Author: Cenco Roofing

In the wake of an insurance loss, the policyholder has certain contractual obligations under the terms of their policy. It is important to know and understand these obligations. These include protecting your property from future losses (completing temporary repairs, as possible, until the damage can be evaluated by your carrier) as well as a timely notification of loss (as quickly as possible, but usually with a 12-month notification window wrapped around the date of loss). The property owner responsibilities, however, do not end once a claim has been filed. They continue throughout the claims process. One of the least understood-and potentially problematic-responsibilities has to do with completion dates. The insurance carrier sets a calendar, or window, around the date of loss, by which time all repairs must have been completed. These timeframes are to ensure that policyholders both have sufficient time to restore their properties, but also to ensure that work is completed so claims are not held open indefinitely. What is at stake is the Depreciation (aka, depreciated hold back) on the claim, Depreciation is the policy term used to describe those funds which are held back in the initial settlement with the policyholder,T based on the age and condition of the items affected, until the repairs have been completed. These funds are kept in an escrow account under the claim number and must be applied for at the culmination of repairs. Depending on multiple inputs, the amount of Depreciation (depreciated hold back) varies from 10%-40% of the combined value of the repairs.It should operate in a very straightforward fashion. The value of the claim is established. The first check is cut. The Depreciation is held back until the work is completed. Upon completion, it is released to the full value of the repairs and the claim is closed. If the work is not completed by the completion deadline, the depreciation (depreciated hold back) is never released.Of course, things are never that simple. The Completion Deadline has historically been 2 years from the date of loss. In my experience, this 2 year windows was the deadline used across carriers and across states, and operated as the industry standard.In recent years, however, different insurance companies have reinterpreted the Completion Deadlines within their administrative policies in a post-loss claim situation. I have seen it change from 2 years, to 18 months, 12 months and even as few as 6 months! Respective insurance companies argue that it is their prerogative to establish the policies and procedures around the claims they process. One might also interpret these changes as a cost-savings measure adopted to reduce expenses within claims, and poorly communicated to their policyholders.Whichever your opinion, one thing is clear: You must know your work completion dates when you file a claim!So what does that mean for you? Whenever you find yourself in a loss situation, and find that you must file a claim, it is IMPORTANT that you now ask what the completion date is for your carrier relative to this particular loss. In doing so, it will help frame your timeline for repairs and avoid the unpleasant situation of missing a deadline and putting your Depreciation (depreciated hold back) funds at risk.
What is at stake is the Depreciation (aka, depreciated hold back) on the claim, Depreciation is the policy term used to describe those funds which are held back in the initial settlement with the policyholder,T based on the age and condition of the items affected, until the repairs have been completed. These funds are kept in an escrow account under the claim number and must be applied for at the culmination of repairs. Depending on multiple inputs, the amount of Depreciation (depreciated hold back) varies from 10%-40% of the combined value of the repairs. It should operate in a very straightforward fashion. The value of the claim is established. The first check is cut. The Depreciation is held back until the work is completed. Upon completion, it is released to the full value of the repairs and the claim is closed. If the work is not completed by the completion deadline, the depreciation (depreciated hold back) is never released. Of course, things are never that simple. The Completion Deadline has historically been 2 years from the date of loss. In my experience, this 2 year windows was the deadline used across carriers and across states, and operated as the industry standard.In recent years, however, different insurance companies have reinterpreted the Completion Deadlines within their administrative policies in a post-loss claim situation. I have seen it change from 2 years, to 18 months, 12 months and even as few as 6 months! Respective insurance companies argue that it is their prerogative to establish the policies and procedures around the claims they process. One might also interpret these changes as a cost-savings measure adopted to reduce expenses within claims, and poorly communicated to their policyholders.Whichever your opinion, one thing is clear: You must know your work completion dates when you file a claim!So what does that mean for you? Whenever you find yourself in a loss situation, and find that you must file a claim, it is IMPORTANT that you now ask what the completion date is for your carrier relative to this particular loss. In doing so, it will help frame your timeline for repairs and avoid the unpleasant situation of missing a deadline and putting your Depreciation (depreciated hold back) funds at risk. Of course, things are never that simple. The Completion Deadline has historically been 2 years from the date of loss. In my experience, this 2 year windows was the deadline used across carriers and across states, and operated as the industry standard. In recent years, however, different insurance companies have reinterpreted the Completion Deadlines within their administrative policies in a post-loss claim situation. I have seen it change from 2 years, to 18 months, 12 months and even as few as 6 months! Respective insurance companies argue that it is their prerogative to establish the policies and procedures around the claims they process. One might also interpret these changes as a cost-savings measure adopted to reduce expenses within claims, and poorly communicated to their policyholders. Whichever your opinion, one thing is clear: You must know your work completion dates when you file a claim! So what does that mean for you? Whenever you find yourself in a loss situation, and find that you must file a claim, it is IMPORTANT that you now ask what the completion date is for your carrier relative to this particular loss. In doing so, it will help frame your timeline for repairs and avoid the unpleasant situation of missing a deadline and putting your Depreciation (depreciated hold back) funds at risk.

