Has your flat roof suffered storm damage this year? With the cold, wet winter months approaching, it is essential that your home is watertight now
The temperature has dropped and it’s not long until the clocks go back. The wind is stronger, the rain is heavier and the weather is more unsettled. At this time of year it is of the utmost important to ask: has your flat roof suffered storm damage? Is my property watertight or is it susceptible to the elements?
If your flat roof has been damaged due to adverse weather conditions, you will need to know whether it can be repaired or if replacement is the best course of action.
Has your flat roof suffered storm damage? Repair or replace?
It is tempting to assume that your roof will only require a quick patch-up but it is vital that you ascertain the extent of the damage to avoid costly repercussions.
The easiest way to check if your roof can be repaired or will require replacing is to get in touch with a professional. As they know just what to look for, they will be able to thoroughly inspect your flat roof for any cracks, leaks or blistering far better than an amateur ever could. All of these issues could compromise your roof’s integrity, leading to sustained damage to your property’s joists and the rooms below.
If your flat roof comprised of traditional bitumen felt? If so, you may not be aware that it is far less durable then its more modern PVC counterparts. It is also incredibly difficult to successfully repair felt flat roofs. Therefore, replacement is often the only course of action.
Has your flat roof suffered storm damage? What may affect an insurance claim
Has your flat roof suffered storm damage? Are you planning on claiming on your home insurance? Are you 100% sure that they will pay out?
There are a few things you should know if you are planning on making a claim.
What constitutes a storm?
Has your flat roof suffered storm damage? What condition was your roof in beforehand?
Your flat roof may have been adversely affected by storms but was it already in a poor state? Your insurance company will want this answered before they agree to pay out any claim.
In order to do this, they will send a surveyor to your property to investigate the damage and ascertain when it might have occurred. They will take photographs for analysis and the insurers will then consider all evidence before they make a final decision on whether they believe the damage took place when you claim it did.
If they deem that your flat roof was already in bad repair at the time of the stated storm, the majority of insurance providers will come to the conclusion that the weather exacerbated your roof’s issues rather than caused them. Therefore, your claim is very likely to be declined.
Has your flat roof suffered storm damage? If your claim has been rejected, is there anything you can do?
Had your claim rejected? Do not despair! You may still be able to successfully claim through alternative insurance cover.
Have you thoroughly read your insurance policy? You may be able to claim through the accidental damage section if your flat roof has suffered storm damage. It is always worth investigating further rather than giving up.
Has your flat roof suffered storm damage? Be proactive rather than reactive
Are you already concerned about the state of your flat roof? Don’t wait until the damage is done – call High-Tech Membrane Roofing and we will happily carry out an assessment to ascertain whether it will withstand the pressures of the winter months.
Our market-leading uPVC flat roofing membrane systems are:
- 100% waterproof
- Impervious to blistering cracking and damaging UV rays, moss and algae
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Fitted with a rock solid, lifetime guarantee
Please call High-Tech Membrane Roofing today for more information about our range of flat roofing solutions.
We hope you have found our article, ‘Has your flat roof suffered storm damage?’ of interest. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
