Repaired or is a replacement the better solution and what may affect a claim
If your flat roof has suffered storm damage you will need to know whether it can be repaired, if replacement is a better solution and what may affect a claim.
We’re fully into Autumn now and with this time of year comes the inevitable high winds and unsettled weather. So if your flat roof has suffered storm damage, what is the best course of action? Can it be repaired or will it need to be replaced? What do you need to be aware of when it comes to insurance claims if your flat roof has suffered storm damage?
Can my flat roof be repaired or does it need to be replaced?
Can my flat roof be repaired or does it need to be replaced?
The easiest way to determine whether your roof can be adequately fixed or if it’s best to replace it is to call a professional. You will only be able to know exactly what condition your flat roof is in if it is thoroughly inspected for any leaks, cracks or blistering, all of which can compromise its effectiveness in protecting your property.
Please bear in mind that if your flat roof is made of traditional bitumen felt, it is far less durable than its PVC counterparts. In these cases, replacement may be the only course of action – a sustained leak that is not rectified can result in a lot of damage to the joists and rooms below.
What can affect a claim if your flat roof has suffered storm damage?
The last thing you want is to realise that your insurance policy won’t pay out for repairs. Here are a few things you need to know about making a claim if you believe your flat roof has suffered storm damage.
What constitutes a storm?
Yes, both your insurance providers and the Financial Ombudsman – should your claim be denied and then passed to them – will determine whether the bad weather that took place when you state the damage was done was actually a storm.
This is what constitutes a storm, which will be verified through looking at weather reports, measuring wind speed using the Beaufort Scale, gauging the intensity of the storm, investigating whether just one or a series of storms took place and looking at where the storm actually took place in relation to your property:
A storm is defined as a period of violent winds, usually accompanied by rain, hail or snow.
What condition was your roof already in?
Was your flat roof already in a poor condition before the storm? This is one of the most important questions an insurance company will want to answer. A surveyor will be sent to your property to investigate the type of damage and when it may have occurred. Photographs will be taken for analysis and all evidence will be considered before a decision regarding your claim is made.
If it is deemed that your flat roof was in a poor state of repair at the time the bad weather occurred, most insurance companies will come to the conclusion that the storm merely highlighted your flat roof’s issues, rather than caused them. In this case, your claim will almost certainly be declined.
What other course of action might there be?
Do not despair as although your claim may be rejected for reasonable reasons, you could still successfully claim through alternative insurance cover.
For example, read your insurance policy carefully as if your flat roof has suffered storm damage, you might be able to claim through the accidental damage section.
Prevention is better than cure
If you are concerned about the condition of your flat roof as we head into the colder months, don’t delay – contact High-Tech Membrane Roofing today. Our market-leading uPVC flat roofing systems are 100% waterproof, maintenance-free, impervious to damaging UV rays, moss and algae and come with a rock solid lifetime guarantee.
Call us today to find out more.
We hope you found our article, ‘What if my flat roof has suffered storm damage?’ informative – please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
