Posted on May 6, 2024
ICHQ | Site Author
Your home’s roof often bears the brunt of the punishment when high winds whip through the area, possibly resulting in wind-creased shingles. Damaged shingles can leave your roof exposed to further, more devastating damage, making it necessary to file a roof damage claim with your insurance provider.
However, getting the compensation you deserve for creased wind-damaged shingles may not be as straightforward as you might expect. Our wind damage lawyers at Insurance Claim HQ proudly help homeowners throughout the New Orleans area with navigating the complexities of roof damage claims.
What Are Wind-Creased Shingles?
Asphalt shingles, while durable and sturdy, are still thin strips of material that are subject to damage in extreme cases. Repeated exposure to the force of high winds can cause shingles to crease. Initially, this may cause individual shingles to fold upward, leaving the roof underneath partially exposed.
Over time, subsequent wind storms can exacerbate the damage until the shingle blows off entirely. This makes it all the more likely that the roof itself will sustain damage from water, falling branches, or other sources.
How Are Asphalt Shingles Susceptible to Wind?
Understanding how wind-creased shingles can happen is important, both as general knowledge for a homeowner and for ensuring accuracy when filing a roof damage claim. The process of laying asphalt shingles generally entails adhering each shingle with a hot tar adhesive, with nails installed below the adhesive strip. Many roofers will also apply a sealant to further mitigate damage and extend the lifespan of the shingles.
Despite these protective measures, wind can still find purchase beneath and shingle and cause it to lift or flap up.
This may occur if the sealant is becoming ineffective due to age or poor installation. Other sources of shingle damage, such as falling objects, can also create opportunities for wind to push shingles upward and create creases.
How Long Should Asphalt Shingles Last?
The lifespan of asphalt shingles can vary based on the exact type of shingles and the frequency of intense weather in your area. In general, though, asphalt shingles should last between 15 and 30 years. It is important to keep this life expectancy in mind, as it could affect your roof damage claim if you have wind-creased shingles.
Insurers can attempt to dispute roof damage claims based on the age or installation date of the roof. While your homeowners insurance policy likely covers roof damage, especially if that damage resulted from weather or natural disasters, the insurance company might assert that the damage is due to homeowner negligence if your shingles are older than the average lifespan.
If you have such a dispute with your insurer, a wind damage lawyer can play a key role in helping you prove that the damage was, in fact, primarily due to uncontrollable circumstances.
What Are the Dangers of Having Creased or Lifted Shingles?
Having even one creased shingle on a roof can quickly escalate to much bigger problems. If the wind continues to batter the damaged shingle, it can cause other overlapping shingles to also tear and lift away. This leads to multiple creased wind-damaged shingles, exposing large portions of the roof to the elements.
Gaps caused by wind-creased shingles can be entry points for rain, ice and even small animals. It’s important to address the damage quickly. While this can be costly, your homeowners insurance should cover the expenses. If your insurance provider tries to deny your claim, it may be worthwhile to contact a wind damage lawyer so you can confidently focus on the repair efforts.
What Steps Should You Take if You Have Roof Damage?
Upon noticing that you have creased wind-damaged shingles, your first priority is to document the extent of the damage.
If possible, compile photographs of your roof from before the damage occurred. Proceed to take photos of the damage from as many angles as you reasonably can. Providing before and after evidence during the claim process helps ensure smoother negotiations.
You should also act quickly to replace the damaged shingles as a protective measure for your exposed roof. Be sure to get an accurate quote or invoice from the contractor repairing your roof, as this will further expedite negotiations with the insurance company. Report the damage to your homeowner’s insurance provider as early as possible, and involve your insurance claim lawyer in the discussion to safeguard your interests.
How Can a Wind Damage Lawyer Help With Your Insurance Claim?
Ideally, homeowners should be able to reliably rely on their insurance providers to cover the cost of repairing wind-creased shingles. Unfortunately, however, insurance companies will often prioritize their own business interests and will seek to deny your roof damage claim if they can legally do so. That’s why having an insurance claim lawyer on your side is important if your home sustained damage from wind, water or any other circumstance.
A wind damage lawyer from Insurance Claim HQ can help with your claim by:
- Investigating and evaluating the damage to your roof
- Collecting evidence to establish you were not at fault for the damage
- Helping you file your roof damage claim and complete other paperwork
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
Working closely with our wind damage lawyers ensures that you have a support team that can handle the legal burdens of your case while you focus on returning your home to a safe and comfortable state.
Contact Our Wind Damage Lawyers Today
Most Louisiana homes feature storm-resistant designs out of necessity, but wind-creased shingles are still a very real possibility. If you need to file a roof damage claim, our team at Insurance Claim HQ can be there for you every step of the way. Speak to our wind damage lawyers today by phone at 844-964-0778 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we can help you secure the settlement you deserve.
