Phoenix Haboob, Monsoon rains and your Roof

Phoenix Roof Repair and Our Monsoon Season

Monsoon Dangers to My Roof.

Did you know that Monsoon season starts in the middle of June and ends in September? But, did you know with the continuing threat of rain and wind can affect Phoenix roofer’s ability to re-roof or repair your roof. Our monsoon season can also be dangerous to your roof.

The word Haboob comes from the Arabic word, “Strong wind”. When I was stationed in Saudi Arabia during the First Gulf War Haboobs were common, coming back home to Phoenix, many times the larger Haboobs remind me of my tour of duty in Saudi Arabia.

Haboobs form after a good Phoenix Monsoon storm. Rain cooled air from the monsoon plunges to the desert surface at speeds of up 100 miles per hour. These strong winds kick up our desert dry and loose sand, causing the Haboob or large dust storms.

Dangers to your Roof

These strong winds can affect your Phoenix roof. It can blow of shingles, loosely installed tiles and even affect your air conditioners.   These sudden and strong winds can cause your shingles or roof tiles to lift up or even blow off. It allows debris to move quickly and clog scuppers or roof drains on flat roofs. Trees and their branches can easily damage your roof.  The monsoon season have the potential to cause serious damage to your roof.

If you own a commercial or residential flat roof our heavy monsoon rains can cause serious issues. Our roofs get over whelmed with the sudden and large mount of water. If your in-roof drains or scuppers are blocked by debris this large amount foo water may be impeded by the debris. This puts stress on your roofing structure and not only cause serious leaks but also can cause roof collapses.

Why roof Inspections.

It is always wise to have your roof inspected before monsoon season and especially after a storm. Being proactive is always “Roof-Smart”.   Contacting a certified NRCIA (National Roof Certification and Inspection Association) roof inspector can put your “contractorphobia” at ease. For more information about roofing or roof inspection visit www.CostEffectiveroofing.com.

Will my Homeowners Insurance Cover a Roof Leak?

First, let’s get the insurance question out of the way: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover my roof leak?

Since Arizona is not subject to annual hail or storms like Texas, Oklahoma or Kansas, most Arizona property owners have little knowledge of what is covered by their insurance.  Many are under the impression that their insurance will cover roof repair or roof replacement.

Obviously, insurance policies differ between insurance companies, types of coverage, and individual states’ laws. Every homeowner should understand what their Insurance actually covers.

Homeowner’s Insurance covers roof damage not neglect.

There are two basic coverage’s on your policy that you should be aware of in your homeowner’s policy.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Actual Cash Value (ACV) is computed by subtracting depreciation, which is based on age and condition of your roof– from the roof replacement cost.
Replacement cost is another method of valuation. An example would be as follows: You purchased a new roof in 1990 for $6000. The
replacement cost of that roof’s value in today’s market is $10,000. Actual Cash Value (ACV) insurance would only pay the Actual Cash Value of your roof at the time of loss. The ACV would be the replacement cost (at today’s prices), less depreciation. In this example, the insurance company may pay an
estimated cost of $4,500 for your new roof less your deductible.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) is the amount that an insurance
company would pay, at the present time, to replace your roof. In the example above, the roof replacement cost is $10,000. The insurance company would pay out the value of the roof in today’s market of $10,000, less your deductible. Most likely, you have Replacement Cost Value type coverage; which entitles you to have your roof replaced with like kind and quality when it is of equal or better condition then it was before the damage occurred.

For more information about insurance and your roof visit: www.TRMroofing.com