What’s In This Articles

• Introduction
• Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
• Step 1: Immediate Contact With Your Insurance Provider
• Step 2: Document the Damage
• Step 3: Hire a Professional to Assess the Damage
• Step 4: Filing the Claim
• Step 5: Follow Up Regularly
• Step 6: Review Settlement Check and Start Repairs
• Conclusion
• Key Takeaways

Essential Steps for Filing a Commercial Roofing Insurance Claim

Introduction

Imagine this: a storm hits, your commercial building’s roof is damaged, and now you need to file an insurance claim. This process can seem as complicated as navigating a fire escape plan, but don’t worry. This article will walk you through the essential steps for filing a commercial roofing insurance claim, much like a service provider guides you through board-up services after an emergency. By understanding these steps, you can minimize potential risks, streamline the process, and protect your property effectively.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Before an emergency occurs, it’s essential to understand your insurance coverage. Like setting up a fire escape plan, you need to know the details of your insurance policy ahead of time. Understanding your policy helps you prepare for any potential damage, allowing you to take immediate action if necessary, and minimizing risks to your property.

Step 1: Immediate Contact With Your Insurance Provider

Just as you would reach out to a provider for emergency board-up services after a natural disaster, your first step after noticing roof damage should be to contact your insurance company. This immediate action is vital because some policies have specific time frames in which you must file a claim.

Step 2: Document the Damage

After making the initial call to your insurance company, you should document the damage. This process is like drawing a map for a fire escape plan. Detailed records and photos of the damage can provide clear ‘directions’ for your claim, making it easier for the insurance company to assess the damage and approve your claim.

Step 3: Hire a Professional to Assess the Damage

Just like hiring a professional for board-up services after broken windows, it’s crucial to hire a professional to assess your roof’s damage. They can provide a thorough report detailing the extent and nature of the damage, which can be beneficial in substantiating your insurance claim.

Step 4: Filing the Claim

Now it’s time to file the claim. Much like having a clear fire escape plan in place, you should have all the necessary information ready to go. This step typically involves filling out a claim form detailing the event that caused the damage, the extent of the damage, and any other required details.

Step 5: Follow Up Regularly

After submitting your claim, it’s essential to follow up regularly. It’s like practicing your home fire escape planning – consistency and regular attention can ensure success. Regular follow-ups can help keep your claim on track and expedite the approval process.

Step 6: Review Settlement Check and Start Repairs

Once your claim is approved, you will receive a settlement check, typically within 30 days. Review the details carefully to make sure everything aligns with your claim. Once you’re satisfied, you can begin the repair process, just as you would start restoration work after a fire disaster.

Conclusion

Just like with a fire escape plan, understanding the essential steps for filing a commercial roofing insurance claim is crucial for protecting your property. It’s about risk management and ensuring you’re well-prepared to deal with any issues that arise.

If a fire disaster does occur and you need restoration services, consider reaching out to Del Mar Builders at 800.298.0900. They’re a top-notch fire restoration company with the expertise to restore your property safely and efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• Understand your insurance coverage in detail before an emergency situation arises.
• Contact your insurance provider as soon as you notice roof damage.
• Document the damage meticulously, using photos and detailed notes.
• Hire a professional to assess the roof damage and provide a detailed report.
• File the claim with all the necessary details and supporting documents.
• Follow up regularly with the insurance company to ensure your claim is progressing.
• Review the settlement check thoroughly, and once satisfied, start the repair process.

Following these steps is similar to following a fire escape plan. It’s about being prepared, understanding the process, and taking decisive action when necessary. With this knowledge, you can protect your property and navigate the insurance claim process with confidence.

What’s In This Articles

• The Importance of Documenting Commercial Roof Damage: A Comprehensive Guide
• Understanding Commercial Roof Damage
• Why Documenting Roof Damage is Essential?
• Mitigating Risks with Documentation
• Hiring a Professional for Damage Documentation
• Protecting Your Property with Board-Up Services
• How to Document Roof Damage
• Choosing a Restoration Company
• In Conclusion
• Del Mar Builders: A Top Restoration Company

The Importance of Documenting Commercial Roof Damage: A Comprehensive Guide

Every property owner knows the value of protecting their investment. This article seeks to highlight the importance of documenting commercial roof damage and filing insurance claims. It’s akin to maintaining your internet service providers (ISPs) for a steady internet connection. Just as an ISP is crucial for online businesses, appropriate documentation is key for managing your property after a natural disaster strikes.

