From Roof Leak to Full Roof Replacement: A Recent Insurance Claim Success Story
At Everstead Property Services, we recently completed a roofing project for the Jones family that perfectly demonstrates why experience matters when dealing with storm damage and insurance claims.
The homeowner originally contacted us because of an active roof leak. We were referred to the customer by another contractor they had previously worked with — something we always appreciate because referrals are built on trust.
Initial Roof Inspection Revealed More Than Just a Leak
After performing a detailed roof inspection, we identified obvious hail and wind damage across the roofing system in addition to the leak itself. Based on the condition of the roof, we recommended the homeowner contact their insurance company and file a claim.
To help prevent further interior damage, we immediately tarp-protected the leaking area while the claim process moved forward.
However, after the insurance inspection, the claim was initially denied for full replacement. The insurance company stated the roof only required a repair that fell below the homeowner’s deductible. According to their inspection, no significant additional storm damage was found.
Unfortunately, that did not match what we observed during our inspection.
The Challenge: Solar Panels Covering the Back Roof Slope
The biggest cost for the homeowner with this roof was the solar panel system installed across the entire backside slope of the home — roughly 800 square feet of roofing was concealed beneath the panels.
In the middle of those panels was a leaking 1.5-inch pipe jack that needed repair.
The original repair plan was fairly small in scope:
- Remove and reset two solar panels
- Repair the leaking pipe jack area
- Reinstall the panels
What We Found Changed Everything
Once the two solar panels were removed, the true condition of the roof became visible.
We discovered extensive damage beneath the solar array, including large areas of missing shingles caused by wind damage and possibly critter activity. The condition of the roof under the panels was far worse than anyone realized.
Frankly, it was surprising the roof only had one active leak considering the amount of deterioration present.
At that point, we documented everything with detailed photographs, temporarily protected the exposed areas with tarps, and discussed the findings and options with the homeowner.
Developing a Better Solution - Insurance Claim Denied
After reviewing the situation, the homeowner agreed it made more sense to remove all solar panels and replace the entire backside roofing system rather than continue patching isolated areas on a failing roof.
Because the homeowners were a retired couple on a fixed income, doing the entire roof at one time simply was not financially possible. Together, we developed a practical plan to replace the backside of the roof immediately — the area with the most severe hidden damage — and address the remaining roof areas later when funds became available.
We prepared a proposal to:
- Remove all solar panels
- Replace the entire backside roofing system
- Install new roofing components
- Coordinate the solar panel reinstallation
Including the solar contractor labor, the total cost for this larger project was estimated at just over $8,500.
The homeowner also had a $10,000 insurance deductible.
At that point, the homeowner was facing the possibility of spending over $8,500 out of pocket for only a partial roofing replacement — while still having an aging roof system on the rest of the home.
At the same time, we believed the insurance company needed the opportunity to reinspect the roof with the solar panels removed so the concealed damage could finally be seen.
Coordinating the Insurance Claim Reinspection
This is where organization and experience become critical.
We coordinated:
- Material deliveries for the partial roof and also stock available for pick-up should the insurance company buy the entire roof.
- Solar panel removal scheduling
- Roofing installation timing
- Temporary dry-in protection
- A second insurance inspection
Everything was carefully planned so the adjuster could reinspect the roof after the panels were removed and before the new roofing system was installed on the backside of home.
Once the panels were removed, the extent of the hidden damage became obvious. There were hundreds of missing shingles across the backside slope that simply could not be seen during the original inspection.
The Result: Full Roof Approval
Once the insurance adjuster returned and saw the roof without the solar panels covering the damage, the condition of the roofing system was undeniable.
The insurance company ultimately approved a full roof replacement.
Instead of spending more than $8,500 on only the backside roofing project, the homeowner received an entirely new roofing system for only about $1,500 more than they were originally preparing to spend. All they paid was their deductible.
That is a major difference in long-term value, protection, and peace of mind.
Why This Matters
This project highlights several important points for homeowners:
Storm damage is not always obvious
Solar panels, steep slopes, and hidden areas can conceal serious roofing problems.
Initial insurance decisions are not always final
Sometimes damage is missed during the first inspection, especially when portions of the roof are inaccessible.
Proper documentation matters
Photos, temporary protection, and experienced inspections can make a significant difference in claim outcomes.
Experience matters
With over 36 years of hands-on roofing and construction experience — and more than 20 years working with insurance claim recovery — Everstead Property Services understands how to properly evaluate storm damage and help homeowners navigate the process.
Honest Roofing Recommendations
At Everstead Property Services, we do not believe every roof needs replacement. If a repair is the best option, we will recommend repairs.
But when hidden damage exists and homeowners are preparing to spend thousands on partial solutions, we believe they deserve the full picture and honest guidance.
If you suspect storm damage, roof leaks, or insurance-related roofing issues, we would be happy to provide an inspection and discuss your options.
Everstead Property Services
Leander, Texas
