During the winter season, just about every roofing contractor is busy with calls regarding roof damage, from simple leaks to dangerous collapses. This is why it’s always a good idea to winterize your home in preparation for the season. One of the most important parts of winterization is roof maintenance and inspection even before the first snowfall.
There are two main causes of winter damage that can affect your roofing system: snow and ice.
Heavy snow can make a roof collapse. When this happens, it’s not just your roof that you have to worry about, but everything that’s involved in the collapse and the exposure of your home to the elements until your roof is repaired or replaced. A warm snap can cause snow to melt quickly, which can lead to flooding if drainage systems are overwhelmed or blocked.
Ice can cause all sorts of problems: slip and fall injuries, frozen and cracked pipelines, tree damage that may lead to branches or entire trunks falling on your house or car, etc. On your roof, ice dams can cause serious damage as well.
Most insurance policies cover roof damage directly resulting from winter weather events. If your roof collapses because of the weight of snow, your insurance is likely to cover it. If a tree falls on your roof, that’s also considered a direct result of winter weather. A roof that suffers wind damage due to a blizzard is another case in which your insurance is likely to pay. In some cases, frozen and burst pipes are also covered. Some policies also cover the cost of displacement if there is a major power outage.
There are some cases that insurance will probably refuse to cover. These are the types of damage that mostly stem from a lack of maintenance. In other words, if you are guilty of negligence, your insurer will probably find out and you won’t be paid.
Here are some examples:
It’s a good idea to read your insurance policy, particularly before winter season, so you know what types of damage are covered. However, what’s more important is regular roofing maintenance and keeping proofs of such, like receipts and pictures, to make sure you are not denied coverage by your insurer.
Get in touch with Northwest Construction for roof maintenance, repair and replacement. We can also work on your gutters. Call us today at (313) 277-7676 or leave us a message here. We can help you in West Bloomfield, Dearborn or Taylor, MI.