Dealing with a damaged roof is certainly stressful. Whether it is a sudden hail storm hitting Asheville, hurricanes in Wilmington, flash floods in Waynesville, and severe thunderstorms in Franklin and Hendersonville in North Carolina, the one thing that takes too much of time and money is roof insurance restoration.
Thus by familiarizing yourself with the Roof Insurance Restoration process, you can help set your expectations. The main thing most people want to know is the timeline: how long is this going to take? This guide explains each step in Roof Insurance Restoration to help you feel more confident when dealing with this process.
What is Roof Insurance Restoration?
Roof insurance restoration-this means repair or replacement of your roof following an insurable event. In simple terms this involves filing a claim, a roof inspection, a repair approval and ultimately roof restoration. Understanding the process will assist in managing your expectations and ensuring a stress-free repair process.
Take the first step now and Click here to get your FREE roofing consultation with Burish Builders!
Step-by-Step Guide to Roof Insurance Restoration Process
1. Filing the Claim : The First Step in Roof Restoration
Filing the insurance claim is the first step. Make sure you have your policy number and the date of the damage when contacting your insurance company. Prompt action helps ensure that your roof gets covered. You should be aware of the policy’s exclusions and ensure all damage is documented properly. For more details on How to Start Roof Insurance Restoration Process.
Timeline: Same Day
2. Damage Assessment and Documentation (Days 1 to 7)
After filing the claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster. Before they arrive, document the damage yourself using photos and videos to ensure a clear record.
Key Activity: Use 3D digital twins for verifiable records. This helps avoid disputes later on and gives you proof for adjusters and contractors.
Timeline: 1 to 7 Days
3. Adjuster Inspection and Coverage Review (Days 1 to 14)
An adjuster will visit your property to assess the damage and confirm coverage. If it’s a busy time (e.g., post-storm), it may take longer to schedule this inspection.
Best Practice: Always have your contractor present during the inspection to ensure no damage is missed by the adjuster.
Timeline: 1 to 3 hours
4. Report and Payment (Days 3 to 21)
After the inspection, the adjuster writes the scope of work. The insurance company will issue an initial payment, typically covering the Actual Cash Value (ACV).
Timeline: 3 to 21 Days
5. Scope Review and Supplement Requests (Days 1 to 30)
Review the adjuster’s scope of work with your contractor to ensure no critical items were missed. If necessary, submit supplement requests for additional funds.
Timeline: 1 to 30 Days
6. Material Selection & Scheduling (Days 1 to 14)
Once funding is secured, choose materials for the roofing project. This could involve coordinating with your HOA, depending on the area.
Timeline: 1 to 14 Days
7. Roof Restoration Installation (Days 1 to 3)
The actual restoration, from tearing off the old roof to installing new shingles, is a quick process. Weather may delay this stage.
Timeline: 1 to 3 Days
8. Completion and Final Payment (Days 1 to 30)
Once the roof is complete, submit the necessary documents to your insurance company to collect your full payment, including depreciation.
Timeline: 1 to 30 Days
Table: Roof Insurance Restoration Timeline
For most residential properties, a standard asphalt shingle roof replacement in North Carolina takes 1 to 3 days. However, for the roof insurance restoration process, there is an entire timeline that follows step by step.
