Understanding Your Roofing Warranty: What Denver Homeowners Need to Know

by J&K Roofing | Sep 15, 2023 | Insurance, Insurance Claims

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Understanding Your Roofing Warranty: What Denver Homeowners Need to Know

Dealing with Wildfire Risks Roofing Materials and Maintenance for Fire-Prone Areas in Colorado

If you’ve had a new roof installed on your home in the last 10 years or so, the odds are good that it’s still under warranty. But there are some scenarios that might void your warranty, like ignoring necessary maintenance and repairs, failing to register your warranty, or hiring a new contractor to perform any work or repairs on your existing roof.

Roofing warranties can seem overwhelmingly complicated, and understanding them is important so you can make an informed decision about what works best for you. Here’s what Denver homeowners need to know about roofing warranties.

Understand Your Roofing Warranty

There are several types of roofing warranties, and it’s important to know about each one. Roofing warranties vary by manufacturer and material, and roofing company. Be sure to read the details so you understand what is covered under your warranty, are not surprised if you have an issue.

Standard Manufacturer Roofing Warranty

Typically, your roofing manufacturer warranty comes with coverage for anywhere from 25 to 50 years, depending on the type of warranty that you purchased, the material, and the manufacturer. It protects against material defects and failures for what’s considered the lifetime of the material. It does not protect against poor workmanship, so make sure you’ve hired a trusted local roofing contractor. This warranty covers the products that you purchased. Most manufacturer warranties cover the cost of defective materials, and not the tear-off fees and disposal fees of failed shingles.

Installation or Contractor Warranty

The contractor who installs your roof plays a key role in how your roof performs and in the lifespan of your roof. Your roofing contractor may offer an installation or contractor warranty to cover workmanship for a limited period of time. This type of warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty and covers craftsmanship and installation. When you’re vetting a roofing contractor for a roof replacement, be sure to ask them the right questions about their services, including what is and isn’t covered in their installation warranty. It’s also important to understand if they offer repair services. This warranty from your contractor covers your roof installation.

Extended Manufacturer’s Warranty

Select roofing material manufacturers — like GAF, Malarkey, IKO, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning — offer extended manufacturer warranties that cover both the workmanship and the materials for an extended period of time, typically up to 50 years. These usually require that you invest in a total roofing system and have it installed by a certified contractor in their network.

What Might Void Your Roofing Warranty

Poor or improper installation of your roof
Lack of maintenance or repairs to your roof
DIY repairs like laying new materials over existing roofing material
Neglecting to register your warranty
Modifications like penetrating or removing shingles
Improper attic ventilation
Using a different roofing contractor while under warranty to make repairs

What a Typical Roof Warranty Covers

A roof warranty is designed to ensure that your roofing system is protected from manufacturer product defects and roof installation issues. A typical roof warranty does not cover damage from storms, hail storms, floods or fires, or alterations to your roof after it was installed. Weather related damage falls under your homeowners insurance policy. But it’s important to note that depending on your insurance company, and where you live, you may need to purchase add-on insurance to protect your home from certain types of weather damage. It’s important to understand what your roof warranty covers and what you need to have covered by your insurance.

Register Your Roofing Warranty

One very important note about your roofing warranty is that you must register your warranty for it to work. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s requirements for registering your warranty. Failure to register your warranty with the manufacturer when the roof is installed can void the warranty and leave you without coverage. If an authorized contractor is handling the installation of your new roof, they may have to register its warranty with the manufacturer within a specified time frame.

Transferable Warranties

Not all manufacturer warranties are transferable, and many warranties are transferable only one time. There may also be a time limit on how long it is transferrable. A typical scenario for transferring a roofing warranty is when buying or selling a home. Depending on the warranty there might be transfer fees, and a specific process to follow.

Work With the Same Contractor for Inspections and Service

Another important note is that if you need roofing services like a repair or replacement while your roof is under warranty, you must work with the original contractor. Keep their information handy so you can reach out with any questions, concerns, and schedule regular inspections with them…especially after strong Colorado hail storms!

The J&K Approach to Roofing Warranties

J&K Roofing provides a 5-year labor warranty on typical installation. Different roofing materials, however, have different manufacturer warranties (e.g., asphalt is different from slate) that range anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime in duration. As a preferred installer for most manufacturers, we also offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which refers to the manufacturer warranty on defective shingles but does not apply to normal wear and tear. Your Project Manager will simplify the process and walk you through available warranty options on the product that you are purchasing.

