As winter slowly gives way to spring, many homeowners in Minnesota are faced with a common problem: leaks in their roofs. This can be caused by hailstones puncturing shingles or strong winds blowing them off the edge of the roof. Fortunately, homeowners’ insurance typically covers these types of accidents, but what about if the leak is due to an old, poorly maintained roof? In this blog post, we’ll look at what you should do if you have a leaky roof and what your insurance may cover.
First and foremost, it’s important to call a professional roofer as soon as possible to assess the damage. A qualified roofing contractor will be able to evaluate your roof’s condition and the likely cause of the problem. They can determine whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced entirely.
What caused the roof leaks?
The next step is determining what caused the leak. Homeowners insurance typically covers roof leaks if they’re caused by a catastrophic event such as a storm or fallen tree. Your policy likely won’t pay for a leak that develops because your roof is old or poorly maintained. Here are a couple reasons your insurance may cover your roof:
- Massive hailstones from last year’s storms puncture the shingles.
- Strong winds blow shingles off the edge of your roof.
- Heavy snow loads can cause ice dams or physically damage your roof.
If you suspect that the damage was caused by one of these events, contact your insurance company right away and file a claim. In some cases, the insurance company may even cover the full cost of repairs or replacements.
Finally, spring showers often bring out leaks that have been hidden under snow drifts during winter months. Don’t forget about those when assessing any potential problems! Make sure to check for any signs of water infiltration as soon as possible after any large snowfall melts away; this will help catch minor issues before they turn into major ones down the line. Plus, addressing them swiftly can prevent further structural damage from occurring due to water seeping through any weak spots on your roof’s surface while temperatures are still low outside.
Dealing with roof leaks can seem overwhelming at first—but don’t worry! By taking proactive steps such as filing an insurance claim (if applicable) and assessing both localized repairs and larger replacements (depending on severity), you’ll be able to handle whatever issue arises efficiently and effectively, allowing you peace of mind so that you can focus on enjoying Spring instead! With all this information under your belt now, you’re better prepared than ever should the unexpected happen this spring season.
Turn to the Pros at Shelter Construction
At Shelter, we perform free inspections and consultations. We will perform minor repairs during the examination to small damage that we find. Call us at 612-284-6985 or schedule an inspection today on our website!