Claim filing deadlines is an often asked question, and poorly understood area in homeowner insurance policies. Most insurance policies do not specify a deadline for filing a new claim under your policy. So technically, you can file a claim for a covered peril at any time after the peril occurs. Certainly, your insurance carrier will never deny you the right to file a new claim. Even if there are no written deadlines in the terms of your policy, however, filing deadlines are a real thing in practice. This results from an inherent conflict between your stated policy terms and your contractual obligation to the insurance carrier as a policyholder. You are contractually obligated, as a policyholder, to fulfill two (2) pertinent responsibilities (among a list of 10 responsibilities): 1) Give the insurance carrier prompt notice of the loss or damage2) Take all reasonable steps to protect the Covered Property from further damage If you fail to do so, you can be held liable for a breach of your contract with the insurance carrier under the terms of your policy. So what constitutes “prompt notice?” No one has ever definitively quantified the answer, either with a fixed deadline or a timeframe written down as part of the policy. But there are countless of examples of court cases where insurance carriers have denied or otherwise limited coverage due to the “untimely” filing of claims on behalf of policyholders. What has evolved related to claim filing deadlines, instead, is a body of administrative policies which, while not directly outlined in your policy language, nonetheless govern the way that most carriers approach timelines for filing of new claims after a named covered peril event.The general consensus? 12 months. If you wait longer than a year, you run the risk of all kinds of unnecessary complications in your claims process. Certainly, the burden of proof shifts back to you as the policyholder to justify how anything longer than a year can and should still be consider timely. You also inherit the responsibility of distinguishing what damage is fresh-ie, attributable to the covered peril, and what can be excluded from your claim as “pre-existing” damage.What has evolved related to claim filing deadlines, instead, is a body of administrative policies which, while not directly outlined in your policy language, nonetheless govern the way that most carriers approach timelines for filing of new claims after a named covered peril event.The general consensus? 12 months. If you wait longer than a year, you run the risk of all kinds of unnecessary complications in your claims process. Certainly, the burden of proof shifts back to you as the policyholder to justify how anything longer than a year can and should still be consider timely. You also inherit the responsibility of distinguishing what damage is fresh-ie, attributable to the covered peril, and what can be excluded from your claim as “pre-existing” damage.So do not delay! Have a certified property inspector come and conduct an analysis for you today. The inspection should cover not only your roof, but your your home systems that may have been affected.At Cenco Building Services, we deploy licensed, independent insurance adjusters to conduct all of our field inspections, to better protect your interests should covered peril damage have to be documented.
What has evolved related to claim filing deadlines, instead, is a body of administrative policies which, while not directly outlined in your policy language, nonetheless govern the way that most carriers approach timelines for filing of new claims after a named covered peril event. The general consensus? 12 months. If you wait longer than a year, you run the risk of all kinds of unnecessary complications in your claims process. Certainly, the burden of proof shifts back to you as the policyholder to justify how anything longer than a year can and should still be consider timely. You also inherit the responsibility of distinguishing what damage is fresh-ie, attributable to the covered peril, and what can be excluded from your claim as “pre-existing” damage. What has evolved related to claim filing deadlines, instead, is a body of administrative policies which, while not directly outlined in your policy language, nonetheless govern the way that most carriers approach timelines for filing of new claims after a named covered peril event.The general consensus? 12 months. If you wait longer than a year, you run the risk of all kinds of unnecessary complications in your claims process. Certainly, the burden of proof shifts back to you as the policyholder to justify how anything longer than a year can and should still be consider timely. You also inherit the responsibility of distinguishing what damage is fresh-ie, attributable to the covered peril, and what can be excluded from your claim as “pre-existing” damage.So do not delay! Have a certified property inspector come and conduct an analysis for you today. The inspection should cover not only your roof, but your your home systems that may have been affected.At Cenco Building Services, we deploy licensed, independent insurance adjusters to conduct all of our field inspections, to better protect your interests should covered peril damage have to be documented. What has evolved related to claim filing deadlines, instead, is a body of administrative policies which, while not directly outlined in your policy language, nonetheless govern the way that most carriers approach timelines for filing of new claims after a named covered peril event. The general consensus? 12 months. If you wait longer than a year, you run the risk of all kinds of unnecessary complications in your claims process. Certainly, the burden of proof shifts back to you as the policyholder to justify how anything longer than a year can and should still be consider timely. You also inherit the responsibility of distinguishing what damage is fresh-ie, attributable to the covered peril, and what can be excluded from your claim as “pre-existing” damage. So do not delay! Have a certified property inspector come and conduct an analysis for you today. The inspection should cover not only your roof, but your your home systems that may have been affected. At Cenco Building Services, we deploy licensed, independent insurance adjusters to conduct all of our field inspections, to better protect your interests should covered peril damage have to be documented.