We’d love to talk with you about your roofing needs, including how our expert service, experience, and warranty set us apart as the go-to roofing contractor in Colorado. Get in touch today. 303-425-7531

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Dealing with Wildfire Risks: Roofing Materials and Maintenance for Fire-Prone Areas in Colorado

by J&K Roofing | Aug 28, 2023 | Insurance, Storm Damage

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Dealing with Wildfire Risks: Roofing Materials and Maintenance for Fire-Prone Areas in Colorado

Having a home in the Colorado woods is a dream for so many people, and for good reason. Living in a rural or forested area of Colorado can offer peace, quiet, and natural beauty that can improve your emotional state and overall way of living.

But with that picturesque lifestyle comes some significant risk, and we’re not talking about bears and mountain lions (although you should watch out for those, too). We’re talking about wildfires, which seem to be happening more often over the last decade.

Wildfires can be devastating, but there’s a lot you can do today to potentially slow the spread of wildfires around your property and reduce the risk of being impacted. Keep reading for tips on the best roofing materials and maintenance for fire-prone areas.

What makes Colorado prone to wildfires?

Colorado has many forests and heavily wooded areas that are ready to ignite, especially during warmer, dryer years. We have a number of rural areas where homes and structures are built and intended to exist along with nature, but as idyllic as that sounds, it can also lead to bigger, more dangerous fires.

The climate in Colorado doesn’t do us any favors, either. Year after year, we experience high temperatures with little humidity, both of which zap plants and trees of moisture. Add to that an intense storm season with high winds and electrical activity in the air, and you have a good recipe for an ignition.

What can Colorado homeowners do to protect their homes from wildfires?

A good strategy for protecting your home from wildfires is to start with your home and work outward.

Maintain your home and property. Keep your decks, roof, and gutters clear of all debris, especially flammable materials like pine needles and leaves.
Make sure your roof has a Class A fire rating. This rating indicates the flame spread rating of your roofing materials. Those with a Class A fire rating have been tested to ensure their spread rating is between 0 and 25 — the lower the number the better.
Upgrade windows to tempered glass. Double-pane windows with tempered glass are a great option.
Replace flammable fencing and gating. Replace any flammable materials that sit within 5 feet of your home.
Create vertical clearance between the ground and your siding. You want at least 6 inches of clearance between the ground and your siding for proper wildfire protection.
Use ⅛-inch metal mesh to screen sensitive areas. This includes your attic, eaves, foundation vents, and deck.

Another step you can take to protect your home and property from wildfires is to create defensible space zones, which are management zones intended to prevent or slow the spread of a wildfire. In each of these spaces around each building or structure on your property, treat, clear, or reduce manmade or natural fuels to prevent embers from being produced or a fire from spreading.

What kind of materials are best for homes in areas prone to wildfires?

The best way to know if you have fire-resistant materials on your roof and home is to look them up and ensure they have a Class A fire rating.

Specifically, these roofing materials are good in wildfire-prone areas:

Metal roofing
Clay or concrete tile
Slate tile
Fiberglass-based asphalt shingles
Synthetic composite

Wood shake shingles are a bad option for areas where wildfires might occur. In fact, some municipalities in Colorado and in other states have banned them from being used on homes because of how flammable they are. Due to this risk, some insurance companies increase the cost to insure your home, or won’t insure your property at all if you have a wood shake roof.

If you live in a rural, wooded area and your home has a wood shake roof or some other type of flammable material, you should consider other options that have a Class A fire rating. Click here for a free inspection that comes with notes and suggestions on how to reduce your wildfire risk.

We Can Help

The idea of dealing with a wildfire in Colorado can be scary, but if you take proper precautions and maintain your home and property, you can greatly reduce the risk that you might be affected. Remember that firefighters will do their best to contain a fire, but it’s ultimately up to you as a property owner to reduce the possibility of damage from a wildfire.

But the good news is that the team at J&K Roofing is here to help. Our team is experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to fire-resistant roofing materials, and we’re certified to work with every material we offer for your next home project. Get in touch with us for your roofing, siding, and window needs. Call 303-425-7531.

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When Your Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

by J&K Roofing | Aug 2, 2023 | Insurance, Storm Damage

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When Your Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

I Asked ChatGPT About Solar Roof Shingles

We get a lot of strong storms in Colorado season after season, year after year. And you might think you’re in the clear once a storm has passed through your area and the sun comes back out, but that’s not the case.

