Dealing with Roof Issues After an Insurance Claim: What are Your Options?
If you’ve recently had a roof replaced through an insurance claim only to discover it’s now failing, you’re certainly not alone. Here’s a situation faced by many homeowners who find themselves in similar circumstances.
The Situation
About a year ago, we underwent a roof replacement after filing a claim for wind damage. We opted for a well-regarded local roofing company, confident that we were making a sound decision. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered issues shortly thereafter: several shingles have detached from the roof. After notifying the original contractor, they replaced the missing shingles; however, the problem has recurred.
To seek clarity, we called in a different roofing company for a second opinion. What they revealed was alarming: the shingles installed were not suitable for a mansard roof, and they had been applied incorrectly. While they assessed that the shingles on the flat portion of the roof were acceptable, they advised that all the shingles on the steep sides of the mansard roof would likely need replacement to prevent further issues. Their rough estimate for this work came to around $20,000.
What Comes Next?
Now we face a daunting question: what is the best course of action? Here are a few potential steps to consider:
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Hold the Original Roofer Accountable: It’s crucial to address the workmanship and materials provided by the initial contractor. They may need to rectify their mistakes, or at the very least, they should be informed of the new findings from the second opinion. Document all communications and gather evidence to bolster your case.
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Consult Your Insurance Company: Engaging your insurance provider may be advantageous. They could guide you on how to proceed with the original claim or if further claims are warranted due to poor workmanship.
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Seek Legal Advice: If you feel your original roofer is unresponsive or unwilling to take responsibility, it might be time to consult with a legal professional. They can provide insight on whether taking legal action against the roofing company is a viable option.
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Consider Additional Opinions: While you have already sought a second opinion, acquiring another assessment may provide further clarity on the situation, particularly if there are differing opinions on the necessary work.
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Evaluate a New Claim: Depending on your insurance policy, filing a new claim could be appropriate. However, this step should be taken with care and ideally with professional guidance.
Conclusion
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