Wintertime in Denver brings sparkling snow, some brisk temperatures and snow! But it also yields lots of sunny, warm days. While Coloradans enjoy the refreshing change of seasons and the mix of sun and snow, it can wreak havoc on your roofing system. The reason? Constant expansion and contraction. While imperceptible to the naked eye, roofing shingles expand (stretching) and contract (shrinking) each and every day, and those effects are exacerbated by the seasonal change from warm to cold. This process forces individual shingles to unseal. Add in the freezing and melting of snow and the formation of ice dams, and Colorado roofs have to endure a lot during the Winter season. As a Colorado homeowner-especially along the Front Range-you must always be cautious in protecting your home from unwanted effects of the freeze and thaw cycle. At Cenco Building Services, we want our clients to protect the investment they have made in their homes. We offer these 4 simple steps to make sure your roof is ready for the next Denver winter: Know the condition of your roof before Winter arrives! Most homeowners do not have the expertise required to assess the condition of a roof, so it is advisable to have an expert inspect your roof to identify any red flags before Winter. Common points of failure are missing and unsealed shingles, deteriorated pipe boots and loose flashing. Call for a free, no-obligation and comprehensive roof inspection by Cenco Building Services so you can check that off your list. Visually check your roof from the ground every 6 months. While we never recommend walking the roof of your home due to the inherent dangers, you can look to see if there are any missing shingles or exposed flashing from a ground-level vantage point. If you find something, best to call a trained professional to verify and provide a repair. Look for signs of damage to the exterior paint. Cracking and peeling paint may indicate two things: 1) destructive ice dams are forming along your roof and damaging the roof/gutter drainage interaction, or 2) there have been leaks from damaged flashing or missing shingles. Most common areas to spot problems are inside corners or your soffit, under the gutters, especially if they are wood. Have your gutters professionally cleaned. Clogged gutters can lead to damage from ice dams that form at the roof’s edge due to the water not being able to travel down the gutter and away from the roof. Water also melts “over” the gutter and travels down the fascia and soffit behind them, creating structural damage. Contact Cenco Building Services Today With Winter approaching, the time has come-if you reside in Metro Denver or the surrounding areas-to have your roof inspected by Denver roofing company, Cenco Building Services. Melting snow, Ice Damming, and temperature changes can damage shingles and affect your causing your roof’s underlayment and longevity. Protect the investment you’ve made in your home by scheduling a no-obligation roof inspection with the team of Cenco Building Services. We are here to make sure your roof is ready for the winter in Denver, so call our friendly professionals now at (720) 583-1690!