After any strong storm, you should have your roof inspected and see if you need to file an insurance claim for wind damage or hail damage. But what happens if your claim is denied? It’s not an ideal situation, but it’s also not the end of the world — you still have options. Here’s what you need to do if your insurance company denies your roofing claim for storm damage.

How to File an Insurance Claim for Your Roof

The process for filing an insurance claim for storm damage is not always simple, but it’s not too bad if you break it down into manageable steps. Here’s a quick summary of what you need to do:

Before calling your insurance company, review your homeowners insurance policy.
Document any roof damage.
Schedule a damage assessment with a roofing contractor. They will also provide you with an estimate.
Contact your insurance company and file an insurance claim.
Based on your claim, your insurance company will schedule an appointment for an insurance adjuster to inspect your roof.

As a homeowner, you should always maintain the integrity of your roof and property. If a roof repair is needed, get it taken care of right away. Hire a professional roofing company that will provide a roof inspection and a damage assessment including pictures and a roofing supplement to support your insurance claim.

If your roof damage insurance claim is approved, you should also receive a first check that will cover half of the amount needed that goes to your roofing company to make any necessary repairs or roof replacement. You will also be required to pay your deductible that is listed in your insurance policy.

Once the work is completed, documentation is provided to your insurance company showing that the first check went towards your project. You will be sent a second check to cover any remaining costs that the first check did not cover. This check also goes to your roofing company. After receiving the second check, the job should be paid in full.

If your insurance claim is denied, keep reading.

Why Some Homeowner’s Insurance Claims Are Denied

If your homeowner’s insurance provider denies your roofing claim, they will provide you with details on their decision. In Colorado, the possible reasons for a denied claim can range, but some examples include:

You waited too long to file a claim. Your typically have one year from the date of damage to file an insurance claim and have work completed.
The cost to fix your roof is less than your deductible.
Normal wear and tear or issues due to lack of routine maintenance and repairs.
Certain types of damage may be limited or excluded from coverage.
Manufacturer defect.
You didn’t involve a professional roofer and have necessary documentation.
The damage isn’t covered by your policy limits.

Sometimes a claim can also be denied if your insurance adjuster is inexperienced, which is a good reason for a re-inspection. Moreover, some insurance companies will deny your claim and require a re-inspection based on the information at hand.

What You Can Do if Your Claim Is Denied

If you feel that your insurance claim was unjustly denied, you can request a second inspection (or a re-inspection) with a different adjuster. During this inspection with the insurance adjuster, have your roofing contractor on-site along with the adjuster.

Contact your roofing company and request that they meet with the insurance adjuster for the inspection to ensure that all damage for your scope of work is discussed. Doing so may help surface damage or issues that were missed in the first inspection.

You can also file an appeal for a denied insurance claim. If, after a re-inspection, your insurance claim is again denied and there is documented hail or storm damage, consider hiring a public adjuster. Public adjusters are specifically trained to handle homeowners’ insurance claims. They have a deep understanding of the insurance industry and the claims process. Bear in mind that no roofing company can tell you they are a public adjuster. It is illegal for a roofing company to act on your behalf in this capacity.

Note that if you choose to appeal a denied insurance claim, make sure you do it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less chance you have of getting the decision overturned.

Time Is Running Out To File a Roofing Claim For Damage in 2021

by J&K Roofing | Feb 9, 2022 | Insurance

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Time Is Running Out To File a Roofing Claim For Damage in 2021

Colorado weather can be wild and cause major damage to your home and property. In 2021, there were at least five major storms that might have impacted your home, meaning you might have some damage to fix before the next round of storms roll in throughout 2022!

Of course, homeowner’s insurance is one way to cover the cost of repairing any damage, but there are two major factors you need to be aware of for that to happen:

What kind of damage was caused by storms (and the location on your home or property)
When the damage happened

The second factor is important because most insurance companies give you a limited amount of time from the date of damage to file a roofing insurance claim.

To help you get the process started so you can make sure your roof is ready to withstand another storm season, we have a list of significant storm dates in Colorado (see below). Plus, we’ve included some important information you need to know before filing a claim for residential roof repair.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

Typically, your insurance company will give you one year from the date of the storm that caused the damage to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. This is an industry standard, but you should check your homeowner’s insurance policy to be absolutely sure.

Fortunately, there’s still time to file a claim for the biggest storms of 2021, but time’s running out! Start the process now so you don’t get left covering the costs of a full roofing installation.

