Storm Damage & Hurricane FAQ
Navigating the aftermath of a Lowcountry storm can be overwhelming. To help you protect your home and your investment, we’ve compiled the most frequent questions we receive from homeowners in Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Beaufort.
1. I don't see any missing shingles. Does that mean my roof is fine?
Not necessarily. High winds can cause "wind uplift," where shingles are lifted up and then lay back down. This breaks the factory sealant strip, leaving the roof vulnerable to the next rainstorm. Additionally, hail or flying debris can cause "bruising"—small fractures in the asphalt mat that aren't visible from the ground but lead to leaks over time.
2. Should I call my insurance company or a roofer first?
Call a trusted roofer first. We provide a professional damage assessment to determine if a claim is actually warranted. If you file a claim and the adjuster finds no damage, it still counts as a "zero-pay" claim on your record, which can affect your premiums. If we find damage, we’ll provide the documentation you need to make the filing process seamless.
3. What is a "Hurricane Deductible," and how does it work?
In South Carolina, most coastal policies have a separate deductible for named storms. Instead of a flat fee (like $1,000), it is often a percentage of your home’s insured value (usually 2% to 5%).
* Example: If your home is insured for $400,000 with a 2% hurricane deductible, you are responsible for the first $8,000 of repairs.
4. How long do I have to file a claim after a storm?
While many policies allow up to one year, we strongly recommend filing as soon as damage is confirmed. Waiting can lead to secondary issues like mold or wood rot, which insurance companies may deny if they believe the damage was aggravated by "homeowner neglect" or delay.
5. Can you "emergency tarp" my roof if it’s still raining?
We cannot safely get on a roof during active lightning or extreme gale-force winds. However, as soon as the immediate danger passes, our rapid-response teams mobilize to "dry-in" your home with professional-grade tarps to stop further interior damage.
6. Why does my neighbor’s roof look fine while mine is damaged?
Wind is chaotic. Factors like the height of your house, the direction of the wind "fetch" across a lagoon or marsh, the age of your shingles, and even the surrounding tree canopy can cause one house to lose a roof while the one next door remains untouched.
7. Will my insurance company drop me if I file a storm claim?
In South Carolina, insurance companies generally cannot drop you for filing a single claim resulting from an "Act of God," such as a hurricane or hailstorm. However, they can choose not to renew policies in certain high-risk zones or if a roof is deemed to be past its useful life.
Need an Immediate Inspection?
If a storm has recently passed through the 843 area, don't guess—get a professional eye on it. - Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your "Before" photos from our Hurricane Prep Checklist to show the adjuster the clear difference in your roof’s condition.
