Robust Roof Blog

Discover what gutter drip edge is, signs of drip edge installation problems, impact on insurance roof claims & getting free inspection in Northern VA.

Let’s be honest, replacing a roof can be expensive. Considering roof replacement or repair costs aren’t discretionary but vital, the cost is a key factor we simply can’t overlook. Luckily, if you have home insurance, roof replacement and repair are usually part of the coverage and don’t need to be out of pocket costs. Let's get into more details on roof insurance coverage for homeowners including more on what exactly is covered, types of roof insurance coverage, how to get paid, and more! What is Roof Insurance? Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Replacement? First things first: roof insurance is not a separate policy. Rather, it comes as a part of your normal Home Owner’s Hazard Insurance policy you formed when you purchased your home. The premiums for this policy are most often paid monthly through your current mortgage company. Your policy will typically include coverage that will pay for the replacement of the home’s roofing, siding, and gutter systems. Yes! However, home insurance has limits to the kind of coverage you enjoy. For instance, normal wear experienced naturally over years isn’t covered, but you can expect coverage for home exterior repairs and/or full replacement of exterior portions of your home that need work done resulting from the following factors discussed below; Exterior Replacement Insurance by Cause Insurance coverage only kicks into gear due to Acts of God. They classify residential exterior material replacement based on what caused the damage, which items are protected within your policy, and to what limit. a. Hail Damaged Roof and Insurance If your home is damaged by hail, snow, ice, or related elements traceable to harsh weather, your homeowner's policy can provide financial coverage for the resulting repairs or a completely new exterior replacement of your roof, siding, windows, or gutters. However, you'll have to get your insurance claim approved first, which is usually a challenging process. b. Insurance Coverage for Wind Damage This type of coverage applies to your home being damaged resulting from strong winds that blow away or damage your roof and siding directly/indirectly i.e., causing trees or other objects to fall on your roof and damage it. c. Other Coverable Causes of Damage Besides hail and wind damage, home insurance can also cover roof damage resulting from water damage, lightning damage, fires, heavy snow/ice on the roof, and other storm damage-related causes. Vandalism and falling objects are also coverable. However, it matters how a claim is documented and submitted. For instance, common signs of roof damage linked to coverable causes must be recorded i.e., missing shingles, leaks, and a sagging roof deck. Insurance can also cover other signs like damaged siding gutters. However, the claim must be documented appropriately. Roof Replacement Insurance by Type of Home Insurance Besides cost, there’s the question of whether home insurance will pay for partial or full roof replacement costs in the event of storm damage or other coverable causes. In this regard, there are two main types of covers namely actual cash value and replace cost value policies: i. Actual Cash Value Policy With ACV policies, homeowners get paid the depreciated value of the roof at the current market value. As a result, compensation isn’t usually enough to cover everything. However, if you have the right storm damage insurance partners , you can secure a roofing contractor capable of handling the job with the compensation amount you will get. ii. Replace Cost Value Policy With RCV policies, homeowners get the current value of the roof based on brand-new roof estimates. Such policies offer enough to cover the entire roof replacement. However, you don’t get paid the full amount immediately. You'll get the actual cost value of the roof first, but you must prove that the roof was replaced as per the claim to receive the recoverable depreciation amount. The breadth and depth of actual coverage the insurer will provide you also has to do with the fine print within the policy. An item such as whether your policy includes local code and ordinance coverage will determine how advanced your replacement coverage and payout will actually be for you on a specific claim. What Isn’t Covered by Roof Insurance? Regardless of the type of home insurance policy you have, there are some causes that aren’t generally covered. Your ability to get compensated will depend largely on how you handle the claims process. Roof Insurance Replacement: Conditions Dictating Roof Replacement Through Insurance You shouldn't expect compensation if your roof is damaged by causes that include, but aren’t, limited to: Damage from long-term wear and tear Damage from mildew or algae Damage from clogged gutters Damage from other debris accumulation Other roof damage linked to the age of a roof To get compensated for damages linked to “suspect causes”, you must follow precise steps when launching a roof insurance claim. What’s more, you must prove to the insurance adjuster that the roof damage was caused by factors beyond your control and not negligence or poor roof maintenance. The roof insurance claim process can be daunting. Consider getting professional help . Otherwise, you risk having your claim denied. Getting Insurance for Roof Replacement: The Roof Insurance Claim Process To get your home insurance provider to pay for your roof claim, you need to follow the following steps: Step 1: Perform Annual Inspections of your home’s Roof It is highly recommended that every homeowner ensure that their roof and all of its components were installed properly and inspect their roof for anything that is showing wear and tear and causing the roof system to fail. This can be especially difficult for people with tall homes and steep roof pitches. Therefore, we recommend you have a roofing expert with proper-sized ladders to perform this feat for an affordable fee to help you avoid the risk of falling and not knowing what you are looking for on your roof each year. Step 2: Document the Roof Damage Carefully You need to understand the kind of roof damage you have after a severe storm. This will require checking signs of damage i.e., blown-off shingles granules, missing shingles, fallen trees/branches, damaged roofing siding gutters, etc. Document in writing and use pictures as this evidence is required when proofing the cause of damage. Step 3: Understand the Type of Home Insurance Coverage It helps to understand your current home insurance policy in terms of coverage and the requirements for launching a claim. Checking your policy is critical to ensuring you report in accordance with the stipulations. Step 4: Roof Inspection In most cases, you'll need a roof inspection done before your roof replacement or repair claim is approved. This inspection should be done by a reputable roofing inspection company . Step 5: Filing Claim After inspection, you can file a roof replacement claim with your homeowners insurance company. Adhere to all processes and provide all necessary documentation to increase your chances of getting compensated. Step 6: Insurance Adjuster Roof Inspection After a claim is submitted, an insurance adjuster will be sent to your home. If the adjuster needs more information, you will be informed; otherwise, you'll just need to wait for your claim to be approved or rejected. Do You Need a Public Adjuster for a Roof Claim? While there are no specific rules requiring a property owner to hire a public adjuster for their roof claim, it may be worth the trouble, for example when filling a high-value claim or when your home has suffered significant damage. A Public Adjuster will work for your benefit while he provides an insurance inspection assessment and then negotiates on your behalf with the adjuster hired to work for the Insurance company. Do You Need Professional Roof Insurance Assistance in Northern Virginia? If you have home insurance coverage but don’t know where to start with your roof claim, don’t worry! You can get expert help on all roof replacement or repair needs (including launching your insurance claim) using trusted BBB accredited partners like Radical Restoration who offer a variety of storm damage solutions in Northern Virginia. Get everything handled without much effort on your part. We hire, pay the cost of, and coordinate daily with a Public Adjuster who works for your best interest and handles the entire claim for you. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from filing your claim to using industry-leading software that connects right inside the insurance companies (the majority uses the same software that PA utilizes). We hire a public adjuster, estimate the cost of restoration, and perform excellent roof replacement. Work with us, your local experts that ensure you capture coverage that will pay for the best new modern roof materials and workmanship you can find, all at our expense. You only pay the deductible. Radical Restoration uses high-tech software to identify potential damage and their strong connections (forged over the years with insurance companies) to get the best outcome for roof damage claims in the U.S. We work in conjunction with them to ensure all of your roofing needs are well taken care of! They also work with trusted roofing companies in Northern VA like Robust Roof . References 1) Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com/homeownership/cost-to-replace-roof/#:~:text=While%20%249%2C117%20is%20the%20national ,)%2C%20and%20installing%20new%20shingles.