When Did Major Storms Occur in 2021?

Throughout the Denver Metro area, there were at least 5 significant storms in 2021 that may have caused damage to your roof.

2021 Wind Storms

December 15
December 30

2021 Hail Storms

June 13 (Denver)
August 19 (Arvada, Golden, Westminster, Parker, Strasburg, and surrounding areas)
September 3 (Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and surrounding areas)

What Do I Need to Do to File an Insurance Claim?

There are a number of steps to take to file a homeowner’s insurance claim for roof damage, but the first is to identify if you have damage, and then understand the scope of it.

Take time to look for damage to your roof and leaks inside your attic and home. Standing outside on the ground, can you see any visible roof damage? Clear signs of damage are things like missing shingles or creased/broken shingles. Hail damage can often appear as divots or indentations on your shingles, and sometimes shingle granules that find their way into your gutters can also indicate hail damage.

Here’s a helpful list of signs that your roof may have sustained storm damage.

You will want to call a local roofing company to perform a professional inspection to and perform two important tasks:

1) Identify if you have damage,

2) Document your scope of damage before you file an insurance claim.

Whenever you have all the information you need in order, then it’s time to file your claim. They’ll send an adjuster out to review and verify the damage before authorizing the work. Regardless of your insurance, you can choose the roofing company that you would like to do your replacement or repair.

What About My Deductible?

You will be required to pay your insurance deductible before your homeowner’s insurance kicks in to cover the remaining costs. For example, if you have a $2,000 deductible, you will have to pay that to the insurance company before they cover the rest of the work. That’s true no matter how significant the damage or how large the estimate is for completing the installation or repair.

Be aware that Colorado law prevents a roofing company from paying, waiving, or rebating a homeowner’s insurance deductible. The reasoning is that this legally protects the homeowner from fraudulent roofing contractors and helps prevent insurance fraud.

Take Advantage of a Free Roof Inspection

If you’re unsure of what kind of damage your roof might have sustained during last year’s storms, it’s best to call in a professional for a roof inspection. Our J&K Roofing team is experienced in navigating the insurance claim process, and we’re experienced with Colorado weather—we know what to look for.

Remember: your roof is your home’s first line of defense against inclement weather—you can’t afford to let any damage go unnoticed! Get in touch with us today.

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When Is The Best Time To Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage?

by J&K Roofing | Dec 17, 2021 | Insurance

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When Is The Best Time To Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage?

Keeping your home in the best shape possible isn’t just about doing standard maintenance and preparing it for changing seasons; it’s also about making sure your home is covered with the best homeowners insurance policy you can get.

If you’ve been with the same insurance provider for more than a couple years, you might be benefiting from a loyalty discount, but that shouldn’t stop you from reviewing your policy from time to time to make sure your coverage suits your needs. That’s especially true if you’ve completed any renovations or done any improvements that might increase the value of your home.

So when is the best time to review your homeowners insurance coverage? You aren’t limited to a particular time frame, but there are some key events to consider that could help you save money.

How often can you change homeowners insurance?

You can change your homeowners insurance policy as often as you like, but you might be charged a fee for switching before your renewal date. These fees can be as low as $25. Some insurance companies will let you cancel or modify your policy before your renewal date, so it’s best to double check.

When is the best time to review your homeowners insurance coverage?

There are a number of scenarios that may motivate you to review your coverage, and we’ve pulled together five of the most common ones.

Annually Before Your Renewal Date

A few weeks before your renewal date, you should receive a notice from your insurance provider that your renewal date is approaching. Just like with car insurance, it’s good to shop around from time to time to make sure you’re getting the best value and are adequately covered. According to Policygenius, an online aggregator of various insurance providers, average savings from shopping around for home and car insurance add up to $455 annually.

But to make the right switch for your situation, you should research the steps involved with changing your homeowners insurance.

Home Renovations

You work hard to make your home a nice, livable space, and your insurance coverage should offer adequate protection that fits with your home’s value. It’s best to review your coverage whenever you’re planning to make modifications to your home, including:

Remodeling
Getting a new roof
Outdoor additions (shed, gazebo, fence, etc.)

Updates to Home Safety Features

If you’ve updated your home for safety purposes, like installing railing around your deck or front porch, or added smart safety devices to your home, you might be able to get rewarded by your insurance provider. Look for discounts that may be available based on your home improvements.

