Insurance Claims
Insurance Claims | Roof Inspections | Roofing | Sewanee
When a Sewanee storm leaves you wondering whether your roof is still protecting everything you love, HEP makes the next step simple. Our certified specialists arrive promptly for thorough roof inspections, documenting every shingle, seam, and subtle sign of hidden damage. We translate our findings into clear, insurance-ready reports and meet your adjuster on-site, ensuring nothing vital is overlooked and that you receive the coverage you deserve.
From the first phone call to the final nail, HEP’s Insurance Claims Roofing team handles the paperwork, the repairs, and the peace of mind. We’re local, licensed, and backed by a reputation built on honesty—so you can focus on daily life while we fight for your claim and restore your roof to peak condition. Schedule your no-obligation roof inspections today and discover why Sewanee homeowners trust HEP to stand between them and the storm.
FAQs
What does a roof inspection for an insurance claim involve?
A claims-focused roof inspection is more thorough than a routine maintenance check. Our certified inspector documents every storm-related impact—missing or creased shingles, hail bruising, granule loss, lifted flashing, punctures, and water entry points. We photograph and video each finding, take core samples if necessary, and prepare a written damage report that aligns with current International Building Code (IBC) and local Sewanee ordinances. This documentation is formatted to meet insurance carrier guidelines, so your adjuster can clearly see the extent, cause, and date of loss. The goal is to establish an indisputable scope of damage and accurate replacement cost value (RCV) before the adjuster visit.
When should I schedule a roof inspection after storm damage in Sewanee?
Schedule the inspection as soon as it’s safe to access your property—ideally within 24–72 hours of a hail or wind event. Tennessee policies typically give homeowners 12–24 months to file a claim, but waiting can allow moisture to migrate under shingles, leading to interior leaks that may not be covered. Early inspection also helps capture fresh impact marks before sun and thermal cycling begin to obscure them. If severe weather is forecast again, we can perform a temporary emergency tarping service to prevent additional damage while your claim is processed.
Will you work directly with my insurance company?
Yes. With your written authorization, we handle all correspondence with your carrier—submitting the inspection report, meeting the adjuster on-site, clarifying code upgrades required in Sewanee, and negotiating line-item pricing in Xactimate, the estimating software used by most insurers. This reduces paperwork for you and helps ensure nothing is overlooked, such as drip-edge, ice-and-water shield, or ventilation upgrades now required by the 2021 IRC adopted by Franklin County. You maintain full control over final decisions; we simply streamline the technical and administrative steps.
What types of roof damage are typically covered by homeowners insurance?
Most standard HO-3 and HO-5 policies cover “sudden and accidental” damage caused by named perils such as windstorms, hail, falling trees or branches, lightning, and fire. Coverage usually excludes age-related wear, manufacturer defects, or lack of maintenance. In Sewanee, wind-driven rain that enters through a storm-created opening is generally covered, but slow roof leaks or algae streaking are not. Your deductible will apply, and depreciation may be withheld until repairs are completed if you carry Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage. Always review your declarations page for specific exclusions and deductible amounts.
How much does a professional roof inspection cost, and is it reimbursable?
For Sewanee homeowners pursuing an insurance claim, we provide the inspection and damage report at no out-of-pocket cost when you authorize us to perform the repairs. If you only need documentation without repairs, the stand-alone fee ranges from $150 to $350 depending on roof size, pitch, and accessibility. Some carriers will reimburse this fee under claim administration expenses when the damage is deemed covered, but reimbursement is not guaranteed. We’ll advise you upfront so there are no surprises.
How long does the claims and repair process usually take in Sewanee?
Timelines vary with claim complexity and weather, but a typical cycle is 2–6 weeks from inspection to completed roof replacement. Here’s a general breakdown: 1. Inspection & report: 1–2 days 2. Claim filing & adjuster meeting: 3–7 days 3. Carrier review & first payment issuance: 7–14 days 4. Material ordering & scheduling: 3–5 days 5. Roof replacement: 1–3 days for most homes (weather permitting) 6. Final inspection & depreciation release: 5–10 days after completion We coordinate every step, obtain required Sewanee or Franklin County permits, and provide a final waiver of lien and workmanship warranty once the carrier releases all funds.