Transform your home into a masterpiece with the ultimate roofing and siding makeover, enhancing appearance, protection, and property value.

If you’re in the process of repairing or installing a roof on your home, you may have heard the term, “drip edge.” To some homeowners, drip edges may seem like just another roofing component. Many may also wonder whether it’s necessary to install them. Allow us to break down all you need to know about a drip edge. You will get to know if it's a crucial component to include on your roof and whether it offers any form of protection. What is a drip edge on a roof? A drip edge is a metal flashing, which can be PVC-coated and installed on roof edges to control water flow. Through a drip edge, water can be directed from the fascia to the roof gutter without causing any structural damage. The fascia is a wooden board that runs along the lower edge of the roof. Without a drip edge, water can rot out the fascia board and roof decking. The water damage could also affect other parts of your home. How does a roof drip edge work? Roof drip edges are installed on your roof perimeter, typically at the eaves. When installed by an expert like Robust Roof, it perfectly covers the edge of the roof deck, preventing water from getting into the shingles. It can shed water efficiently through its partly curved design that redirects the water down into the gutter system. Types of roof drip caps

Choosing the right house siding is a crucial decision for homeowners in Northern Virginia. Not only does siding enhance the appearance of a home, but it also provides protection against the elements and contributes to energy efficiency. The impact of siding on a home's aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency cannot be overstated. It is important to choose a siding material that not only complements the architectural style of the home but also withstands the unique climate of Northern Virginia.

