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Roof leaks are a common problem that usually fester on a roof for a very long time before they are noticed inside the house. And when they are, they appear as circular brown stains, like unusual crop circles of rain water. The repairs can cost you thousands of dollars and literally dampen your mood with property damage insurance problems. The problem with roof leaks is that they cause a ripple effect that in turn, effects ceilings, walls, drywall, flooring, insulation, cabinets, and other interior finishes. 

Roof leaks can take an emotional toll on people, especially when the water destroys personal items. This is a problem that needs to be handled accordingly, so when it occurs, it’s time to become an investigator and make sure that all of these items are checked off: repairing or tarping a roof, water extraction, dehumidification for mold prevention structural drying and restoration & repairs. Now you shouldn’t go at it alone. Enlisting an A-Team experienced and qualified public adjuster is a must. You need guidance during this moppy situation. 

What make things difficult is that so many policies are excluded water damage as a result of a roof leak. Instead, policies are only covering roof leaks if and only if the roof has already been damaged due to wind or hail, not just a simple rainstorm. And in South Florida, where intense tropical rain showers happen every day at 4pm like clockwork, this is a common issue. Most of the time, these common rain showers cause leaks. 

Here’s what that exclusion looks like:

“We will not pay for loss of or damage to property, as described and limited in this section. In addition, we will not pay for any loss that is a consequence of loss or damage as described and limited in this section … The interior of any building or structure, or to personal property in the building or structure, caused by or resulting from rain, snow, sleet, ice, sand or dust, whether driven by wind or not, unless the building or structure first sustains damage from a covered cause of loss to its roof or walls through which the rain, snow, sleet, ice, sand or dust enters.”

It’s crucial that you have all of your documentation at the ready. This is the evidence you will need for your insurance claim; your weapon of sorts. Whip out the smartphone, take detailed photos. Even a walk-through video of the damage will provide the right perspective. Show them how bad it really is. And now that you have enlisted your highly skilled adjuster, he or she will understand the level of repairs needed. 

So the damage is done, but now you want to avoid it happening again in the future. That’s why it’s the insurance policy’s job to “mitigate” which is a fancy term that means preventing further damage. Several measures must be taken to ensure this, like securing a tarp on the roof or enlisting another member into your A-Team, a roofing contractor. 

Dealing with roof leaks is an issue that will require you to become a proactive fixer, but remember, it’s not a process that you’re not meant to handle on your own. Do your homework and then let the professionals swoop in and handle the rest.