Florida is prone to storms, including hurricanes and tropical storms. These devastating storm systems can cause extensive damage to business property. Even though hurricane-force winds can cause the most damage, wind gusts far below hurricane force can still cause significant damage to business rooves.
Dealing with the aftermath of a windstorm can be frustrating for business owners. You need to make repairs quickly so you can resume normal business operations. Unfortunately, each delay can result in significant revenue loss. Talk to our Miami business attorney if your insurance company refuses to pay a wind damage claim.
Types of Wind Damage to Business Rooves
High winds can cause multiple problems for your roof. Examples of wind damage to rooves include:
- Shingle Damage – Winds can damage the shingles on a roof by causing lifting, curling, and removal. Any damage to the shingles could allow water to enter beneath the shingles over time, causing additional damage that you might not find for months or years.
- Roof Leaks – Water enters your business through the roof, causing damage to walls, floors, equipment, supplies, and goods.
- Flashing – Flashing can be blown off or split because of strong winds. Missing and damaged flashing can also allow water to seep into the roof slowly.
- Gutter Damage – High winds may rip off or damage the gutters.
- Structural Damage – Severe winds can cause structural damage even though many buildings in Florida are built to withstand high winds.
- Trees and Other Objects – High winds may cause trees, utility poles, and other objects to hit the roof, causing holes and other damage.
Wind speed is one factor that determines the severity of roof damage. Other factors that affect the severity of wind damage to a business roof include the age and type of roofing materials, the building’s age, the shape of the roof, and the quality of roof installation.
Does Your Business Insurance Cover Wind Damage?
Most business property insurance does not cover wind damage, even though you might have hurricane or storm damage insurance coverage. Therefore, you need to carefully review your insurance policy to determine whether wind damage to rooves is covered or excluded from the policy.
If your insurance policy covers wind damage, your insurance company should pay to repair the damage to the roof, including installing a new roof and making structural repairs. Some insurance policies may also cover losses because of business interruption and equipment, supplies, and goods damage. Again, these types of business insurance coverage may require purchasing separate insurance policies or riders.
It is best to review your coverage with an insurance agent now. Ask questions about specific coverage, such as damage from wind, rain, flood, water, and storms, to protect your business in the event of a windstorm or other natural disaster. Also, review coverage for damage to other business property caused by these sources, including business interruption coverage.
How Can a Business Attorney Help?
If your insurance provider denies your roof damage claim or refuses to compensate you for covered losses, a business attorney can help you with your claim. A business lawyer reviews your insurance policy to determine your coverage to hold the insurance provider liable for all covered roof damage and losses.
Contact Our Office to Speak with a Miami Business Attorney
If you have questions about issues related to Florida business law, call our office to schedule an appointment with our Miami business attorney.
