Storm Damages To your Home & How To Work With Insurance
Storms in the Chicagoland area can be rough on your home. Your roof is constantly taking a beating, and winds can be fierce enough to cause serious damage to the structure.
Our homes suffer through rainstorms, windstorms, hail, massive blizzards, and even the occasional tornado. Our climate can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Midwest storms are so powerful they are known to uproot trees – Storms like these make the safety zone of our homes feel vulnerable, especially when you need a roof replacement.
It is best to call Pro-Line Contractors before and after major storms for a full home inspection. If damages go unnoticed, they will only worsen.
If we perform a regular yearly inspection we note damages immediately after a storm and you will be likely to file an efficient claim with your insurance company.
First, we help by inspecting and documenting the condition of your home. Once the storms come and go, if undocumented, damages may be overlooked. If your home is noted to be in ideal shape before storm damage, your homeowners policy should cover your losses.
Next, we work with your insurance adjusters to ensure you receive the full and fair value of ALL of your storm-damaged property. On the exterior, Proline often works with claims involving siding, roofs, soffits, fascia, doors, windows, porches, pools, decks, lighting, and even landscaping. Our team also focuses on interior storm damage: flooring, carpets, walls, ceilings, electrical, plumbing, appliances, personal items, and even the final coat of plaster and paint. In the event of a total loss, we help ensure EVERY lost item in your home is accounted for.
Then we double-check to make sure we report ALL the storm damage. When a storm causes damage, there is ALWAYS more to clean up than what is seen on the surface. When a tree falls on the outside, it is likely there is damage to the interior plaster, the studs, and more.
Lastly, if your home is damaged on the interior many insurance adjusters may cut corners when pricing your claim on loss of personal items. Our certified inspectors will make sure every item that needs to be replaced is accounted for and that you receive 100% of the value to which you are entitled.
Does My Insurance Cover Storm Damage?
Well, yes. If it is unpreventable it should be covered under your homeowners insurance. Pro-Line Contractors can work with your insurance adjusters to make sure you receive a fair sum for the storm damage to your home.
For example, if a tree falls on your house caused by a storm it is likely cover under your homeowners insurance. However, if the tree falls because it is old/dead and not properly maintained, it will likely not be covered. Most wind, hail, tornado, and fire (lightning) are covered, as well as ice damage.
If you are a homeowner with a basement, your flood insurance will cover leaks, sump pump failures, and flood damage from major storms. Have Pro-Line inspect the structure of your home if you are unsure if your home is ready for the next downpour.
Most Common Storm Damage to Home Exteriors
Renovations and Replacements
Soffit and fascia become damaged easily with a small amount wear and tear. Rain and moisture can collect under the soffit or fascia leading to mold and buckling outward. Read more about soffit and fascia replacement.
Shingles are the most common part of the roof damaged by storms. Missing shingles leave your home susceptible to damage to the attic space and interior if not replaced immediately. Albeit minor, shingle damage should be covered by a good homeowner’s insurance policy. Broken shingles are removed and replaced as long as the structure of the roof remains undamaged. If your roof suffers extensive storm damage, Pro-Line offers full roof restoration and replacement services.
Siding damages from storms can lead to one split causing multipliable cracks and holes. The contractors at ProLine know how to exactly quote the price of the square footage of damaged siding so that you get reimbursed properly from your insurance. Once the siding is bending off it is considered dangerous. Pro-Line will help you get back to city codes making your living area a safe place for your family again. Find out more siding replacement services.