Other Additions

When you add new features to your home like a swimming pool, a hot tub, or even a backyard swing set, it’s best to make sure your policy provides adequate coverage. For example, you must make sure you’re covered in the event of an accident. Some enhancements to your home are especially attractive to children, and you could be liable for any injury that takes place on your property—even if someone is trespassing.

Bringing a new pet home is another addition that could mean a change to your policy. Make sure you’re covered in case your new dog doesn’t get along with the mailman!

Property Inflation Adjustment

It’s just a fact of property ownership that costs tend to increase from time to time. Typically, your homeowners insurance provider will make an adjustment for property inflation automatically, but it’s always good to know for sure by reviewing your policy and asking if needed.

Take Time to Understand Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Not all homeowners insurance policies are the same, and it’s up to you to make sure yours is the best fit for your home. Beware of cheap homeowners insurance policies that don’t sufficiently protect your home and your family. And make sure you know what goes into filing a homeowners insurance claim for renovations like getting a new roof.

Know the Difference Between Replacement Cost Value and Actual Cash Value

There are two types of homeowners claims, a replacement cost and an actual cash value, and it is important to know the difference. Reimbursement for either type of claim will depend on your level or coverage so reviewing your coverage beforehand can be beneficial in knowing what to expect. Both levels of coverage can help cover the cost of rebuilding your house or replacing your belongings, but the two differ in terms of how your claim payment is calculated. While both types of coverage help with the costs of rebuilding your home or replacing damaged items after a covered loss, actual cash value policies are based on the items’ depreciated value while replacement cost coverage does not account for depreciation.

Hiring a Roofing Company That Works With Insurance Claims

If you suspect that your home has roof damage, contacting a trusted roofing company first can help you before reaching out to your insurance company. J&K Roofing has performed countless roof replacements for homeowners and helped them navigate their roof insurance claim process. We have worked claims from all insurance companies and know the questions to ask and how to help you navigate your claim. If you are in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado areas, call us today to schedule your free inspection.

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How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim to Cover Your New Roof?

by J&K Roofing | May 25, 2021 | Insurance

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How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim to Cover Your New Roof?

Rooftops can take a beating-especially in Colorado, where we experience an intense storm season and infamous temperature fluctuations. If your roof has suffered irreparable damage or has been neglected for some time, you may find you need to replace the whole roof.

This can be an expensive and inconvenient project. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to have your insurance help shoulder some of the cost of a new roof.

1. Get to Know Your Policy

Your Homeowners Insurance policy will clearly stipulate what situations are covered, and which are not. If you are looking to replace a roof due to hail damage, for example, some plans will require an additional hail clause. You may also be required to pay a separate or higher deductible in the case of wind or hail damage.

2. Verify Damage

After a storm, do a thorough inspection of the damage. If you can spot any issues, it is a good idea to contact a local roofing company to schedule an inspection.

3. Schedule a Roof Inspection

You will want to call a local roofing company to perform a professional inspection. A roofing contractor will be able to spot and thoroughly document any damage across your property.

They can also provide any repair estimates that may be required by your insurance adjuster. Be sure to hire a local company that is familiar with your state’s weather, guidelines, and typical insurance scenarios.

Local roofers will also be readily available to lend a hand and answer questions throughout the insurance process.

4. File Your Claim

Once you have gathered your documentation and your inspection is complete, it is time to file your claim. Keep in mind that, in the case of storm damage, many policies require you to file a claim within one year of the reported damage.

The filing process is often done completely online through your insurance company’s website.

5. Meet With Your Insurance Adjuster and Roofing Contractor

With the damage to your property documented and verified, it is time to bring your insurance adjuster into the mix. J&K Roofing offers to meet with your adjuster to review and discuss the condition of your roof and recommended replacement.

6. Hire a Trustworthy Contractor

Once you have approval from the insurance, you can hire a contractor and begin the repairs process. Again, you will want to hire a local roofing company that readily shows you licensing and insurance certifications.

Be wary of roofing scammers who knock on your door after a storm with offers that seem too good to be true, or who offer free work in exchange for personal information.

7. Stay In Touch With Your Adjuster

Your insurance adjuster and roofing contractor will handle the majority of the paperwork from here, but check in often to see if they need anything further from you. Once you have paid for your deductible, your adjuster will let you know when and how funds will be disbursed to cover the remainder of the project.

Replacing your roof can be stressful, but J&K Roofing is here to help. We pride ourselves on being the Calm after the Storm℠ and we will work with you every step of the way to make sure your roof is restored.

If you are in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado areas, call us today to schedule your free inspection.

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