I actually tried to get warranty coverage for a raccoon that tore up some shingles, but the company said animal damage wasn’t covered. Maybe it depends on your policy? I’d double-check the fine print—mine was super specific. For now, I just keep patching things up myself...
I actually tried to get warranty coverage for a raccoon that tore up some shingles, but the company said animal damage wasn’t covered. Maybe it depends on your policy? I’d double-check the fine print—mine was super specific. For now, I just keep patching things up myself...
That’s the thing with warranties—they always seem to have a catch. I’ve seen so many homeowners surprised by what *isn’t* covered, especially animal damage and “acts of God” (whatever that even means half the time). Not sure where you’re located, but in my area (Midwest), critters like raccoons and squirrels are notorious for getting up under loose shingles. I’ve even seen them chew through vent boots just to get into a warm attic.
Patching is fine short-term, but have you noticed if the same spots keep getting hit? Sometimes persistent animal problems mean there’s an entry point somewhere else that’s not obvious. I inspected a place last year where the homeowner kept replacing shingles, but it turned out there was a gap at the soffit, and the raccoons were just waltzing back in every spring. Ended up being a much bigger repair once we found all the hidden damage.
Curious—did your policy mention anything about storm-related animal damage? Some insurers will cover it if, say, a branch knocks loose a shingle and then animals get in right after. Feels like the line between “storm” and “animal” is pretty blurry sometimes.
Also, what kind of shingles do you have? I’ve noticed architectural ones seem to hold up a bit better against claws than the older 3-tab style. Not that anything’s totally raccoon-proof... but every little bit helps.
And just out of curiosity—how often are you up there checking things over? I always tell folks to have a look after any big windstorm or thaw, but honestly, most people don’t until there’s water dripping from the ceiling.
Interesting point about the storm-animal overlap—insurance companies love those gray areas. I’ve seen claims get denied just because the adjuster decided the raccoon showed up “after” the storm, not during. Ever had an adjuster actually come out and look at the damage, or do they just go off photos? Sometimes it feels like they’re looking for any excuse to say no. Also, are you using any deterrents, like metal flashing or repellents, or just patching as needed? I’ve heard mixed results on those ultrasonic things...
I’ve actually had adjusters come out a couple times, but more often it’s just photos and a phone call. It really depends on the company. As for deterrents, metal flashing around roof edges has worked better for my clients than sprays or those ultrasonic gadgets—those seem hit or miss. Patching’s fine short-term, but if critters find a weak spot once, they’ll usually try again.
metal flashing around roof edges has worked better for my clients than sprays or those ultrasonic gadgets—those seem hit or miss.
Yeah, I’ve seen the same thing. Those ultrasonic things are more of a gimmick in my experience—critters just ignore them after a while. Metal flashing’s not foolproof, but it’s way better than patching with foam or mesh. I do wish insurance companies were more consistent about sending someone out, though. Sometimes you get a real inspection, other times it’s just “send us pics and we’ll decide.” Makes you wonder what gets missed...