Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a new roof? It’s easy to take your roof for granted. As long as there aren’t any leaks, you don't think about it. But as soon as you find a mysterious drip from the dining room ceiling or a patch of paint peeling in the kids’ bedroom, it’s obvious. No part of your home is more important to keeping the weather out than the complex system of wood decking, moisture barriers, shingles and ventilation installed just above your head. 

What are the signs that my roof may have problems?

• Leaks in the attic or top floor in rainy or snowy weather 

• Water stains on interior ceilings 

• Blistering or peeling paint and plaster on ceilings or walls 

• Shingle debris in my gutters or in the yard 

• Shingles showing signs of deterioration by buckling, curling or blistering 

• Persistent problems keeping my home heated in cold months or cooled  in warmer months. 

What Causes a Roof to Deteriorate? 

• Sun - Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to age, especially on surfaces facing west or south. 

• Rain - Water that gets underneath shingles or other roofing materials can cause the decking (base) and rafters to rot, threatening a home’s structural integrity. Moisture entering a house can damage walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. 

• Wind - High winds can lift shingles’ edges and force water and debris underneath. 

• Snow & Ice - Melting snow often refreezes at a roof’s overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter and allows water to back up under roofing materials and seep into the interior. 

• Condensation- Moisture in poorly ventilated attics can lead to condensation that promotes decay of roof decking and rafters. 

• Trees/Leaves - Tree branches touching or falling onto a roof can damage the roofing materials. Leaves on the roof and in gutters retain moisture and could cause rot and poor gutter drainage. 

• Missing or Torn Shingles - When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof’s structure and your home become vulnerable to water because the remaining shingles can be easily ripped or blown off. 

• Shingle Deterioration - When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split and allow water to leak through. Damage and deterioration only get worse with time. 

• Flashing Deterioration- Good, tight-fitting flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions is essential to creating a secure, watertight roofing system. Flashings should be checked as part of your spring and fall roof inspection and gutter cleaning.  ​Source: National Roofing Contractor’s Association.

Roof Repair in Dunn

My roof is damaged due to a storm, what should I do?  Did you know that most insurance claims in the U.S. are grossly underpaid? Even worse, many legitimate claims are completely denied. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your insurance company is out to cheat you. However, when it comes to spotting roof damage, we’ve spent a lot more time on rooftops than even an insurance adjuster. 

HomeChoice claims specialists know what to look for regarding roof damage and may be able to see problems that the adjuster doesn't. We have worked with many insurance adjusters over the years and take a non-adversarial approach when talking with them. Let us represent you. 

Hail damage example: Let’s say you have hail damage on your roof. A common practice for insurance companies is to mark a 10 ft by 10 ft square and count the number of hail marks. However, the section of roof they choose to measure can have a big impact on whether you get a new roof or your claim gets denied.
The unnecessary claim example: Let's say you think you have a claim, so you call your insurance agent. After an inspection they decide that the damage is minimal and the insurance company will only cover the repair or won't cover the claim at all. 

Had you already known this, it may have made more sense to just pay out-of-pocket for the damage or ignore the problem completely. However, now that a claim has been filed, that information will likely be added to your CLUE report, which is a five-year history of property-damage claims that could result in a rate increase or affect your ability to buy affordable insurance in the future. 

If you suspect roof damage, call HomeChoice first. We'll inspect the roof damage and offer a recommendation regarding contacting your insurance company. 

We can help even if the insurance adjuster has already made a decision.
It’s best if we can represent you during the initial inspection. However, if your claim was rejected and you think you have a legitimate claim, let us take a look at the damage. If we don’t agree with the adjuster’s investigation, we’ll recommend a second inspection. Rarely will they refuse, but the claim handler may ask for photos of the damage. We’d be happy to take the photos for you and forward them to the decision-maker.

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