Florida Property Damage Lawyer: Roof Damage and Your Vital Legal Interests

Fill out our contact form or call us at (800) 349-0000 to be connected to the nearest Florida office to you for a totally free case evaluation!

Each year, weather events and other incidents result in residential and business roof damage. In many cases, the extent of damage results in the complete loss of a home or business’ roof. If you’re a homeowner (or a businessowner) and have found yourself pursuing an insurance claim for a damaged roof, you may face an obstinate insurance company that is fighting you at every step. If that is the case, a Florida property damage lawyer at The Doan Law Firm is ready to tirelessly fight for you. You can reach us around the clock, 365 days a year, including all major holidays, by calling (800) 349-0000.

Roof damage is caused for a variety of reasons. The primary causes of roof damage in Florida are weather events and fires. When it comes to weather events, the immediate causes of roof damage include falling trees, wind directly harming a residence or business, and hail.

In addition to direct damage caused to a roof, this type of calamity extends further. For example, when a roof is damaged by a weather event, other elements of a home or business are at risk for harm as well. With the protection provided by a roof impaired, other elements of home or business are susceptible to damage, including severe harm.

Florida Law and Roof Damage

Florida law maintains what is known as the 24 Percent Rule. According to this law, if more than 25 percent of your roof was damaged as the result of a storm or another incident, the entire roof “must be brought up to code.” What this oftentimes means is that an entire roof will need to be replaced. A homeowner’s insurance company would be responsible for such a replacement claim.

The older a roof on a residence or business, the more likely “bringing it to code” will mean a complete replacement. The one caveat is if a roof can fairly be described as being built or divided into unique, identifiable sections. If that is the case, the 25 percent guidance will be applied on a section-by-section basis. In other words, if only one identifiable section of a roof has sustained damage above the 25 percent mark, only that individual area is subject to replacement.

Insurance Companies and Roof Damage Claims

At first blush, the 25 percent rule does seem like it is favorable to and beneficial for homeowners and businessowners alike. With that said, insurance companies are notorious for abusing the claims process and working mightily to turn the 25 percent rule against homeowners and businessowners.

With alarming frequency, insurance companies will take the position that even the most widespread and significant roof damage at a home or business is limited to less than 25 percent. Insurers do this to avoid the cost of a full roof replacement. Insurance companies may also attempt to limit compensation based on an unfounded argument that the sectional applies. Even if a roof really isn’t designed in truly unique sections that can be individually addressed, an insurance company improperly takes such a position to avoid providing appropriate compensation to a home or business owner.

Early in 2020, Florida media outlets reported that upwards to 75 percent of insurance claims filed by homeowners for roof damage were initially denied by insurers. In the grand scheme of things, insurance companies are in business for one primary reason. They exist to make money for their shareholders. A primary way in which insurance companies boost their bottom lines is by avoiding paying claims.

Florida Property Damage Lawyer: Protect Your Legal Rights when Faced with Roof Damage

A Doan Law Firm Florida property damage lawyer can schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation with you at your convenience by calling (800) 349-0000. We can meet with you at any one of our conveniently located Florida offices, at your home, or at your business. We can also arrange a virtual appointment online if you desire. There is never a charge for an initial consultation with a Florida property damage lawyer.

The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee promise to you. We never charge an attorney fee unless we win for you.