Is your roof entering the game of “Where’s my missing shingle?” this summer? With high winds and crazy summer storms, homeowners in Alberta are no strangers to wind damage to their roofs. But what happens when your neighbours damage your roof or property? Don’t ignore the signs of a missing shingle – it could be more costly than you think!
At Knights Roofing, we understand the frustrations of emergency repairs and roof damage. In this blog, we’ll look at what your home insurance will cover for roof damage, what to look out for, and how to repair your loose shingles with roof inspections in Edmonton to avoid damage to your neighbour’s property.
Is Storm Damage to Your Roof Covered Under Home Insurance?
How is your roof looking after the last windstorm? Homeowners’ insurance in Alberta will usually cover wind damage to your roof shingles, including damage resulting from wind, hail, or fallen tree branches. However, if your shingles are damaged because they were poorly installed or have simply aged over time, insurance might not cover it. If you have a leak caused by normal wear and tear rather than a storm, your home insurance will not cover the repairs, as it is your responsibility to have your roof regularly inspected and maintained each year. It’s important to know that improper shingle or flashing installation can make your roof more susceptible to wind damage, and insurance may not cover these issues. If you aren’t sure when your roof was inspected last, reach out to our team today for a free estimate and schedule a residential roof inspection.
How Does Wind Damage Asphalt Shingles?
Strong winds can cause significant damage to asphalt shingles, with the most visible signs appearing around the edges of the roof. Signs of wind damage can include:
- Punctures from fallen trees
- Mangled or missing flashing
- Missing shingles
- Exposed roof areas
- Scratches from debris
- Damaged soffit vents
- Cracked or gaping chimney flashing
Wind can bend, detach, or pull shingles off depending on its direction, speed, and duration. If you aren’t sure how it happened, consider recent weather events. Blown-off shingles can indicate extreme weather conditions, an aging roof, or faulty installation, such as nails not hitting the nailing strip.
How to Repair Loose Roof Shingles
Wind-damaged shingles can be repaired without fully reshingling your roof if the damage is minor. In such cases, shingles may need to be replaced or resealed individually. Repairing your roof should only be done if you feel comfortable on it and have taken the necessary precautions. The following essential repair guide can help you fix loose roof shingles.
- Lift the shingle tabs covering the nails on the loose shingle.
- Use a pry bar to lift each loose shingle and remove the nails.
- Remove the damaged shingle.
- Apply roofing cement and fit the new shingle into place.
- Nail down any undamaged shingles and seal the nail heads with roofing cement.
If the damage is severe or jeopardizes the roof’s structural integrity, it might be necessary to replace the entire roof. Our team at Knights Roofing can help protect your home from above with emergency roof repairs and reshingling. For roof repairs near you, contact us today!
What to Do if a Neighbor’s Property Damages Your Roof
If your roof is damaged by a neighbor’s property, such as a tree or a satellite dish, here’s what you need to do:
- Take Responsibility: Once a missing shingle or tree falls onto your side of the property line, it becomes your responsibility to address the damage.
- Check Your Insurance: What does your policy say? As a tip, homeowners insurance generally covers unexpected hazards such as fallen trees, property and shingles.
- Document Everything:
- Take photos and videos of all the damage.
- If a tree is involved, get the power shut down temporarily for safety.
- Insurance Coverage:
- Homeowners insurance covers repairing your structure from unexpected and accidental hazards, no matter where they come from.
- Neighbour’s Negligence:
- If the damage was due to your neighbour’s negligence, your insurance company may seek compensation from the neighbour’s insurance or directly from the neighbour.
- Inspection First:
- Avoid fixing the damage yourself until it has been inspected, as this is a policy requirement for home insurance claims.
Wind damage to your roof’s shingles can be a major headache, but understanding your insurance coverage, recognizing the signs of damage, and knowing how to handle repairs can make the process smoother. For expert roof repair and roof inspections in Edmonton, contact Knights Roofing. We’re here to help keep your roof in top condition, no matter what the weather throws at it.