Our 24/7 emergency teams can be on-site within hours to assess the damage, secure your property, and initiate the restoration process—ensuring your home is stabilized and recovery can begin as soon as possible. Response time depends on your location within New Franklin, current weather conditions, and emergency call volume following major storm events.

During individual emergencies (single home affected by tree damage, localized leak, etc.), we typically arrive within 1-3 hours of your call, any time day or night. Our emergency crews carry comprehensive equipment and materials allowing immediate protective measures—tarping, temporary patches, water extraction, and structural stabilization—protecting your home from further damage.

Following widespread severe weather events affecting many New Franklin properties simultaneously, response times may extend to 4-8 hours as we triage emergencies based on damage severity and safety risks. Properties with active leaks, structural hazards, or significant exposure receive priority response, while properties with minor damage may experience slightly longer wait times. However, even during major storm events, we maintain communication with all callers, provide guidance on immediate steps you can take to minimize damage, and commit to specific arrival timeframes.

We never promise arrival times we can’t meet. When you call our emergency line, we provide honest assessment of when our crew will reach your property based on current conditions and demand. This transparency allows you to plan accordingly and have confidence in our commitment.

If weather conditions make roofing work unsafe (active lightning, high winds, heavy rain), we use tarping and other protective methods to minimize water intrusion while performing essential temporary fixes, returning for permanent repairs once it’s safe. Safety for both our crews and your family always takes precedence, but we’ll protect your home to the maximum extent possible given conditions.

Coverage varies by policy, but most homeowners insurance provides broad coverage for sudden, accidental damage from weather events. Understanding specific policy provisions and proper claims handling ensures you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Covered Storm Damage: Standard homeowners insurance typically covers roof damage from:

• Hail impacts damaging shingles and roof components
• Wind damage tearing off or lifting shingles
• Falling trees or branches creating impact damage
• Hurricane or tornado damage to roof structures
• Ice dam formation causing water infiltration
• Heavy snow or ice loading causing structural damage
• Lightning strikes damaging roof materials

These sudden, weather-related damages fall under most policies’ covered perils, making them eligible for insurance claims.

Potentially Excluded Damage: Insurance typically does NOT cover:

• Normal wear and tear from aging
• Gradual deterioration from deferred maintenance
• Pre-existing damage that wasn’t storm-related
• Damage from negligence or lack of reasonable maintenance
• Some homeowner’s insurance policies now have clauses that exclude claims for cosmetic damage—if a hailstorm has nicked and scraped your home but didn’t impact functionality, the insurance company can deny your claim

The distinction between covered sudden damage and excluded gradual deterioration sometimes creates disputes. This is precisely why professional documentation from experienced roofing contractors is so valuable—we provide evidence establishing damage cause and timing, supporting your covered claim.

Policy Type Matters: Replacement Cost Value policies pay to replace property with the same kind of material and construction without deduction for depreciation, while Actual Cash Value policies depreciate your roof based on age. Replacement Cost coverage is strongly recommended for optimal protection.

Your Deductible: You’re responsible for your policy deductible before insurance coverage applies. If your roof damage repair costs $12,000 and your deductible is $1,500, insurance pays $10,500 and you pay $1,500. Higher deductibles reduce premium costs but increase out-of-pocket expenses when claims occur.

Claim Time Limits: Most insurers require claims to be filed within a specific timeframe, typically one year from damage occurrence. Missing these deadlines can result in claim denials regardless of damage validity. Prompt inspection and claim filing protects your rights.

We provide free insurance claim consultations, reviewing your policy coverage and damage to give you honest assessment of claim likelihood before you file. This expertise helps you make informed decisions about pursuing insurance claims versus paying for repairs privately.

Taking proper immediate actions protects your safety, minimizes additional damage, and preserves your insurance claim rights:

1. Ensure Safety First: If storm damage is severe—roof collapse, major structural compromise, downed power lines—evacuate your home and call 911. Never risk personal safety to protect property.

2. Stop Additional Damage If Possible: Take photos to document the severity of damage before clearing any debris or starting restoration. If you can safely place buckets under active leaks, move valuable items away from water, or spread tarps protecting contents, do so carefully. However, never climb on damaged roofs or take unsafe actions.