Considerations for Choosing House Siding Color Tips for Selecting House Siding Color Coordinating with Neighbors and Local Regulations Matching House Siding Style to Architectural Design Conclusion and Final Tips Additional Tips and Resources

Happy Home Owners, new roof, looking at how beautiful their home is with their new roof.

Is your roof beginning to show signs of wear and tear? Are you dealing with leaks, missing shingles, or other persistent roofing issues? If this is the case, it may be time to consider a roof replacement. We'll walk you through all you need to know about roof replacement in this thorough guide to ensure you make an informed decision that will safeguard your house for years to come. Why Roof Replacement Matters Your roof is more than simply a decorative feature of your home; it is also the first line of defense against the weather. A robust and well-maintained roof is critical for the overall safety and integrity of your home. When it comes to roof replacement, it's critical to act quickly to avoid costly damage. Signs It's Time for a Roof Replacement Before delving into the process of roof replacement, you must be able to recognize when your roof is in need of it. Some common signs include: Damaged Shingles: If your shingles are curled, cracked, or missing, it's time to consider a replacement. Leakage: Frequent leaks or water stains on your ceiling can be a clear indication of roof problems. Age of Roof: An asphalt shingle roof typically lasts 20-25 years. If your roof is approaching or has exceeded this age, replacement is likely necessary. Choosing the Right Roofing Material When replacing your roof, you have various roofing materials to choose from. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some popular options: 1. Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles are cost-effective and easy to install. They come in various colors and styles, making them a versatile choice for most homes. 2. Metal Roofing Metal roofs are known for their durability and energy efficiency. They can last up to 50 years or more and are highly resistant to severe weather conditions. 3. Wood Shakes Wood shakes offer a rustic, natural look. They are eco-friendly and provide good insulation. However, they require regular maintenance. 4. Tile Roofing Tile roofing is aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting. It's ideal for homes in warmer climates. The Roof Replacement Process Once you've chosen the right material for your new roof, it's time to understand the roof replacement process: 1. Inspection A professional roofing contractor will inspect your existing roof to assess the extent of the damage and provide you with a detailed estimate. 2. Removal The old roofing material is removed to prepare the surface for the new roof. This step is crucial to ensure a proper installation. 3. Installation New underlayment and roofing material are installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines and local building codes. 4. Inspection and Clean-Up After the roof is installed, a final inspection is carried out to ensure everything is in order. Any debris is cleaned up, leaving your property in good condition. Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor It is just as vital to choose the appropriate roofing contractor as it is to choose the correct roofing material. Here are some things to think about when selecting a contractor: Experience: Look for a roof replacement contractor who has a proven track record. Licensing and Insurance: Confirm that they have the required licenses and insurance to protect you in the event of an accident or damage. Request references and read internet reviews to determine their repute. Roof Replacement Cost Roof repair costs vary depending on various factors, including the size of your roof, the materials used, and your location. To guarantee you get a fair price, you should request numerous bids from trustworthy contractors. Benefits of Roof Replacement Investing in a new roof has several advantages: Improved Curb Appeal: A new roof can completely improve the appearance of your property, improving its value. Energy Efficiency: Many current roofing materials are energy-efficient, allowing you to save money on heating and cooling. Peace of mind: Comes from knowing that your home is secured by a robust, leak-free roof. Conclusion Finally, a roof replacement is a big investment that can protect your property and increase its total worth. Recognizing roof problems, choosing the correct materials, and engaging a trustworthy contractor are all critical aspects in assuring a successful roof replacement process. Don't wait for your roof to deteriorate further; act soon to safeguard your most valuable investment - your home.

Your home is your sanctuary, and the roof that proudly towers above you is its first line of defense against the elements. From protecting you from rain, wind, and sun to offering a pleasant haven on stormy nights, your roof is essential in protecting your loved ones and prized items. Even the toughest roofs can become vulnerable as time passes and nature takes its toll. These flaws frequently start tiny but gradually grow into major issues, inflicting interior damage and potentially turning a refuge into a headache. Recognizing the warning signs of imminent roof problems can help you prevent costly repairs while also maintaining the comfort and security of your home. In this article, we'll look at the top ten symptoms that your roof needs to be repaired. These indicators, which range from subtle to prominent, serve as vital early warnings, signaling the need for prompt attention and care. Understanding these symptoms will provide you with the information to take action before minor worries turn into severe issues. While some of these indications may be visible through eye inspection, it's always a good idea to speak with roofing professionals like Robust Roof for a comprehensive assessment. After all, a keen eye and proactive approach today can save you hassles and money later. So, let's dive into the world of roofing insights and provide you with the information you need to ensure your roof remains a sturdy guardian, standing strong against anything nature throws at it.