Roof Inspection in Kenosha, WI

When should a Kenosha roof be inspected?

After any wind line or hail report, after a heavy snow or lake-effect storm, when a leak or stain appears, and before an insurance claim is filed. A roof with no problems can still be inspected every few years, since many faults start before they show.

The storm calendar for Kenosha is busy in spring and summer with wind lines, and the first heavy snow of winter can reach the shore quickly. Each event is a reason to check the roof soon after it passes.

An inspection before a claim is the most useful. A dated report with photographs shows the condition of the roof on that day, which is what an adjuster needs.

A roof that is old, or one that has had several patches, is worth checking on a schedule, because a small problem found early is cheaper to fix than a large one found after a leak.

What does a roof inspection include?

The attic, the covering, the flashing, the vents, the penetrations, the gutters and the trim are all examined and recorded. The report says what is damaged, what is worn and what should be watched, so the owner can decide what to do next.

The attic is where most of the early clues sit. Staining, frost and wet insulation point to the roof areas to check, and they show whether a leak is old or new.

The covering is judged by its surface, its seal and its condition at the edges. Shingles, tiles or metal are assessed for the type of damage and how far it reaches.

The report is written in plain language, with photographs and locations, so the owner and any adjuster can follow it without the technician in the room.

• Attic: staining, frost, wet insulation, ventilation
• Covering: lifted, cracked, bruised or missing pieces
• Flashing and penetrations: lifted metal, cracked boots, sealant
• Gutters, downspouts and trim: sag, dents, rot

Does an inspection help with an insurance claim?

A dated, photographed and written inspection gives an adjuster a clear record of the roof's condition. It does not decide the claim, which depends on the policy and the cause of the damage, but it makes the facts easier to check.

In Wisconsin, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance takes complaints about insurers, agents and adjusters, and it can look into a delayed or wrongly denied claim. It cannot act as the homeowner's lawyer or decide the facts of a claim.

The storm damage insurance guide explains the steps for a claim in Wisconsin. An inspection report is one of the first records that guide suggests keeping.