Roofing Frequently Asked Questions 

FAQ: How long will it take to replace my roof?

The roof on most homes can be replaced from start to finish in 1 or 2 days. If your roof is exceptionally large or steep, it may take up to 3 days, weather permitting.

FAQ: Can you install a roof during the winter months?

Yes, absolutely! Even when it’s below 40 degrees Fahrenheit! We actually prefer cold weather installation over hot weather installation. Here’s why.

There are advantages to roofing in the winter. In the summer, asphalt shingles are scuffed and damaged by workers walking on the roof. Colder temperatures prevent asphalt from being too soft and thus subject to that type of damage.

Another advantage is that it’s safer for the roofers. Hot weather creates risks for heat exhaustion and dehydration. Production can be slowed by required regular water and shade breaks. During colder weather, however, workers can actually work faster, and they stay warm due to their constant activity.

When it’s below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, we follow the below protocols:

1.  Keep the roofing materials in our warm shop overnight at 70 degrees so that they remain fully pliable. If the job takes more than one day, we return the remaining materials back to our shop and bring them back to the site the next day.

2.  Hand seal all shingles along the rake edges (sloped edge) using 4 spots of asphalt roof cement.

3. Store or stack shingles flat, and do not bend or throw bundles.

4. Use a high quality asphalt shingle like Owens Corning shingles. Owens Corning shingles have never had a problem being installed in colder temperatures, so we never hesitate to install them during the winter. (For more information, see Cold Weather Shingle Installation Technical Bulletin by Owens Corning).

Shingles installed in cold weather, however, may not immediately seal until warmer temperatures are present for the sealant between the courses of shingles to activate. As a result, the shingles may not immediately lay flat and will appear wavy. Don’t worry, it will look perfectly flat and smooth in a couple of months when it starts to warm up. If you use Owens Corning shingles with Sure Nail technology, you will be in especially good shape. The engineered fabric strip in the nailing area will help prevent shingles from blowing off regardless of the temperature.

FAQ: Do I need to get multiple estimates?

No. You can, but it usually isn’t necessary.

If you are filing a roof insurance claim, it is not required to get multiple estimates. According to your homeowners policy, you can chose any contractor you want to perform work on your home, regardless of price. Insurance companies may prefer several estimates because they want to bid the work down. Ultimately, you are only responsible for the deductible. So choose your contractor based on quality workmanship and reputation. Your insurance company is required by law to pay the contractor of your choosing.

FAQ: Do I have to pay my deductible?

Yes.

It is required by law that the deductible must be paid before your insurance coverage is applicable. Not paying your deductible is considered insurance fraud.

FAQ: How does a deductible work?

If your deductible is $1000, you must pay your designated contractor $1000, or whatever the amount of your deductible is, before work begins. Your insurance company is responsible for any costs over the $1000.

Once the work is complete, your contractor will submit a bill to your insurance company for the remaining balance. Your insurance company will then send a check for the remaining amount to you and you will pay the contractor directly. To spend the money on anything other than approved repairs is insurance fraud.

FAQ: Can my contractor be present when my insurance company does their inspection?

Yes.

Most insurance adjusters prefer for the roofing contractor to be present during a roof inspection. This is to help the insurance adjuster properly identify the damages. Most insurance adjusters are not roofers and they appreciate the expertise that a roofing contractor provides.

FAQ: How long is this (getting an approved insurance claim) going to take?

Anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

It all depends on your insurance carrier and the relationship that you have with them. It also largely depends on how quickly you as the homeowner follow thorough in communicating both with the insurance company and your contractor. Your involvement is necessary in order for it to process successfully in a timely manner. But don’t worry, Roof It Right will give you all the documentation and tools that you need to successfully get a claim approved as soon as possible.

FAQ: What if the insurance company doesn’t pay the full amount?

They will, if you are patient and allow us to guide you.

Unless there is wording in your policy that they will not cover something specific, they have to cover all expenses that restore your roof to its pre-storm condition. As roofers who do it right, we are able to prove that certain expenses are necessary in order to accomplish that. The insurance company may initially deny certain items, but that is all part of the give-and-take negotiation process. We will coach you on how to handle any denials. Remember, you are only responsible for the deductible if you do not give up! The insurance company should pay, and we will help you get that accomplished. In rare cases, we may ask you to go to appraisal or request an appraisal from the insurance company.

FAQ: Will my insurance company raise my rates or drop me?

Not usually.

It used to be that no, an insurance company could not raise your rates or drop your coverage for filing a storm damage claim. After all, a storm is an Act of God and not your fault. You pay premiums for just such events. Homeowners insurance rates should be based on geographical data. For example, if an area is known to be prone to hurricanes, the rates will be higher for everyone in that area.

However, that is not always the case anymore. For that reason, we do not recommend that you file a claim, unless you have legitimate storm damage verified by a professional roofer. Even so, we cannot categorically promise you that your insurance company will not drop you or raise your rates. Some have been known to do so more frequently in recent years. However, it is not ethical. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able fight it.

For example, if you are dropped after a denial, it may be that the insurance company knows that they should have paid the claim and you are a liability. The American Policyholder Association is a non profit organization that promotes integrity in the insurance industry. If that happens to you, they may be able to help you.