A properly installed and well-maintained roof can last for 30 years. So, there’s a good chance your home’s roof was put on long before you bought it. And you probably haven’t put much thought into what type of shingle sits on top of your home if it’s doing the job. But if your roof gets damaged or is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may learn the shingle you have is discontinued.
Some extremely popular shingles a few decades ago are no longer an option. One example is the Atlas Chalet. Many homeowners put this shingle on their roofs in the 1990s because they were inexpensive and looked nice. But it was quickly determined they were damaged very easily. They did not withstand the test of time and were quickly pulled from the market.
If you have roof damage, but your shingle type is no longer available, don’t panic. Remember, the shingle was likely discontinued for a good reason, and there are better choices to protect your home.
Know Your Policy
Most homeowners don’t think much about their insurance policy until it is time to file a claim. Set a reminder to review your homeowners’ policy annually and confirm it still provides sufficient coverage limits to protect you. Talk to your agent about types of coverage, what is excluded, and how much your deductible will be on a claim.
Your level of coverage will determine how your insurance company covers discontinued shingles. A few possibilities include:
• Covering the cost of materials and labor to protect your home adequately versus actual replacement value
• Covering the cost of a closely matching shingle
• Covering the cost of a single layer of shingles
It is important to note that you can’t file a claim simply because you learn your shingles are no longer available. But you will want to inform your agent as you initiate an insurance claim process.
Hire a Professional
If a small section of your roof requires repair, Rose Roofing can help you find a close match to the discontinued shingle. However, when most of the roof is damaged, you will likely need a total replacement and can select a shingle that works for your budget and curb appeal.
Talking to us first will give you confidence when working with your insurance agent and adjuster. If your home experienced a weather event that caused the damage, you’ll want to file a claim as quickly as possible. If you contact one of our experts, we’ll come out immediately and inspect the damage. Because we work with many shingle manufacturers, we often know right away if a shingle has been discontinued and the next best available option. You’ll have a variety of samples to choose from based on pricing, color, and lifespan. We can also advise you on what the insurance company might consider comparable to what you already have and what would result in an upcharge.
Consider Value
If a portion of your roof is damaged, but the shingles are no longer available, and there is not a close match, you will want to consider replacing the entire roof. Having mismatched shingles can decrease the value of your home. It also detracts from curb appeal. Remember that insurance companies are more interested in function than appearance, and we can help negotiate or bring in our own private adjusters.
Ultimately, a discontinued shingle is a small hurdle to overcome. Rose Roofing can help you through every step of the insurance claim process. Contact us to inspect your roof, discuss options, and work with your agent to find a solution that works best for you.
Sources:
https://www.angi.com/articles/what-should-you-do-about-discontinued-shingles.htm
https://www.trotterroofing.com/blog/discontinued-shingles
