Whether it’s the weather or another disaster that strikes your home, Florida insurance claim regulations are different than most other states. Some homeowners have asked why we need to replace their roof with what seems to be little storm damage repair job to a relatively new roof. It’s in part because we value the safety of our customers and in part because it’s the law.

There are two sections of state law regarding storm damage insurance claims, one of which is specific to roofs. It states when your roof sustains damage to 25% or more of the roof in a 12-month period, the entire roof must be replaced. So, if you had some wind damage in July and then hurricane damage in September and the total percentage of roof damage is more than 25%, you need a new roof. Your insurance company should be aware when you have two claims in less than a year and they should inform you during the second claim but if they don’t, advocate for yourself. Better yet, use the same trusted roofing company for all your roof repair so they can be on your side.

What About Discontinued Shingles?

If your home has asphalt or tile roofing, manufacturers often discontinue colors or styles. If your insurance adjustor comes out and recommends a roof repair but your roofing company says they can’t get your old shingles, you have recourse. There is a section of state law that applies to roofing, as well as other parts of your home, that states:

“When a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality, color, or size, the insurer shall make reasonable repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas. In determining the extent of the repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas, the insurer may consider the cost of repairing or replacing the undamaged portions of the property, the degree of uniformity that can be achieved without such cost, the remaining useful life of the undamaged portion, and other relevant factors.”

So, if we can’t reasonably match your shingles, we can inform your insurance company about the issue and request a roof replacement. This is not a guideline, it’s the law. Your insurance company likely won’t know if the shingles is discontinued or unable to be matched. Storm chasers from out of state don’t often know about this law which is why you should only trust a licensed Orlando roofing company like Russ Noyes Roofing for your storm damage repair needs. If you feel that your roof has sustained more than 25% damage this year or if your roofing company has told you they can’t match your roof but hasn’t offered a better solution, call us. We will advocate on your behalf for your home to be restored as it should be under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Call 407-388-7700 to schedule your no obligation inspection for your storm damage repair or roof replacement.