| Step | Estimated Timeframe | Key Activities | Stakeholders Involved | Common Delays |
| 1. Filing the Claim | Same Day | Homeowner contacts insurance, claim number assigned | Homeowner, Insurance Company | High claim volume post-storm |
| 2. Adjuster Assignment | 1-14 Days | Adjuster visits, documentation of damage | Adjuster, Homeowner, Contractor | Availability of adjusters |
| 3. Adjuster Inspection | 1-3 Hours | Adjuster reviews damage, emergency tarp placement | Adjuster, Contractor, Homeowner | Weather conditions, property access |
| 4. Payment Issuance | 3-21 Days | Insurer issues ACV payment, adjuster scope of work | Adjuster, Insurance Company | Complex damage, high claim volume |
| 5. Scope Review & Supplements | 1-30 Days | Contractor reviews scope, submits supplement requests | Contractor, Insurance Company | Negotiation delays, re-inspections |
| 6. Material Selection | 1-14 Days | Material selection, HOA approval if needed | Homeowner, Contractor | Material availability, HOA approval |
| 7. Roof Installation | 1-3 Days | Roof tear-off, decking repair, new shingle installation | Contractor, Subcontractors | Weather, material shortages |
| 8. Final Payment & Completion | 1-30 Days | Final documentation submitted for depreciation recovery | Homeowner, Contractor, Insurance | Documentation issues, administrative delays |
Common Friction Points in the Roof Restoration Process
- Misaligned Expectations: Homeowners and adjusters may interpret the damage differently.
- Approval Delays: Insurance companies may take longer to approve estimates.
- Material Shortages: Limited availability of specific roofing materials can cause delays.
- Communication Gaps: Inconsistent communication can slow down the process.
FAQ Section
1. How long does the roof insurance restoration process take?
The general roof insurance restoration takes anywhere between 4-8 weeks; however, if the claim contains supplements or disputes, it can last 3-6 months.
2. What is roof insurance restoration?
Roof insurance restoration is simply repairing or replacing your roof if it has been damaged by covered event(s) such as a storm, hail, or fire. The process requires filing a claim, having an adjuster come out and inspect, then repair.
3. What is covered for roof damage on my insurance?
Most insurance policies cover damage caused by sudden & accidental event(s), but typically will not cover wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Some policies are covered by sudden and accidental event(s) such as a storm, hail, or fire, while some are only covered by an all risk policy.
4. How do I file my roof insurance claim?
The process starts by calling your insurance company, filing the claim, providing your policy number and the storm date. The company will then assign you a claim number and schedule an adjuster to come out and inspect your roof. You should take photos and videos of the damage as evidence of damage.
5. What should I do before the adjuster comes out?
Before your insurance adjuster arrives to inspect your roof, take pictures and videos of the damage. Make sure you document the damage to all of your property and the roof itself to best represent the damage claim.
6. How do I pick out a contractor for roof restoration?
You want a contractor who is accustomed to handling insurance claims. A professional restoration contractor can walk you through the entire restoration process, provide the proper documentation needed, and communicate with the adjuster in order to represent you well in the inspection.
7. What is the difference between ACV and RCV in roof restoration?
ACV stands for “Actual Cash Value”, meaning that your insurance company will pay for your roof minus any depreciation. RCV stands for “Replacement Cost Value”, which is the cost that would be required to replace your roof at current market value without taking depreciation into account.
8. Why can roof restoration take longer than expected?
Some insurance claim roofs take longer than expected if the storm volume is too high after a major storm, or if the insurance company is having trouble getting an adjuster or contractor to take the case. If the roof needs supplemental parts or is taking longer than expected, some insurance policies require digital documentation of the work to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
9. Can I recover my depreciation after the roof is installed?
Your depreciation is usually held by your insurance company until the work on your roof is complete. When the restoration is finished you can submit a claim with proof to get that depreciation back from your insurance company.
10. Why to choose Burish Builders?
Burish Builders is a trusted name in providing roof restoration and consultation. The company has 40+ years of experience and is a trusted choice of homeowners in Asheville, Wilmington, Waynesville, Franklin, and Hendersonville NC.
The End of Timeline
A Roof Insurance Restoration is a journey with many steps. By understanding the Roof Insurance Claim Process and the typical Roof Damage Insurance Claim Timeline, you can stay in control. Start with thorough documentation and choose a contractor who knows how to navigate the insurance world. For expert help and local service, visit our website and get exclusive roofing and consultation services at affordable rates.
Take control of your roof restoration with guidance from experienced professionals. You can also check our customer reviews on our Google Business Profile to see why homeowners trust Burish Builders.
