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Homeowner Resource Library

Free guides, checklists, and plain-English answers — everything you need to make smart decisions about your home, your roof, and your insurance claim.

Insurance & Claims
Guide

How to File a Roof Insurance Claim — Step by Step

From the moment the storm passes to the day your check arrives. Covers documentation, adjuster meetings, supplements, and what to watch out for.

Guide

What Is a Supplement — and Why You Probably Need One

Insurance scopes are almost always incomplete. Learn what gets missed, why it matters, and how a proper supplement gets you paid for the full scope of damage.

Guide

My Claim Was Denied — Now What?

Denials and underpayments can be challenged. Here's what your options are, what documentation you need, and when to ask for a re-inspection.

Checklist

Storm Damage Documentation Checklist

A printable checklist of everything to photograph and document after a hail or wind event — before anything is touched or repaired.

Guide

Understanding ACV vs. RCV — Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost

These two terms determine how much your insurance company actually pays you. Most homeowners don't know the difference until it costs them thousands.

Guide

The Deductible Waiver Scam — And How to Spot It

If a contractor offers to "cover your deductible," that's insurance fraud — and it can invalidate your claim. Here's what's actually legal and what isn't.

Q&A

What Information Do I Need to File a Claim?

Your policy number, date of loss, and a description of damage. That's it to get started — we handle the documentation, photos, and scope from there so your claim is as strong as possible.

Q&A

Will Filing a Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?

Wind and hail claims are "Act of God" events — they typically don't raise rates the same way an at-fault claim does. Your specific carrier and policy determines any impact. Call your agent to ask before filing if you're concerned.

Q&A

What Is a Deductible — and Do I Have to Pay It?

Your deductible is the out-of-pocket portion before insurance pays. Yes, it is required by law. Any contractor who offers to waive it is committing insurance fraud in Alabama. We never waive deductibles.

Q&A

How Long Do I Have to File a Storm Damage Claim in Alabama?

Most Alabama policies require reporting "promptly" — often within 1 year of the date of loss. Don't wait. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove storm causation. Call us right away and we'll document everything.

Guide

Law & Ordinance Coverage — What It Is and Why You Need It

Law & Ordinance coverage pays to bring your home up to current building codes during a covered repair. Older homes often require electrical, framing, or roofing upgrades by law. Without this coverage, you foot that bill yourself. Check your declarations page — many homeowners have it and don't realize it.

Guide

Why Building Codes Matter on Your Insurance Claim

Alabama codes require upgrades any time a roof or structure is repaired — things like drip edge, updated decking, ventilation, and ice-and-water shield. Insurance estimates routinely leave these out. We identify every code item and include them in your claim so you don't pay out of pocket to meet the law.

Roofing Decisions
Guide

Repair, Rejuvenate, or Replace — Which Is Right for Your Roof?

The three options every homeowner faces, explained clearly. What each costs, when each makes sense, and how to avoid being oversold a full replacement you didn't need.

Guide

How Long Should My Roof Last? Lifespan by Material

Asphalt, metal, TPO, tile, wood — each material has a different expected lifespan, and different warning signs as it ages. Know where yours stands.

Guide

What Is Roof Rejuvenation — and Is It Worth It?

A treatment that restores flexibility and extends the life of aging shingles. Learn how it works, what it costs, and whether your roof qualifies.

Checklist

Annual Roof Maintenance Checklist

A seasonal checklist for Alabama homeowners — what to inspect, what to clear, and the early warning signs that mean it's time to call a pro.

Guide

Metal Roofing vs. Shingles — What's the Better Investment?

Cost, lifespan, insurance discounts, resale value, and Alabama weather performance compared side by side. No fluff, just the numbers.

Guide

What Is a Fortified Roof — and Does It Lower My Insurance?

Alabama's IBHS Fortified program can qualify you for significant insurance premium discounts. Learn what's required and whether it makes sense for your home.

Hiring a Contractor
Guide

10 Red Flags When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Storm chasers, unlicensed crews, upfront-cash demands — the warning signs that a contractor will take your money and disappear before the job is done right.

Guide

Local vs. Out-of-State Contractors — Why It Matters After a Storm

When storm chasers blow through Alabama, they take deposits and disappear. Here's why local matters — for accountability, warranty, and follow-up work.

Checklist

Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Roofing Contract

A printable list of questions every homeowner should ask any contractor before putting pen to paper — licensing, insurance, warranty, payment terms, and more.

Storm Prep & Emergency Response
Guide

What to Do Immediately After a Storm Hits Your Home

Step-by-step: safety first, documentation, emergency tarping, contacting your insurance company, and how to avoid making costly mistakes in the first 48 hours.

Checklist

Pre-Storm Home Preparation Checklist

What to secure, what to check, and what to document before storm season — so you're ready if it hits and positioned to file a solid claim if it does.

Checklist

Emergency Tarping — What You Need to Know

When your roof is breached, fast action limits interior damage. This guide covers when to tarp, when to wait for a pro, and how to document everything for your adjuster.

Home Maintenance
Monthly

Monthly Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do

  • Replace HVAC / furnace filter
  • Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
  • Check under sinks for leaks or drips
  • Clean garbage disposal (ice + vinegar)
  • Inspect fire extinguisher gauge
  • Clear shower & sink drain traps of hair
  • Test all GFCI outlets
Spring

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

  • Inspect roof for loose shingles & flashing damage
  • Clean gutters & flush downspouts
  • Check exterior siding, trim, & paint for damage
  • Service AC unit — change filters & call HVAC tech
  • Inspect foundation & driveway for cracks
  • Test irrigation/sprinkler system & reset timers
  • Power wash siding, deck, & driveway
  • Trim trees & shrubs away from the house
  • Flush water heater to remove sediment
  • Reverse ceiling fans counter-clockwise (cool air down)
Summer

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

  • Deep-clean dryer vent & exhaust duct
  • Inspect attic ventilation for heat buildup
  • Check deck & patio for rot, loose boards, or splinters
  • Inspect window & door caulking — reseal if cracking
  • Check for pooling water around downspouts
  • Inspect exterior for rotted wood (use a screwdriver)
  • Clean refrigerator coils (unplug first)
  • Keep trees trimmed back from the roof
Fall

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

  • Clean gutters after leaves fall — biggest clean of the year
  • Have furnace & HVAC serviced before cold weather
  • Inspect chimney & fireplace — hire a chimney sweep
  • Seal gaps around windows & doors (caulk + weatherstrip)
  • Drain & shut off exterior hose bibs & sprinklers
  • Insulate exposed pipes in attic & basement
  • Inspect roof after storm season for any damage
  • Reverse ceiling fans clockwise (push warm air down)
  • Cover or store outdoor AC units
  • Fertilize lawn before first frost
Winter

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

  • Keep thermostat at 55°F minimum — even when away
  • Let faucets drip on nights below freezing
  • Check for ice dams or icicles on roof & gutters
  • Inspect roof & gutters after every major storm
  • Check basement for leaks after hard rains
  • Swap batteries in smoke & CO detectors
  • Clean refrigerator & freezer coils
  • Inspect weather stripping on all exterior doors
Annual

Annual Tasks You Should Never Skip

  • Professional roof inspection (especially after storm season)
  • Chimney inspection & cleaning
  • Full HVAC service by a licensed tech
  • Flush & inspect water heater
  • Deep-clean dryer vent from exterior duct
  • Recaulk around windows, doors, & tubs
  • Inspect attic for moisture, mold, or pest activity
  • Test garage door auto-reverse safety function
  • Reseal asphalt driveway cracks

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