Understanding Commercial Roof Damage

Just as health care is essential for personal well-being, understanding commercial roof damage is vital for the health of your property. Roof damage can be caused by a variety of factors, and each carries its own potential risks. These risks include leaks, structural damage, and more. Hence, risk management becomes a crucial aspect of property ownership.

Why Documenting Roof Damage is Essential?

The importance of documenting commercial roof damage is clear in insurance claims. Documentation acts as a primary care provider for your insurance health plan. It ensures your claim is supported by evidence, minimizing risks associated with claim rejection. Just as you’d record your health symptoms before visiting a doctor, documenting roof damage is a proactive step towards recovery.

Mitigating Risks with Documentation

Like protecting your home or business from broken windows with emergency board up services, documentation aids in risk mitigation. A comprehensive record of the damage can expedite the claim process, ensuring your property is repaired quickly. Remember, time is of the essence in these situations — claims are often required within 30 days of the damage.

Hiring a Professional for Damage Documentation

When disaster strikes, it’s often wise to hire a professional for damage documentation. It’s like enlisting a service provider for reliable internet connection. A professional board-up service can provide accurate documentation, offering a higher chance of claim approval. Interview questions may be useful to choose a provider that suits your needs best.

Protecting Your Property with Board-Up Services

One way to protect your property after an emergency is to utilize board-up services. These services can help prevent further damage and protect the building from weather and potential looters. Like a health plan offering emergency coverage, these services provide a safety net for your property.

How to Document Roof Damage

Documenting roof damage involves taking pictures of the damage from various angles and noting any visible issues. Also, keeping a log of any leaks or internal damage can be beneficial. Hiring a professional board-up service can assist in this process, ensuring thorough and accurate documentation.

Choosing a Restoration Company

When it comes to damage restoration, choosing a reliable restoration company is key. Look for a company that has a proven track record and favorable reviews. Remember, your goal is to minimize risks and protect your property, much like taking preventive measures for health care.

In Conclusion

Documenting commercial roof damage is a crucial aspect of risk management. It protects your property, simplifies the insurance claims process, and ensures you receive the coverage you deserve. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So, it’s better to document the damage than to regret it later.

Del Mar Builders: A Top Restoration Company

If your property experiences damage, know that expert help is available. Del Mar Builders is a premier repair business that excels in property restoration, including commercial roof damage. They can document damage and provide emergency board-up services to protect your property. Any property owner would benefit from their quality and dependability. They can be reached directly at 800.298.0900. Don’t hesitate to reach out when calamity strikes. Help is just a phone call away.

What’s In This Articles

• Can A House Collapse From Foundation Issues?
• Understanding Minor Issues
• Understanding Major Issues
• How To Fix Foundation Problems?

How to fix foundation problems

Can A House Collapse From Foundation Issues?

People who want to know how to fix foundation problems are often also worried about whether their house can deal with existing foundation issues.

First thing first, a house can collapse from foundation issues. This is why it is important to pay attention to the structure of your house. The problem with foundation issues is that they can become severe over the years and pose a threat to your house’s structure and your safety. Hence, you should pay attention to even small issues.

In this article, we’ll talk about foundation issues including how to fix foundation problems and if a house can collapse from foundation problems.

Let’s get started:

Understanding Minor Issues

Minor foundation issues can include a variety of problems including:

• Small cracks in your walls and doors
• Windows sticking out
• Nail pops

These issues are considered minor as they are not always an indication of foundation-related problems and could be due to other reasons. Moreover, these problems are less concerning and are often caused by changes in the weather.

These problems usually appear in the first few years of the construction of the house and are part of a process called “settling” of the foundation. Settling is a process every building and house goes through after its construction. Some other minor issues caused by settling can include:

• Small cracks in the tiles of the floor
• Musty smells in the basement
• Small cracks on the ceiling
• Slightly uneven floors
• Small cracks over the garage
• Small stair-step cracks
• Broken seams in interior walls

Still, do not neglect these issues just because they appear minor. Get in touch with a professional so they can identify the real ‘cause’ of these problems and reduce the risk of further damage.

Neglecting a small crack, for example, can lead to larger cracks, eventually causing you to spend thousands to fix foundation problems.

Understanding Major Issues

How do you tell if the issues you’re facing are more than just settling? Major foundation issues can cause considerable structural damage and, in worse cases, can lead to the complete reconstruction of certain parts of your house.

