Michael Harvey, founder and CEO of The Roof Resource in Macomb Township, says the use of drones by insurers and roofing companies to identify damaged roofs is something homeowners should expect, and he has advice as to how members of the public can take advantage of that fact.
“Nearly every major insurance company now is using some form of AI and insurers argue it is a safer and more cost-effective way to evaluate the condition of homes,” says Harvey. “While homeowners may feel as if they are being spied on, insurance companies are going to continue to mitigate their risks with advancing technology, and whether we like it or not, maintaining the roof is ultimately our responsibility as homeowners.”
The biggest factor insurance companies look to for policy decisions is the age of the roof. Homeowners should know the year their roof was last replaced, and if it is 15 or 16 years old, chances are it is going to need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
“Whether you see the warning signs yourself, get a professional inspection, or the insurance company brings them to your attention, you will eventually need to replace your roof,” says Harvey. “However, there are ways to save on the costs without sacrificing quality, and replacement can save you money in the long run by eliminating potential issues before they become major problems, or before you get flagged by aerial surveillance.”
The Roof Resource uses remote technology available to provide precision virtual measurements of an entire roof to provide homeowners with an estimate within 24 hours, as well as using tech to provide a full virtual consumer experience that allows homeowners to navigate every step of the entire roof replacement process from the comfort of their laptop or PC.
By taking advantage of the technology offered by companies like The Roof Resource, consumers can discover problems before insurance companies can zero in on aging roofs or roofs that may appear weak or damaged in the imagery and deny a policy or require the homeowner to repair or replace the roof before further damage occurs to reduce the likelihood of claims.
Homeowners can get ahead of the roofing issues insurance surveillance can flag you for by doing a quick assessment themselves. Look for the following red flags:
- Missing or damaged shingles: Curled, cracked, and damaged shingles, as well as bare spots, missing shingles, and exposed or loose nails can indicate your roof is nearing the end of its life.
- Granules in gutters: Finding granules from asphalt shingles in gutters and downspouts suggest shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan.
- Dark streaks or stains: Stains and dark streaks on your roof can be a sign of airborne algae, signaling the need for replacement.
- Sagging roof: Sagging spots on the roof may indicate rotting decking or support beams that necessitate replacement.
- Overhanging trees: Tree limbs touching or hanging over your roof can cause damage, with or without a storm. Ideally, branches should be trimmed back 6-10 feet from the roof.
All is not lost for homeowners who receive notice of mandatory roof replacement or non-renewal from their insurance company based on aerial imagery, says Harvey. The Roof Resource offers the following tips to help.
First, homeowners can request to verify the imagery used in the assessment. Some companies will share the imagery so you can verify the image is indeed your home, and the photo is recent.
Second, consumers should know the age of their roof. Roofs approaching or exceeding 20 years will need to be replaced. Manufacturers suggest modern roofs, if properly installed, can now last 40 to 50 years.
The Roof Resource currently serves homeowners in Michigan, southwest Florida, and Denver. For more information, visit their website at theroofresource.com.
