting as a mediator to ensure your claim gets approved.

Step 3: File The Claim.

When you call the insurance specialists, be sure to mention you’ve had storm damage professionals inspect your roof and verify that you need the work done. In most states, you have up to a full year to file a claim for storm damage, but it’s recommended that you call right away.

Step 4: Meet With The Adjuster.

The insurance adjuster will spend about a half hour taking photos and examining the roof damage. Having roofers and insurance specialists work together can often result in a settlement quote being issued right then and there. Other times, you may have to wait a couple weeks. The roofer and insurance company will compare notes and measurements to come up with a fair price. The roofer should leave you with a written quote as well.

Step 5: Get The Work Done.

If all goes as expected, your claim will be approved and the roofing contractor can start work. Ideally, you will only be out the deductible money and the insurance company will cover the rest of the cost for your roof repairs or new roofing system. Understanding how roofers and insurance specialists work together can help you navigate this complex process and get your claim processed with greater ease. Don’t try to go it alone!

Fall is an ideal time to think about your gutters. Falling leaves, twigs, pine needles and “helic0pter” maple seeds are chief causes of clogging. You’ll also want to peek at your gutter system in the spring, once the flowers begin pollinating and old dead winter tree debris has fallen. Gutters that are covered by a gutter protection system may only need cleaning once a year in the fall.

Neglecting gutters costs homeowners big-time!

We have a saying in the industry: “Gutter prevention is measured in pennies, while repairs are measured in dollars.” Clogged downspouts cause gutters to overflow water onto fascia, soffits, and roof shingles. Other times, a misplaced gutter may redirect water toward the basement, rather than away from the house. Pools of water in all the wrong places can cause leaks that lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Often landscaping becomes the victim of improper drainage.

Can you clean your own gutters?

Some homeowners opt to clean their own gutters. If you choose this approach, be sure you are careful working on a ladder. A professional KC gutter cleaning company has workers who are fully insured, so you won’t have to risk life and limb or pay for injuries should there be a fall. Professionals are also better equipped to work with gutter guards. An estimated 20% of leaves and debris can get through a gutter cover, so it’s best to hire someone with experience at re-installing these protective covers.

How to hire a gutter cleaning pro in Kansas City…

Prices on gutter cleaning may range from $75 to $225, depending on the length of your gutters and the height of your home. New gutter cover systems typically begin around $1,500. We also install low-maintenance seamless gutter systems. To find the right person to do the job, you can check a trustworthy review site like Angie’s List and cross-reference it with the Better Business Bureau. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or proof of liability insurance. Call Eclipse Roofing for a free quote!

This month has seen a few heavy storms blowing through Kansas City. Ten days ago, heavy rain, lighting and wind gusts up to 40 mph ripped through the area, causing damage to some residents’ roofs. The damage stormy weather inflicts isn’t always evident with an immediate leak, which is why storm damage inspections are so important if you want to prevent costly repairs.

Storm Damage Inspections Save Money!

Storm damage inspections offered by a reputable roofing company are FREE. Preventing leaks by catching damage early puts money in your pocket. In many cases, you may choose to have your homeowners insurance cover the cost of storm-related roof damage. The sooner you inspect your roof after a major storm, the better.

Signs of Storm Damage

Our licensed, bonded and insured contractors will inspect your roof for tell-tale signs of storm damage, such as:

– Dents, cracks, or holes from hail

– Missing shingle granules

– Broken shingle strips

Best Roofs For Storm Damaged Homes

Kansas City sees a lot of storms, particularly with high winds and hail. That’s why we offer our customers Timberline® ArmorShield™ II Shingles, which pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact test, and may qualify for insurance discounts of up to 30% or more. These tough shingles are warrantied to withstand winds of up to 130 mph! During product testing, a two-inch steel ball was hurled at these shingles at 70 mph and there was no evidence of tearing, cracking, chipping, or denting.

Call Now For A Free Storm Damage Inspection

Eclipse Roofing has serviced the roof repair and replacement needs of the KC area for the past decade. We’re a winner of the Angie’s List Super Service Award and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you’re looking for exceptional service and workmanship, then be sure to call us at 913-262-4700 for your free estimate.