3. Document Everything: Detailed documentation is essential when filing insurance claims—take clear photos and videos of damage from multiple angles. Photograph:

• Exterior roof damage from ground level (never climb on damaged roofs)
• Interior water damage, ceiling stains, and affected areas
• Damaged contents (furniture, belongings, fixtures)
• Storm debris (hailstones, fallen branches, wind-blown materials)
• Date-stamp all documentation if possible

4. Contact Our Emergency Service: Call our 24/7 emergency line immediately. Our professionals provide immediate guidance on safe damage mitigation steps, dispatch emergency crews to your location, and begin coordinating your response and recovery process.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report storm damage to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing documentation and detailed description of the damage. Most insurers require prompt notification, and delays can complicate claims. However, you don’t need to have complete damage assessment before calling—initial notification starts your claim while detailed documentation follows.

6. Prevent Further Damage: Insurance policies require homeowners to mitigate ongoing damage. Take reasonable steps to prevent additional losses—but never risk safety. Our emergency tarping and protection services satisfy this insurance requirement while ensuring proper protective measures.

7. Keep All Receipts: Save receipts for any emergency expenses—hotel stays if displaced, emergency tarping materials, water extraction services, temporary repairs. These expenses may be reimbursable under your insurance policy.

8. Don’t Sign Anything Without Understanding: Some contractors or public adjusters may ask you to sign contracts or assignments immediately after storms. Take time to understand any documents before signing. We never pressure homeowners into immediate commitments during stressful emergency situations.

Actions to AVOID:

• Don’t climb on damaged roofs (unsafe and can worsen damage)
• Don’t allow unlicensed contractors to begin work
• Don’t accept “free roof” offers (these are often insurance fraud schemes)
• Don’t sign over insurance proceeds before work is completed
• Don’t dispose of damaged materials before insurance inspection (unless they create safety hazards)

Following these steps protects your safety, minimizes damage, and preserves your insurance claim rights—setting the foundation for successful recovery.

Distinguishing hail damage from normal aging is critical for insurance claims, as carriers cover sudden weather damage but exclude gradual deterioration. Understanding key indicators helps you recognize legitimate hail damage requiring professional assessment.

Hail Damage Indicators:

Bruised or Dented Shingles: Hail impacts create distinctive circular marks where granules are knocked away, exposing underlying asphalt. These bruises appear as dark, round spots scattered randomly across shingle surfaces—distinctly different from the uniform granule loss of aging shingles. Larger hail creates more severe bruising or actual cracks in shingle surfaces.

Random Distribution Pattern: Hail damage appears randomly distributed across roof surfaces rather than concentrated in specific areas. You’ll see damage on all roof slopes—though slopes facing the storm direction may show more severe impacts. This random pattern differs from aging, which concentrates along roof edges, in valleys, or on south-facing slopes receiving maximum sun exposure.

Consistent Dent Size: Hailstones in individual storms are relatively uniform size, creating consistent damage patterns. If impacts measure approximately the same diameter across your roof, this suggests hail rather than other damage sources.

Damage to Other Surfaces: Hail doesn’t selectively damage only shingles. Look for corresponding damage to:

• Roof vents (cracked plastic vents or dented metal vents)
• Metal flashing (visible denting)
• Gutters and downspouts (distinctive dents along top edges)
• Vinyl siding (circular impact marks)
• Air conditioning units (dented fins or top surfaces)
• Deck surfaces, patio furniture, or vehicles (if outdoors during storm)

Multiple surfaces showing consistent impact damage strongly indicates hail rather than isolated roof aging.

Fresh Damage Appearance: Recent hail damage shows bright, clean exposed asphalt at impact sites. Older damage accumulates dirt and weathering, appearing darker. Fresh damage suggests recent storm events.

Normal Wear Indicators:

Uniform Granule Loss: Aging shingles lose granules gradually and uniformly, particularly on south and west-facing slopes receiving maximum sun exposure. This creates overall color fading rather than random dark spots characteristic of hail bruising.

Edge Curling or Cupping: Old shingles curl upward at edges or cup downward in centers as asphalt loses flexibility. This aging pattern differs from hail’s circular bruising.

Cracking Along Shingle Ridges: Aging causes cracks along shingle tab ridges where repeated expansion/contraction stresses materials. Hail creates random cracking patterns rather than consistent edge cracking.

Concentrated Damage Zones: Normal wear concentrates in specific areas—roof edges exposed to wind, valleys channeling water, or southern exposures receiving maximum UV—rather than random distribution across entire roof.

