Is your roof going to pass your upcoming insurance inspection?
Getting a letter requesting a roof inspection for insurance often feels like a threat to your wallet. You open the mail and see that your carrier might drop your coverage if you do not provide proof of your roof’s health. In Tampa Bay, this is happening more frequently.
Insurance companies are tightening their standards. They want concrete proof your home can handle the next hurricane season before they renew your policy.
At KAM Roofing Services, we see this every week. A homeowner in Clearwater or St. Petersburg gets a non-renewal notice based on the age of their roof. It causes panic.
You need to know exactly what the insurance company is looking for and how to satisfy their requirements.
This guide breaks down the process so you can protect your home and your policy.
Why Your Home Insurance Company Demands Inspections
Your home insurance company is a business. They manage risk. In Florida, the roof is the biggest risk factor on any property. If the roof fails during a storm, water destroys the interior.
That leads to a massive payout.
Insurers typically ask for inspections for insurance coverage in two scenarios:
- Policy Renewal: Your roof is over 10 or 15 years old. They want to verify it still has life left in it.
- New Purchase: You are buying a home in Seminole Heights or Brandon. You need a 4-point inspection to get coverage bound.
They are looking for “actionable” issues. These are problems that could lead to a claim soon. If your roof is in bad shape, they might give you 30 days to fix it or risk losing coverage.
What Professional Roof Inspectors Look For
When a professional roof inspection happens, the inspector is like a detective. They search for specific signs of failure. You should know what they check, so you are not surprised by the report.
The Condition of Your Roof Materials
For asphalt shingle roofs, the inspector checks for granular loss. The granules protect the asphalt from the Florida sun. Once they wear off, the shingle dries out and crack. They also look for curling edges and missing tabs.
If you have metal roofs, they look for rust, loose fasteners, or panels that have started to lift. While metal is durable, improper installation can still lead to leaks.
Water Damage and Roof Leaks
Inspectors do not just look at the outside. They often check the attic or ceilings for stains. Evidence of active leaks is a major red flag. Water damage suggests the underlayment has failed.
This is an automatic fail for most insurance carriers until it is fixed.
The Gutter System and Drainage
Your gutter system plays a big role in roof health. If gutters are clogged or pulling away from the fascia, water backs up under the roof edge. This rots the wood decking. An inspector will note if the drainage system is working or if it is causing potential damage to the structure.
Handling an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage
Sometimes the inspection is not for renewal. It is for a claim. A storm rolls through Pinellas County. You hear a loud thumping noise.
You wake up to find shingles on your lawn. Now you need to file an insurance claim.
This process is different. You need a roofing contractor on your side immediately.
Document Everything
Do not wait. Go outside and take pictures of the roof damage from the ground. Do not climb up there yourself if it is unsafe. Document missing shingles, dented vents, or fallen tree limbs.
Call a Local Roofing Contractor First
Many homeowners call the insurance company first. We suggest calling a trusted local contractor like KAM Roofing Services first. We can perform a preliminary check.
We tell you if the damage is worth filing a claim. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, filing a claim might just raise your rates without helping you.
Work with a Local Roofing Contractor
You have many options for roofing services in Tampa Bay. However, the connection between your roofer and your insurance outcome is strong.
A local roofing contractor knows the specific tricks insurance adjusters use. Out-of-state storm chasers do not. We know how to document wind damage so that it is undeniable. We use software and reporting formats that insurance companies accept.
When we say the inspection is complete, we provide a clear report. We outline exactly what needs repair. If the roof is totaled, we explain why a replacement is necessary based on local building codes.
Types of Roofing and Insurance Premiums
The type of roofing you have affects your insurance premiums and inspection outcomes.
- Asphalt Shingles: The most common, but they have the shortest lifespan. Insurers get nervous when these pass the 15-year mark.
- Metal Roofing: Highly favored for high winds. A maintained roof made of metal often qualifies for wind mitigation credits. This can lower your premium.
- Tile Roofs: Durable but expensive to repair. Inspectors check for cracked tiles, which can happen just from walking on them incorrectly.
If you are facing mandatory repairs or replacement to keep your insurance, upgrading your roofing materials might save you money in the long run.
Regular Roof Maintenance Avoids Surprises
The best way to pass a roof inspection for insurance is to stay ahead of it. Do not wait for the letter in the mail. Schedule regular roof maintenance.
Small issues become big denials. A few loose shingles are a cheap repair. If you ignore them, they become a leak that rots your decking. That leads to a full roof replacement and a dropped policy.
We recommend a check-up once a year, preferably before hurricane season starts in June. This proves to the home insurance company that you are a responsible owner. It creates a paper trail of care that makes it harder for them to deny valid claims later.
Why Choose KAM Roofing Services?
We are not just roofers. We are a licensed Florida General Contractor. This means we understand your entire home’s envelope. We have decades of experience in the Tampa Bay area.
We know the difference between simple wear and tear and legitimate storm damage.
We help you understand the condition of your roof honestly. We will not sell you a new roof if a repair will satisfy the insurance company. But if you need a replacement, we do it right so you pass your wind mitigation inspection with flying colors.
FAQs
Can I do the inspection myself?
Insurance companies require the report to come from a licensed inspector, a general contractor, or a licensed roofing contractor. They will not accept a homeowner’s word on the roof’s condition.
What happens if my roof fails the inspection?
You will typically get a timeline, often 30 to 60 days, to fix the issues. If the damage is severe, they may require a full replacement to renew the policy.
Will a metal roof lower my insurance?
Yes, in most cases. Metal roofs are highly wind-resistant. If you get a wind mitigation inspection after installation, you can apply for credits that reduce your premium.
Does insurance cover old roofs?
Insurance covers damage, not age. If a tree hits your 18-year-old roof, they should cover it (minus deductible). But they will not pay to replace it just because it is old and worn out.
Need an Honest Opinion on Your Roof?
Don’t let an insurance letter panic you.
Call KAM Roofing Services at (727) 637-6827.
We will perform a detailed evaluation and help you decide the best path forward to protect your home and your coverage.