Can I Upgrade to a Better Roof After Experiencing Storm Damage?

If you have a hail or wind damage roof that is damaged beyond repair, your homeowner’s insurance company will pay to restore your roof to its “pre-loss condition” with “like kind and quality materials”.  In other words, the insurance company will pay the full “replacement cost” of your roof with the same or similar roofing material after you pay your deductible (assuming you have a RCV rather than an ACV policy).

Most homeowners understand that their insurance company will not pay for significantly better roofing materials than what was put on the original roof. However, many homeowners do not know that they can apply the “replacement cost” of their roof towards the cost of upgrading their roof with better and longer lasting materials such as premium architectural asphalt shingles, stone coated steel, metal panels, or composite polymer products.

10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Upgrading to Better Roofing Materials:

1. Better Looking. One of the best ways to improve the curb appeal of your home is to install a more attractive roof. Composite polymer roofing products are manufactured to look like clay tile, wood shake or stone slate and are the most realistic looking products other than “natural” materials. Stone coated steel is another highly dimensional material that mimics the look of clay tile, wood shake or asphalt shingles. Metal panel roofs provide a unique and classy look. Premium asphalt shingles last longer and are available in more unique shapes and colors than standard asphalt shingles.
   

   Composite Polymer in Stone Slate Look

2. Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity. Having the insurance company pay the “replacement cost” of your roof, may be the only chance you will ever have to get someone else pay for most of the cost of upgrading to a stronger, longer lasting, better looking, or more energy efficient roof.
   

   Standing Seam Metal Panel Roof

3. Freedom of Choice. Your roof is the guardian of your home, and you should be able to choose for yourself what products you want to put on your home. If you want a new look or better materials, then go for it.
   

   Stone Coated Steel in Clay Tile Look

4. Superior Storm Protection. Metal and polymer roofing materials offer superior wind, hail, and ice dam protection. Review at this article to learn why some “Class 4 Impact Resistant” products are better than others.
5. Better Fire Protection. Upgrade to a material with a Class “A” Fire Rating or choose stone coated steel for the ultimate in fire protection.
6. Longer Lasting. Most metal panel, stone coated steel and composite polymer products will last 3-6 times longer than standard asphalt shingles. Premium asphalt shingles may last up-to twice as long basic asphalt shingles.
7. Energy Efficient. Reflective colors, air-flow and air-gap, properties of higher-end roofing materials may save you hundreds in utility expenses.
8. Increased Property Value. Stone coated steel, metal panel and composite polymer roofs have a higher cost-recovery than asphalt shingles.
   

   Composite Polymer in Wood Shake Look

9. Insurance Considerations. Many insurance companies offer discounts when composite polymer, metal panel, or stone coated steel roofing materials are installed on your home.
10. Less Hassle in the Future. Let’s face it, getting your roof replaced is a pain. Time is money, and whenever your roof is destroyed by a storm, it takes a significant amount of time and effort to deal with the problem. Insurance companies are motivated to cut costs and may deny your legitimate claim. Finding a honest and reputable roofing contractor can be difficult. Frequent storms that lead to multiple roof replacements is not a rare occurrence if you live in the Midwest, and you may find yourself repeatedly having to pay a larger deductible and higher premiums every time your roof needs replacing. If you upgrade to a stone coated steel or composite polymer roof, then you probably won’t have to deal with another roof replacement in your lifetime.

Conclusion:

Homeowners that have a storm damaged roof, have unique opportunity to upgrade their roof and improve the look of their home all while having a 3^rd party pay for most of the improvements.

Although you will have to pay a “upgrade cost” that is above the “replacement cost,” the overall price of upgrading to a better roof is not significant when longevity, additional replacement costs, insurance rates, energy savings and maintenance savings are entered into the analysis.

At Roofing Force, we make it easy for you to recover from storm damage and upgrade to a better roof. Give us a call and we will deal with most of the insurance hassles for you, and we will help you choose the best roofing material for your needs and budget. We are expert installers of all roofing products in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. You can count on us to get the job done correctly. Visit our Material Comparison page and Gallery for more information or give our main office a call at (913) 270-5440 and we will set a free inspection and estimate appointment for you.