Concerns and Considerations for a Shingle Test when Processing a Roof Claim

After a storm or other damage event, homeowners often find themselves dealing with their insurance company to process a claim for their damaged roof. Your insurance provider may require a shingle test as part of the claim process. This article will discuss the reasons for a shingle test, how to evaluate its necessity, and how to ensure it is conducted fairly and accurately.

Understanding Your Insurance Policy

Before accepting any insurance company's request for a shingle test, it is crucial to review your insurance policy. Your policy should state clearly whether a shingle test is required to process your claim. Additionally, you should understand who will pay for the test and who will conduct it. Ensuring the qualifications of the tester are also important.

Insurance companies often require shingle tests because they may be verifying the age and condition of your roof to determine proper depreciation. Roof shingles are subject to natural wear and tear, with each day bringing a gradual decrease in their lifespan. If your shingles are only five years old out of a 20-year life span, you may be looking at a 25% depreciation based on their age.

Ensuring a Fair and Accurate Shingle Test

Given that this test is conducted on your roof, it is natural to be concerned about the accuracy and fairness of the test. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that the shingle test is conducted properly:

Read Your Policy: Thoroughly review your insurance policy to understand the details regarding the shingle test. Understand the Financial Implications: A shingle test can significantly affect the amount you receive for your claim. If the shingles are older and have experienced more wear, the depreciation value will be higher, reducing the amount of your payout. Observe the Test: It is important to be present when the shingle test is conducted. The test should be performed by a qualified person with the appropriate tools and methods. Consult Experts: If you are unsure about the methods used during the test, you may want to engage a professional roofing company to observe and evaluate the test. Be Proactive: If you suspect that the insurance company is trying to deny or minimize your claim, take proactive steps. This includes gathering photos, maintaining thorough documentation, and possibly consulting with an insurance claims attorney.

What is the Purpose of a Shingle Test?

The primary purpose of a shingle test is often twofold: to assess the current condition of the roof shingles or to identify any manufacturing defects. Here are these two main scenarios:

Wear and Tear: An insurance company may use a shingle test to evaluate the age and wear of your roof. For example, if you have a 10-year-old roof with a 20-year lifespan, you could be looking at a 50% depreciation. This would be factored into the claim payout. Manufacturing Defects: In some cases, the insurance company may suspect that the shingles failed due to a manufacturing defect. While this is less common, it is still a possibility.

If you have an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy, the coverage will pay the replacement cost of the shingles minus the depreciation. For instance, if the shingles should last 20 years and have been in place for 5 years, the policy would pay 75% of the replacement cost. The insurance company will often require a shingle test to establish an accurate depreciation figure.

Conclusion

While understanding the insurance policy and ensuring a fair shingle test process can be challenging, it is crucial to protect your interests. Remember, insurance companies may deny or minimize claims to reduce their financial obligations. It is important to be informed and proactive.

For peace of mind, consider consulting with a professional roofing company to help you navigate this process more effectively. A professional's expertise can provide valuable insights and reduce the likelihood of your claim being undervalued. By taking the right steps, you can ensure that your roof claim is processed fairly and efficiently.