It is not uncommon for houses to collapse due to foundation issues; however, this usually only happens when problems are neglected. You’ll be safe as long as you recognize the problem and take immediate action to prevent any further chaos. Refer to the case of this major building in Miami that collapsed due to foundation-related issues. According to reports, engineers inspected the structure and identified problem areas; however, the management failed to correct the problem, eventually causing the building to collapse.

Major issues can be:

• Floors sinking in the middle
• Unusual popping sounds coming from inside your house
• Floors that feel springy when you walk over them
• Long growing cracks on walls inside and outside
• Mold in the basements / wet basements
• Water damage
• Long cracks in crawl spaces
• Broken chimneys
• Gaps surrounding doors and window frames
• Cabinets detaching from the wall

All the above-mentioned issues are considered critical and require the help of a professional. Get Del Mar can get your go-to option as we offer all services related to foundation damage. Get in touch with us today to know more about our services and how we can help you.

How To Fix Foundation Problems?

It is never a good idea to neglect foundation issues as they can expand in no time. Moreover, a damaged foundation doesn’t only increase the risk of a complete collapse but could also cause termite infestations, sinking floors, electrical and water damage, and more. It’s a safety hazard and requires immediate intervention.

If you have encountered any foundation issues, major or minor, it’s best to consult a professional to determine the severity of the issue. This is important because the DIY approach does not work when it comes to foundation issues.

A company like Get Del Mar will inspect your house and find the cause and extent of damage then make a plan to repair it. It may involve working with a structural engineer and performing major repairs that can take weeks and cost around $20,000 or more.

An in-depth assessment is necessary to determine what to do next. Get in touch with us today to know more.

What’s In This Articles

• Drywall Ceiling Repair Explained
• What Causes a Leak
• How To Identify a Leak
• Should You Repair or Replace The Ceiling?
• Side Effects Of Not Repairing or Replacing The Ceiling Drywall

drywall ceiling repair

Drywall Ceiling Repair Explained

Water damage is a serious concern as it causes huge losses. Typically caused due to extreme weather conditions such as storms and floods, water damage affects more than 14,000 people in the US in a single day. It can even cause damage to the drywall ceiling, causing people to look for a drywall ceiling repair company.

Water damage can be so common that 1 in 60 insured homeowners file a water damage-related claim each year. To put that into perspective, about 1.6 percent of homes in the country experience some kind of water damage in a given year.

We’re talking extensively about water damage as it is one of the main reasons why one may need a drywall ceiling repair. Keep an eye out for anything that could indicate the presence of a leak behind the wall. It’s necessary to locate the source of the leak and take care of it before it can pose any threats to you and your family’s safety or the structure of the house.

Assuming there is a leak and your drywall ceiling has sustained damage, you will have to find a company that offers drywall ceiling repair services. Let’s talk more about it:

What Causes a Leak

There are several reasons behind a leak in drywall ceilings, including:

• Plumbing issues such as broken or rusted pipes are the leading cause of leaks.
• Poor quality pipes that burst due to pressure or other such causes are also a culprit.
• A damaged roof can not only cause leaks but can also result in problems like the growth of mold and higher energy bills.
• Another reason for a leak could be defective home appliances like washing machines and refrigerators.
• AC units cause condensation and this condensation can be a reason for the leak.
• Clogged gutters can also often result in leaks in the ceilings.

How To Identify a Leak

Now that you’re aware of what could cause leaks in your ceiling, let’s move on to how you can identify these leaks. Some clear giveaways are:

• Your ceiling is drooping. Excessive amounts of water absorbed in the drywall can cause the ceiling to visibly bulge and sag. If you see such signs then waste no time and get in touch with a professional ceiling repair company to take care of the damage.
• There are huge stains and discolored patches on the ceiling. Drywalls tend to change color at the slightest contact with water, hence, this is one of the most common signs of leaks.
• You notice mold. This is a major sign because mold is usually only present in damp areas. However, be careful because mold can cause serious health issues. Do not touch it and let a professional remove mold and repair your ceiling.
• Musty stinks around the house also insinuate water damage.
• Cracked or peeling paint is yet another sign of a leak in the ceiling.

It is best that you hire a professional to inspect the ceiling and identify the cause of the leak so that you can correct it.

Should You Repair or Replace The Ceiling?

Now that you are sure of a problem, the question is – shall you repair the ceiling or hire a professional to replace it?