When in Doubt, Request Professional Inspection:

Hail damage assessment requires trained expertise. Our certified inspectors examine hundreds of storm-damaged roofs annually, developing refined ability to distinguish hail impacts from other damage. We provide honest assessments—if your roof shows normal aging rather than storm damage, we tell you truthfully rather than fabricating claims.

Many New Franklin homeowners don’t realize their roofs sustained hail damage until leaks develop years later, after insurance claim deadlines have passed. After any significant hailstorm in Summit County, schedule professional inspection even if you don’t see obvious damage. Early detection preserves your insurance claim rights while protecting your home.

Storm damage repair timelines vary based on damage extent, weather conditions, material availability, and insurance claim processing. Understanding typical timeframes helps you plan appropriately and recognize when contractors are being realistic versus overpromising.

Emergency Response Phase (Day 1)

When you contact our emergency service, we respond within 1-8 hours depending on conditions and demand. Emergency crews provide immediate protective measures—tarping damaged areas, securing loose materials, extracting water, and stabilizing structures. This emergency phase typically requires 2-6 hours on-site. Your home is left weathertight and protected while permanent repairs are arranged.

Insurance Claim Phase (Days 2-14)

If filing insurance claims, your timeline includes:

• Insurance company notification (Day 1-2)
• Adjuster scheduling (3-10 days depending on carrier and storm event size)
• Adjuster inspection (1-2 hours on-site)
• Initial estimate receipt (3-7 days after inspection)
• Estimate review and any supplemental documentation (2-5 days)
• Claim approval and funding (1-3 days)

Following major storm events affecting many properties, adjuster availability may be limited, extending this timeline. However, emergency protective measures have secured your home, preventing additional damage during the claims process.

Permanent Repair Phase (Days 7-21)

Once insurance approval is received or you decide to proceed with private payment, permanent repairs are scheduled. Timeline depends on damage extent:

Minor Storm Damage Repairs (replacing 10-30 shingles, reflashing one chimney, repairing small sections): Often completed in 1-2 days once scheduled. Material availability is typically immediate for minor repairs.

Moderate Storm Damage (replacing 50-150 shingles, multiple valleys, several flashings): Usually requires 2-4 days for complete repairs. Material ordering may add 3-7 days if specific colors or styles require special order.

Complete Roof Replacement (extensive hail damage, severe wind damage affecting most roof): Typically completed in 2-5 days depending on home size and complexity. Material ordering for full replacements may require 1-2 weeks, particularly following major storm events when demand is high.

Weather Considerations: New Franklin’s weather affects roofing schedules. Rain delays are common—we never install permanent roofing during wet conditions as this compromises installation quality and material warranties. Winter storms may create temporary delays. We maintain clear communication about weather-related schedule adjustments.

Realistic Complete Timeline: From initial storm damage through completed permanent repairs, realistic timelines are:

• Minor repairs with insurance: 3-5 weeks
• Moderate repairs with insurance: 4-6 weeks
• Complete replacement with insurance: 5-8 weeks
• Any repairs without insurance claims: 1-3 weeks (eliminating claims processing time)

Following major widespread storm events affecting hundreds of properties, timelines may extend due to material shortages and contractor demand. However, emergency protection has secured your home, and we maintain communication throughout the process.

Our Commitment: We provide realistic timeline estimates based on current conditions—never overpromising to win your business. If delays occur, we communicate proactively and work diligently to complete your repairs as quickly as possible while maintaining our quality standards.

This common question involves balancing immediate repair costs against potential premium increases and claim history impacts. The decision depends on damage extent, your deductible, claim history, and long-term considerations.

When to Definitely File Claims:

Damage Exceeds $3,000-$5,000: If repair costs substantially exceed your deductible, filing claims makes financial sense. For example, if you have a $1,500 deductible and damage totals $8,000, you save $6,500 by filing—making potential premium impacts worthwhile.

Widespread Hail Damage: Even if current leaks aren’t present, widespread hail bruising compromises shingle integrity and causes premature failure. These claims often justify complete roof replacement—$10,000-$15,000 value you receive for only your deductible. The financial benefit far outweighs potential premium concerns.

Structural Damage: Any damage affecting roof structure, decking, or creating safety concerns should be claimed. These repairs require significant investment, and insurance coverage exists specifically for this protection.

Interior Water Damage: If storm damage caused interior water infiltration damaging ceilings, walls, insulation, or contents, claim values quickly escalate beyond roof repairs alone. Comprehensive claims ensure all damage is addressed.