Winters in Denver can run hot and cold, with the sun often shining within hours of snow falling. This can impact the longevity of your roofing system from melting snow and winter winds.Melted snow leads to water runoff, and melting ice dams, which can not only prematurely age older roofs but also defeat your gutter drainage system, as it slowly drips and refreezes at night only to drip in the sun the next day. Another burden of Denver winters are heavy gusts of wind that accompany some snow accumulations. Rigid shingles, unsealed due to the cold, can be lifted back allowing water in, or can outright flex and crack due to wind.<.p>The impact of melting snow and winds can leave you dealing with the most common roof problems we see during the Denver winters: Loose, damaged and/or missing shingles: The uplift of strong wind gusts can loosen shingles and eventually tear them off of your roof. Additionally, the continuous cycle of water clogging the shingles and the shingles drying out can leave them damaged and susceptible to being ripped off by winter storm winds. Loose or damaged shingles can be difficult to detect if you are not trained in assessing the condition of shingles, but missing shingles can be seen from the ground. If you can see that shingles are missing from your roof, you should call Cenco Building Services for an immediate inspection. Damaged underlayment: Melting snow after a heavy snowstorm can seep underneath the shingles and cause water damage to the underlayment. Over time, the underlayment can become waterlogged and wick water between the roof and the interior surface of your home, such as plaster or drywall ceiling. This drywall damage worsens over time and and can possibly cause mildew or moldbuild ups. . Signs of leaks include discoloration of the ceiling and walls, bulges in drywall or plaster and peeling paint.Malfunctioning flashing: Flashing are metal coverings over the joints or seams where your roof intersects with other exterior home systems. Flashing prevents water from reaching the underlayment and from penetrating the exterior envelope and affecting your home’s ceilings and walls. If your flashing is unsealed, degraded, missing or damaged, then water will find a way underneath the metal strips. While generally not a catastrophic system failure, it often shows up only after it is too late to prevent. So you should have your flashings checked bi-annually.Ice dams: Frozen waterfalls, large icicles and ice build ups-also known as ice dams-can be seen hanging from many roof edges during Denver winters. These chunks of ice can damage shingles, underlayment, exterior walls and paint and, as a result, can supply the melted ice water with an avenue into the interior of your home. If you have an area that receives poor sunlight during the day, odds are you will have an ice dam there in the Winter. Contact Cenco Building Services Today If you reside in the Denver Metro or along the Front Range, you should have your roof inspected by Cenco Building Services prior to the start of each winter to ensure your roof is capable of withstanding the next snowy season. Schedule your no-obligation roof inspection today by calling our friendly professionals today at (720) 583-1690!