Although many homeowners tend to disregard the obvious signs of a leak, we recommend replacing a drywall ceiling at your earliest convenience. Drywalls can withstand water damage for so long before they lose their resilience.

If drywall is consistently exposed to water, it can get soft and damaged, and could ultimately cause your ceiling and walls to collapse.

With smaller amounts of water damage, however, it could be possible to restore your drywall and not have to replace it completely. It is important to keep in mind that delays can worsen the situation, hence take a step as soon as you identify an issue.

To sum it up, you will need to hire a professional to know if a repair can be enough or if you will have to replace the ceiling.

Side Effects Of Not Repairing or Replacing The Ceiling Drywall

Not choosing to repair or replace the drywall ceiling can come with some side effects. Homeowners who gloss over the problem can expect the drywall to start crumbling and lose its appeal. Moreover, mold may make an appearance resulting in serious health issues.

Mold can be difficult to deal with. Plus, problems with the drywall, even if not serious, can cause your home to suffer and fall in value. Such homes take longer to sell and you may not get a good price if the ceiling is not in good condition.

Repairing definitely costs less but it may not always be the best solution. Replacing, on the other hand, is more expensive but it offers more benefits, including a boost in the value of your property.

Consult with a professional repair company like Get Del Mar to know more about drywall ceiling repair and replacement, including cost. A repair usually costs as low as $300 and as high as $1,500 based on the size of the wall and the nature of the damage. A replacement, however, can cost up to $3 per square foot for installation for a standard wall. It goes up to $175 per square foot for specialized ceilings, such as vaulted or cathedral ceilings.

What’s In This Articles

• How Much Does it Cost to Fix Cracks in the Foundation of House?
• Introduction to Foundation Cracks
• Cost of Fixing Cracks in Foundation
• Sealing Leaking Cracks
• Fixing Bowing Walls
• Sinking Home Sinking
• Foundation Leveling and Sealing
• Filling Cracks in Foundation of House: Conclusion

crack house foundation

How Much Does it Cost to Fix Cracks in the Foundation of House?

A strong foundation is important to preserve a home. Even a slight disruption in the foundation can be a threat to the house as it can lead to more serious problems such as a collapse, which according to statistics, results in over 300 deaths every year.

The job of the foundation of a house is to keep the soil from under and around the house in place. You need to pay special attention to the foundation and take steps to fix cracks, if you see any.

Introduction to Foundation Cracks

While there are plenty of signs of a faulty foundation, cracks are one of the more common signs that can indicate a problem. Cracks mostly form as a result of the soil under the house being too wet, or not being fixed in place.

A qualified professional may help you evaluate whether or not the crack is dangerous, and may form a conclusion by evaluating the following:

• How big is the crack?
• What is the direction of the crack? Are they horizontal or vertical?
• Where is the crack originating from?
• Is the area around the crack wet or leaking water?

The team will look at different factors to answer these questions.

Cost of Fixing Cracks in Foundation

While you can always search for a quick DIY tutorial on how to fix the foundation cracks in your home, it is better to get in touch with a professional to do the job. It might come at a price but it’s worth it.

Let’s take a look at how much it would cost to repair foundation cracks, so that you know what to expect:

Sealing Leaking Cracks

Cracks caused by water damage usually arise when there is some form of water leakage around the base of your house. This could either be a result of erosion, weather changes, or a leaky pipe within the walls of your home, which exert hydrostatic pressure on the foundation.

In such a case, experts will first mend the cracks with epoxy or concrete, the cost of which is around $200 to $800 depending on the size of the crack. In addition to fixing cracks, other expenses include fixing a leaking foundation by using a vapor board, which costs between $2,000 to $7,000 depending on the size of your house and the location of the leak.

Fixing Bowing Walls

Usually, when there is an accumulation of water around the foundation of your house, the walls of your basement may begin to curve inwards. To fix this issue, professionals may use carbon fiber or a wall brace, which may cost anywhere between $4,000 to $15,000; one of the more expensive repairs.

Sinking Home Sinking

If you notice cracks on the walls of your home after a particularly intense winter, you might have what experts call ‘soil consolidation’, which basically causes your house to sink. It usually occurs when the temperature hits 6F or lower.

To repair this issue, engineers may recommend basement underpinning, also called basement piercing. This method is usually adopted by engineers when an urgent solution is needed to save a sinking home, and is, therefore, more expensive. The underpinning method involves drilling and placing pillars under the basement to support the house and prevent it from sinking.

This can cost more than $20,000 depending on the situation and the size of your house.