When to Consider Paying Privately:

Damage Barely Exceeds Deductible: If damage totals $2,000 and your deductible is $1,500, you save only $500 by claiming—minimal benefit for adding a claim to your history. Many homeowners pay privately for repairs close to deductible amounts.

Multiple Recent Claims: If you’ve filed other recent claims (prior storm damage, water damage, theft), another claim may trigger premium increases or non-renewal concerns. Consult your insurance agent about potential impacts.

Minor Cosmetic Issues: Small areas of missing shingles or minor flashing repairs costing under $1,000 often make sense to pay privately, avoiding claims for minimal damage.

Important Considerations:

Claims Don’t Always Increase Premiums: Many insurers don’t increase premiums for weather-related claims beyond your control. However, multiple claims within 3-5 years can affect rates or renewability.

Claims Are Public Record: Insurance claims become part of your home’s claims history report (similar to CARFAX for vehicles). Excessive claims can affect future insurance availability or pricing.

Don’t Commit Insurance Fraud: Some contractors encourage homeowners to file exaggerated claims or claim non-storm damage as storm-related. This constitutes insurance fraud with serious legal consequences. We provide honest damage assessments—we’ll never encourage fraudulent claims.

Free Claim Consultation: We offer complimentary claim consultations reviewing your specific damage and policy to provide honest recommendations about whether filing claims serves your best interests. This expertise helps you make informed decisions without obligation.

Storm events attract unscrupulous contractors—often called “storm chasers”—who flood affected areas offering suspiciously cheap prices, pressure tactics, or outright fraudulent schemes. Choosing reliable contractors protects you from scams while ensuring quality repairs. Look for these indicators of reputable emergency roofing companies:

Legitimate Local Presence:

Verify contractors maintain established local operations—not temporary storm-response setups. Check for:

• Permanent local office addresses (not just P.O. boxes)
• Local phone numbers (not just mobile phones)
• Years of established local business (verify through Better Business Bureau, Google reviews)
• Local references from neighbors and community members

Storm chasers often provide only mobile contact information, operate from out-of-state, and disappear after collecting payment—leaving you with no recourse if problems develop.

Proper Licensing and Insurance:

Ohio requires roofing contractors to maintain proper licenses and insurance protecting homeowners. Verify:

• Valid Ohio contractor licenses
• Current general liability insurance ($1 million minimum recommended)
• Workers compensation coverage (protects you from liability if workers are injured)

Request and verify certificates of insurance—never accept verbal assurances. Contact insurance carriers directly confirming coverage is current and adequate.

No Pressure Tactics:

Reputable contractors provide information and allow you time for decisions. Warning signs include:

• Pressure to sign contracts immediately
• Claims they can only offer “today’s pricing”
• Requests for large upfront payments (before work begins)
• Offers to waive insurance deductibles (illegal in Ohio)
• Promises of “free roofs” through insurance (fraud schemes)
• Door-to-door solicitation immediately after storms

We provide detailed written estimates, allow time for review, and never pressure emergency decisions during stressful situations.

Written Estimates and Contracts:

All work should be documented in detailed written contracts specifying:

• Complete scope of work (materials, methods, timeline)
• Total project cost with payment schedule
• Warranty information (workmanship and materials)
• Insurance claim coordination if applicable
• Company contact information and license numbers

Avoid contractors offering only verbal estimates or vague “we’ll bill insurance” arrangements without specific documentation.

Insurance Claim Ethics:

Reputable contractors assist with legitimate claims but never:

• Offer to waive deductibles
• Encourage exaggerated or fraudulent claims
• Promise they can get claims approved regardless of damage
• Request you sign over insurance proceeds before work completion

We provide honest damage assessment, professional documentation supporting legitimate claims, and ethical insurance coordination—but we never participate in fraud.

Established Reputation:

Research contractors thoroughly:

• Google reviews and ratings (look for patterns in feedback)
• Better Business Bureau ratings and complaint history
• Manufacturer certifications (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed ShingleMaster)
• References from recent storm damage projects
• Years in business serving New Franklin

Our reputation has been built through decades of honest service to New Franklin homeowners. We’re invested in this community and stand behind every roof we install or repair.

Fair Pricing:

Be suspicious of estimates significantly lower than competitors. Extremely low pricing usually indicates:

• Use of substandard materials
• Inadequate insurance coverage
• Shortcuts in installation quality
• Plans to collect payment and disappear

We provide competitive, fair pricing reflecting quality materials and expert installation—never the lowest price, but always the best value.