After every hailstorm comes another storm – the storm of storm chasers! In Colorado, homeowners will be plagued with one or more contracting companies knocking on their doors immediately after damaging hailstones fall. Why? Many companies send out their door-to-door roofing salesmen asking to check your roof after a storm. Their goal is to “lock homeowners” into agreeing to a new roof before damage is officially assessed. They do this by employing hardline sales tactics, such as instilling fear of leaks and demanding a signature on a written contract. At Cenco Building Services, we know there is a strong possibility every year of hail in the Spring and Fall in the Denver metro area or somewhere along the Front Range. As a full-service general contracting firm, we only send out licensed adjusters to assess storm damage, our inspections cover your entire property. We also know that for most properties, hail damage is degenerative. While repairs may need to be addressed, they can be completely safely on your schedule-not on the timeframe of some hard selling roofing company! Every year, the storm chasers flood into neighborhoods with the aim of boosting sales through fear and misinformation. The next time you have a hailstorm in your community, follow these 4 strategies: Take your time. Reputable companies will complete temporary repairs if you have a leak, and give you the time to properly assess damage and negotiation with your insurance carrier. Check your roof after a hail storm before the storm chasers arrive. While we never recommend getting onto your roof yourself, it’s always a wise decision to call a local contractor to conduct a free, no-obligation roof inspection, such as is offered by Cenco Building Services. If a salesman knocks on your door, do not feel pressured into allowing them on your roof. Anyone on your roof unsupervised can, in fact, cause damage where none existed or misrepresent damage to you. Cenco uses digital video and photos to document any damage. If you do let a salesman on your roof, don’t be pressured into signing a contract right away. High pressure selling by storm chasers always includes an immediate deadline for you to sign the contract to have your roof repaired by the company. An ethical, credible contracting company, like Cenco Building Services, will allow you as much time as you need to secure their services, answer questions and explain the process during and after your scheduled appointment without the threat of a dire consequences.

Contact Cenco Building Services Today

Do not be intimidated to work with company you don’t trust. Take the time to do your research. Ensure the company you choose is not from out-of-state, will be there to correct any problems and honor their workmanship, and is willing to work with you and your insurance company. If you are concerned that your roof may have sustained damage after a hailstorm or looking to remodel your property, contact our professional, friendly staff today to schedule a no-obligation roof evaluation by calling (720) 583-1690.

Roofs protect your home against the elements. One of the very first things a person looks at when buying a home is the condition of the roof. Why? Roof repair and replacements are costly, and you always want to choose a roof that will last as long as possible. What is the average lifespan of a roof? This depends on the type of material used on the roof and other factors, such as: climate, geographical location (do you live near salt water?) and various other factors. It’s important to note that these factors will lessen the lifespan of your roof greatly. Let’s take a look at the average lifespan according to roof type.

Common Lifespan of Roofs

There are several types of roof materials that need to be considered.

• 3-tab Asphalt Shingles: 15 – 18 years
• Architectural Asphalt Shingles: 24 – 30 years
• Metal or Galvalume: 30 – 45 years
• Concrete Tile: 30 – 50 years
• Modified Bitumen: 10 – 16 years

While metal lasts a long time, it is often not seen on homes due to aesthetics. Concrete tile is the longest-lasting option, but again is used less often than asphalt shingles due to cost.

Roof Longevity Factors

We briefly touched on some of the factors that will cause a roof to last for a shorter duration. However, the actual roof slope, orientation and color are also factors that need to be considered.

• Color: Darker colors absorb more heat. In this case, a person in a warm climate with an abundance of sun will need to replace their roof more often if it is a dark, heat-absorbing color.
• Slope: The angle of the roof also plays a part in the roof’s lifespan. A roof with a high pitch will often last longer. This is due to snow and rain not being able to settle on the roof itself.
• Orientation: Slopes that face south will have more sun beating down on the roof, causing the average lifespan of the roof to lessen.

There are also other factors that affect a roof’s lifespan. Trees in the area can rub or fall on a roof, causing a problem. Leaves that are left on the roof can also cause acidity build-up, which will begin to deteriorate the roof and cause issues. The best roof for your home will depend on a variety of factors – mostly your budget. In the higher price range, your roofer will be able to use stronger, more durable roofing materials that will last for 30+ years.