In an ideal world, house corporations can evaluate the physical state of their properties and plan to address concerns and make updates to chapter houses as their schedules and financial circumstances allow. However, in the real world, this isn’t always possible and work needs to be done on the property due to unforeseen weather damage, a water leak, or other unexpected event that can lead to a claim.
 
Roof damage can be particularly disruptive and requires immediate attention. As your partner in managing these claims, MJ wants to be sure you’re thinking about the long-term implications of the choices you make when repairing or replacing the damaged roof. As always, our goal is to carry the claim effectively and efficiently through the process with your carrier and make you aware of the latest technologies and materials to consider when addressing the damage to your property.
 
As you begin repairs and/or replacement of your roof, we would encourage you to consider, at the very least, an assessment of the state of your roof before beginning repairs. This is best practice when beginning repairs on any claim as you consider the efficiencies and potential benefits of making improvements along with repairs.
 
Your current carrier provides comprehensive coverage to “repair or replace the damaged area with materials of like kind and quality.”  Addressing your roof claim is the perfect opportunity to implement additional fortification measures that may prevent or mitigate future damage. Most notably, while you may receive quotes that meet your state’s building code requirements, these should be treated as the minimum of repairs, and you should strongly consider hiring a contractor that will take additional measures to fortify your roof with technologies like impact resistant shingles and wind and rain resistant ventilation. While these decisions may be difficult to make when you’re making improvements beyond the replacement value covered by your policy, we firmly believe that the use of higher quality materials will save you in the long run.
 
You are likely going to be replacing shingles that, due to their age, are not engineered to be as wind resistant as the newer, more advanced shingles available on the market today. Worsening weather conditions have included significantly stronger winds in areas that have not historically experienced such extreme weather, waring on older structures not built to withstand increasingly high winds. This map, maintained by FEMA, may help you evaluate your risk for wind at your property. You will need to evaluate whether the increased cost of these shingles and other fortification measures will save you in the long run should another wind/hail incident occur.
 
See below for resources outlining these innovative solutions, measures we believe are imperative to maintaining your insurance coverage long term and maximizing the longevity of your roof. Also included is a webinar with contact information for our business partner, Bone Dry, who may be able to provide an assessment of your roof and provide recommendations for fortification.
 
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Importance of Roof Inspections
Updating and Maintaining Your Chapter House Roof
Webinar: Managing Your Chapter Roofs with Bone Dry 
 
If you are able, a claim can be an opportunity to make improvements to your chapter house roof and prevent future damage. Reducing the frequency and severity of future claims to your roof serves to maintain your premium and preserve the comprehensive coverage that the MJ Sorority program provides. We encourage you to reach out to our team with any questions about preferred materials as you make a plan to repair or replace your roof.