Foundation Leveling and Sealing

When a house is built, builders usually expect the structure to settle over the soil naturally. However, natural disasters like an earthquake may disrupt the natural settling of the foundation, causing it to settle unevenly, therefore producing cracks in various spots around the house.

For this purpose, engineers inject a filler like mud to level the foundation of the house. This method is called foundation jacking. The cost of this repair can vary from $600 to $1600, depending on the filler that is used.

Finally, engineers seal the foundation to avoid such issues in the future. You can expect the cost of foundation sealing to be around $1500 to $7,000.

Filling Cracks in Foundation of House: Conclusion

Filling cracks in the foundation of a home is an expensive job, but it is worth investing in to prevent any life-endangering accidents. It can cost you from $10,000 to $50,000. It’s best that you choose a company like getting Delmar. We have been in the business for years and have experience filling cracks in the foundation of homes.

What’s In This Articles

• What are the first signs of foundation problems?
• Cracks in the Walls
• Irregular Floors
• Busted Windows and Doors
• Standing Water in the Basement
• Stair-Step Cracks
• Sidings That Bend
• Nail Pops

signs of foundation problems

What are the first signs of foundation problems?

A secure foundation ensures there are no accidents and your home continues to remain sturdy over the years. However, despite care, it is common for the foundation to suffer due to natural disasters, poor maintenance, and other such reasons.

This is why it is important to be aware of the foundation repair cost and the signs of damage so you can quickly move to get in touch with a professional and reduce the risk.

Here are a few foundation damage signs to look out for:

Cracks in the Walls

Do not neglect cracks, no matter how small they appear. They’re a major sign of foundation damage. In fact, cracks can lead to a complete collapse, as seen in the case of this Miami building in 2021.

Cracks usually occur due to contraction and expansion and are not always a major threat, yet it is still important to consult a professional.

Irregular Floors

Irregular or sloping floors are normally not considered a big issue at hand by many homeowners. We’re here to tell you otherwise. Abnormally uneven floors hint at severe structural or foundation damage – one that should be taken care of.

Neglecting this sign of foundation damage could cause you to spend a lot on foundation repair costs.

Busted Windows and Doors

If your house comes with windows and doors that refuse to function as they should, this could be a result of problems with the foundation. When there’s a movement in the foundation, it forces the frames around the windows and doors to bend and become unbalanced, therefore, making it more difficult for you to open or close your windows and doors.

Again, this may not always be due to issues with the foundation; however, it is best that you call a professional for inspection.

Standing Water in the Basement

Water that is standing or collecting under your house can hardly ever be a good thing. If you notice water standing for a significant amount of time and no measure being taken to direct it away from the structure, you can easily expect the foundation to start losing its durability and wreaking all sorts of havoc in your house.

Water damage is one of the main causes of foundation damage. Water could accumulate due to a variety of reasons such as leaks, storms, and rains. If you are keen on avoiding a foundation disaster, it would be best to have all drainage issues taken care of on the spot. A water damage restoration company like getting Delmar can do it for you, get in touch with us today to know more.

Stair-Step Cracks

Next on the list of signs of foundation problems are stair-stepped or diagonal cracks. Stair-step cracks or cracks that appear diagonally across walls can be seen inside as well as outside your house.

If these happen to be larger than usual (let’s say more than a quarter of an inch), it’s time to worry about foundation repair costs as these problems can be expensive to deal with.

Sidings That Bend

Have you been wondering why the vinyl sidings of your house have lost all their appeal? It could be due to a foundation problem.

The movements in the foundation can cause your sidings to appear more deteriorated and wavy than what you want them to be. This is one of the very first signs of foundation damage and the sooner it’s looked into, the fewer chances there are of you having to pay unreasonable foundation repair costs.

Nail Pops

Last but not least, the occurrence of nail pops on your walls is a big sign of foundation damage.

Nail pops are triggered by the shifts in the foundation of your house and are a clear giveaway that your foundation is losing its strength and needs to get checked out as soon as possible.

Foundation problems are not uncommon – especially in older homes. Regardless of WHEN your house was built, it is important to be aware of what’s happening around the house, especially if it has something to do with the foundation (the most important part of the entire structure).

It is always better to reverse the damage now than to have to pay thousands in foundation repair costs. Contact us today to know more about our services and how we can help. Our experienced professionals will visit your property, inspect for signs of damage, repair what’s broken, and ensure your house remains sturdy and in compliance with safety laws.