If My Roof Shingles Have Been Discontinued and I Have Storm Damage Will Insurance Replace Roof?
If you have an older roof that has been damaged by a storm, you might be wondering if your insurance company will cover the cost of a full roof replacement. After all, your roof shingles may have been discontinued by the manufacturer and are no longer available in the market. How can you repair your roof with mismatched shingles?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as your insurance policy, the extent of the damage, the availability of matching shingles, and the laws in your state. In this blog post, we will explain some of these factors and give you some tips on how to deal with discontinued shingles.
Your Insurance Policy Your insurance policy is the first thing you should check when you have a roof damage claim. Different policies have different levels of coverage and deductibles that affect how much you will pay out of pocket and how much your insurance company will pay. Some policies only cover the actual cash value of your roof, which means they will deduct the depreciation of your roof from the replacement cost. Other policies cover the replacement cost value of your roof, which means they will pay for the full cost of replacing your roof with new materials. Your policy may also have specific clauses or endorsements that affect how your insurance company handles discontinued shingles. For example, some policies may have a matching clause that requires your insurance company to replace all the shingles on your roof if they cannot find a close match for the damaged ones. Other policies may have a functional repair clause that allows your insurance company to use any shingles that are similar in size and shape to the original ones, regardless of color or style.
The Extent of the Damage The extent of the damage to your roof is another factor that influences how your insurance company will handle your claim. Generally, the more damage there is, the more likely it is that your insurance company will approve a full roof replacement. However, this also depends on how your insurance adjuster evaluates the damage. Some adjusters may only consider the functional aspects of your roof, such as its ability to protect your home from water and wind. Others may also consider the aesthetic aspects of your roof, such as its appearance and curb appeal. If you disagree with your adjuster’s assessment, you can request a second opinion from another adjuster or hire an independent roofing contractor to inspect your roof and provide an estimate. You can also hire a public adjuster who works on your behalf and negotiates with your insurance company for a fair settlement.
The Availability of Matching Shingles The availability of matching shingles is another factor that affects how your insurance company will deal with discontinued shingles. If there are still some shingles in stock that match your original ones, your insurance company may use them to repair your roof. However, this may not be enough to cover all the damaged areas, especially if you have a large or complex roof. If there are no matching shingles available in the market, your insurance company may try to find a close match that is similar in color and style to your original ones. However, this may not be satisfactory to you if you care about the appearance of your roof and want it to look uniform and consistent. In some cases, you may be able to find discontinued shingles from other sources, such as online retailers, salvage yards, or other homeowners who have leftover shingles from their previous projects. However, this may not be easy or cheap, and you may have to pay for them yourself.
The Laws in Your State The laws in your state may also affect how your insurance company handles discontinued shingles. Some states have matching laws that require insurance companies to replace all the shingles on a roof if they cannot find a match for the damaged ones. These laws are meant to protect homeowners from having mismatched roofs that lower their property value and appeal. Other states have line-of-sight laws that require insurance companies to replace all the shingles on a slope or section of a roof if they are visible from the ground level. These laws are meant to prevent homeowners from having patchy roofs that look unsightly and unprofessional. However, not all states have these laws, and some insurance companies may try to avoid or dispute them. Therefore, it is important to know your rights and obligations as a homeowner and consult with a licensed roofing contractor or an attorney if you have any questions or concerns.
What Can You Do?
If you have discontinued shingles on your roof and you have storm damage, here are some steps you can take to ensure that you get a fair and satisfactory outcome:
Review your insurance policy and understand what it covers and what it does not.
Document the damage to your roof with photos and videos before and after the storm.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and file a claim.
Hire a reputable roofing contractor to inspect your roof and provide an estimate for the repair or replacement.
Compare the estimate from your contractor with the estimate from your insurance adjuster and negotiate for a fair settlement.
If you cannot find a match for your discontinued shingles, ask your insurance company about their matching policy and whether they will cover the cost of a full roof replacement.
If you are not satisfied with your insurance company’s offer or response, seek a second opinion from another adjuster or hire a public adjuster or an attorney to represent you.
If you decide to repair or replace your roof with new shingles, choose a high-quality and durable product that has a long warranty and is unlikely to be discontinued in the future.
Conclusion Having discontinued shingles on your roof can be a challenge when you have storm damage and need to repair or replace your roof. However, you do not have to settle for a mismatched or substandard roof that affects your home’s value and appearance. By following the steps above and working with a professional roofing contractor, you can ensure that you get the best possible solution for your roof and your budget. At Accurate Roofing Pros, we are experts in dealing with discontinued shingles and storm damage claims. We have the experience and the knowledge to help you navigate the insurance process and get the most out of your policy. We also have access to a wide range of high-quality shingles that can match or improve your existing roof.
If you need help with your roof damage claim or want to learn more about our roofing services, contact us today for a free estimate. We are ready to assist you with all your roofing needs.
