Energy Swing Windows & Doors | Roofing | Storm & Hail Damage Insurance Answers

1-877-SWING CLEAN info@energyswingwindows.com

3245 Miracle Drive Murrysville, PA 15668 724-387-2991

PA Contractor ID PA001856

Call Us For a Free Roofing Consultation at 724-387-2991 or 1-877-SWING-CLEAN

Consumer Protection Warning!

YOUR ROOF—YOUR HOME Recovering from Hail Damage

Facts to Know to Protect You and Your Biggest Investment Insufficient Insurance Compensation From Your Carrier √ In almost every case, hail damage to your shingles is covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Generally, this covers replacement costs for the same old type of roof you have. However, while most policies have deductibles, there may be other nuances in your policy that places limits on what they will pay you for your loss. √ An insurance adjuster's job is to get your claim settled as quick as possible at the lowest possible costs. However, your insurance company’s initial tendency is to offer you compensation on the extreme low end of the range which is barely enough to get the work done, let alone done properly. √ The compensation offered by most, but not all, insurance carriers is insufficient to get a quality roof installed by an experienced, properly insured contractor. You need to make sure you get the funds you need and are entitled to in order to get the job done properly. The Wrong Roof √ Most old roofing systems do not meet today’s building codes, especially in the areas of ventilation, underlayments and installation details. It will make sense for you to pay a little more to get an up-to-date system with the newest material. Don’t invest in a new roof that uses old technology. Pay a little more to upgrade. To a state of the art roof! The Wrong Contractor √ Beware of out-of town “Storm Chasers” who swoop in when there is money to be made and swoop out when things are done. Why would you expect them to be around if you need them for service or a warranty claim? √ Beware of roofing companies who offer you a “Free” roof. Based upon what they get from the insurance company, a contractor will cut corners in material or installation to ensure they make money on every job. √ Beware of local companies that have been bought out by “Storm Chasers” who will be gone when the work is done. Likewise, beware of “Storm Chasers” who are simply paying a commission for the use of a local name. Will the small local company have the financial resources to handle the issues that may arise after the “Storm Chasers”, who are the ones actually doing the work, leave town? The Wrong Protection for You! √ A properly insured contractor is one that not only has Liability Insurance, but also Worker’s Compensation Insurance on every person who will be working on your property. Liability Insurance is inexpensive and relatively easy to get. Worker’s Compensation Insurance is expensive which is why most contractors do not have it, even though it is required by law. Instead they “Risk” working without it. But this “Risk” is also being taken on by you, the Homeowner. √ Get verification that every person on your property is a U.S. citizen or a legally registered alien. If someone is not working in the U.S. legally, there is no way they can be properly insured! √ Some companies try to deceive you by showing you a Workman’s Liability policy that provides low cost coverage to their office staff. Make sure the Worker’s Compensation policy covers all the people who will be on your roof. √ The best way to protect yourself is to have the company you plan to do your work sign a letter verifying that every person who will be working on your roof and on your property will be covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance or be an independent contractor who EACH have their own Liability policy and Contractor registration number. Your True Risk √ Remember, when you hire a contractor you are on your own. Your insurance carrier will not protect you if you pick the wrong or improperly insured contractor. You have to chase them yourself and defend yourself in court. √ If you hire the wrong contractor and the roof gets installed improperly, you are on your own to pay for it to be fixed. Likewise, if an improperly insured worker gets hurt on your property you are on your own to pay for their medical bills. √ It’s your job , not your insurance company’s, to make sure you hire a competent, properly insured contractor. Your insurance carrier will not protect you or cover you for any problems caused by improperly done work or any injuries. If an un- insured person working for a contractor gets hurt on your property, you can be sued by the injured party and your insurance company will not protect you! Invalidating Your Warranty √ Shingle warranties vary greatly in terms of coverage. Don’t just read the large print. Look at the small print to check for limitations and pro-rations, especially as it relates to labor. Shingle quality varies greatly, too. Do not use an off-brand product whose name you do not know. You are flirting with future problems. √ All roofing warranties are invalidated by an improperly installed roof. Improper installations can involve a host of things such as improper ventilation (big problem), improper fastener types and locations, the wrong underlayment, etc. √ Make sure that you get a written installation warranty that guarantees you that labor and material will be covered if it is found that the roof was installed improperly. Getting the Right Roof Installed by the Right contractor takes a lot of work. But it will be time well spent to make sure you get the roof you expect and need that you will not have to worry about in the future. The Right local contractor will be here when you call, not out chasing roof damages from another storm.