Storm Damage Frequently Asked Questions.

Have questions about roofing replacement after a storm? We have answers.

How do I know if I have storm damage?

There are many answers to this question. If you know you have had a severe storm in your area, and/or you see your neighbors getting work done to their home, it is a good possibility you could have damage as well.

If you are asking this question it is a good idea to contact a local reputable company (Barfield Contracting & Associates, Inc.) to visit and give you a FREE inspection.

If you suspect you do have damage, please be safe and avoid climbing onto your roof. Please contact a professional and have them assess the damage.

I have looked at my roof and do not see anything wrong?

Often times damage from a storm is not visible to the untrained eye. That’s why it is imperative that after a storm you have a qualified roofing contractor to come and inspect your home. Barfield Contracting provides this service for free.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In most cases you have one year from the date of the storm to file a claim, However all policies are different and some state you have as little as six months. The best thing to do is call a roofing contractor soon after the storm to do an inspection.

Will my premiums go up if I file a claim?

Filing a single claim should not raise you premiums especially from an “act of God” However if a region is hit by a major storm the whole regions premiums could go up.

Do I need a roofing contractor involved in the process?

You do not have to have a roofing contractor to file a claim, however it is beneficial to have a trained contractor on site to meet with the adjuster so nothing is overlooked and you get a fair assessment of the damages. Barfield Contracting will meet with your adjuster to ensure the fair adjustment.

How do I choose a contractor?

This is a very important question and decision.
Research the company. Check out the company website to make sure they have a location within 60 miles or so of your property, and local landline phone number. Qualified contractors will also carry high levels of credentials will the three major material manufacturers (Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed).

What does ACV mean on my insurance paperwork?

ACV means “Actual Cash Value.” This is what the damage to the property is worth at the time of loss.

What does RCV mean on my insurance paperwork?

RCV means “Replacement Cost Value.” This is what the insurance company will pay after all the work in completed. The first ACV check will get work started and after the work is complete the contractor will file for depreciation and another check will be sent that equals the RCV.

What is a “Storm Chaser?”

“Storm Chasers” are disreputable regional or national companies, which give the roofing industry a bad name. They are evaluating storms throughout the country and dispatching sales teams to areas recently hit by large storms. They work on getting as many houses under contract as possible and then immediately move to the next storm area. They do not have any interest in their local reputation, quality of installation, or selection of good quality materials. These actions result in poor installations and homeowners with roof problems installed by a contractor that is no longer in the area to address.

How to spot a “Storm Chaser?”

“Storm Chasers” will position themselves to appear as a local company. Use some of the following items to help you easily spot a “Storm Chaser”

• Visit their website and look for local phone numbers and office locations
• Ask to see a copy of their General Liability Insurance and look for addresses of where the policy was written
• Ask for local references of completed work (specifically projects not recently completed)
• Lookout for 1-800 numbers and marketing information without a local phone number

My Insurance Company stated I needed 3 estimates is this true?

No. This is false. You as the homeowner may choose any contractor you want to do the repairs.
Barfield Contracting will work with your insurance company to determine the price and scope of work.

Can I profit from my claim?

No a homeowner cannot profit from their claim. It is actually called insurance fraud witch is a class 3 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to 5,000 dollars.

How long will it take for the contractor to come out to my property?

This is a hard question to answer due to the fact that most contractors will tend to work on a damage priority basis. So if you have severe damage that runs the risk of causing further damages, you will be at the top of the list.

There are many ways you can contact us here at Barfield Contracting, but the easiest and most efficient is to visit our website BarfieldContracting.com and click on the contact button at the bottom of the page. This will allow you to send us photos of the damages as well as your name, address and phone number.