Roofs around Tampa take a beating from wind, rain, and strong sun. When shingles go missing or water stains appear on ceilings, many families suddenly face questions about deductibles, code upgrades, and whether the insurer will pay to repair or replace the roof. 

For homeowners dealing with these concerns, working with a Tampa roof damage claims attorney at Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. can simplify a complex process into one with clearer steps and goals.

How Roof Damage Claims Work in Tampa

Roof damage often starts with missing shingles, cracked tiles, or lifted flashing after a strong storm. Water can then seep into the deck, insulation, and interior ceilings. Insurers typically send adjusters to assess the damaged areas, count missing or broken materials, and compare these findings with the policy’s coverage terms. The question often becomes whether the roof can be repaired in small areas or whether it must be replaced.

In Tampa, this kind of storm wear is common because roofs face strong sun, heavy rain, and wind-driven debris. Even a single afternoon thunderstorm can lift the edges of shingles or tiles in a way that is not visible from the street. Once that outer layer is disturbed, water can travel along the deck and appear far away from the original opening, making it harder to track the true source of the leak.

When an adjuster visits, photographs, measurements, and written notes become the starting point for your claim. If the adjuster undercounts damaged tiles or ignores subtle creasing and lifting, the report may suggest a small patch job when the roof actually has widespread issues. Careful documentation from contractors and homeowners helps balance the insurer’s version of what happened.

Roof Age, Coverage Types, and Claim Outcomes

The age of the roof also affects payment. Older roofs near the end of their life may be subject to actual cash value calculations, which reduce payments based on wear and tear. Some Tampa homeowners carry replacement cost coverage that pays for a new roof at current prices, but only if they follow the policy’s repair conditions. A roof claim attorney will help you understand whether your policy pays actual cash value or replacement cost and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to reduced payments.

Actual cash value coverage often means the insurer starts with the cost of a new roof and then subtracts depreciation, which is an amount based on age and condition. Replacement cost coverage, by contrast, aims to fund a full, code-compliant repair or replacement, typically in two steps: an initial payment and a subsequent payment once the work is completed. Knowing which type of coverage you have helps you budget and plan repairs.

Following policy conditions is just as important as understanding them. Meeting deadlines, using licensed professionals, and submitting final invoices on time all play into whether you receive the full amount owed. When roof damage claims align with both the building code and the policy terms, Tampa homeowners have a significantly better chance of receiving fair payments and lasting repairs.

Florida Law and Roof Damage Disputes

Florida law governs how roof claims are handled, particularly in regions severely impacted by storms. For example, the Florida Building Code requires roofs to meet certain wind resistance and installation standards. When part of a roof is damaged, the code can dictate the scope of repairs by requiring the replacement of entire sections to maintain the roof’s uniformity and safety.

Another important state law governs replacement cost coverage. Under this statute, if you have replacement cost coverage on your dwelling, the insurer must pay the reasonable cost of repairing or replacing damaged parts without a deduction for depreciation, subject to policy terms. Often, the insurer will pay the actual cash value upfront, and the remaining balance will be paid after you complete the repairs. A roofing claim lawyer will help you track these payments and push for the full amount once work is done.

Florida has also passed laws aimed at roof claim abuse, including restrictions on contractor solicitation and tighter rules governing incentives for filing claims. These changes aim to reduce fraud, but they may leave honest homeowners uncertain about whom they can trust. A Kuhn Raslavich, P.A., a property claim attorney will explain which contractor practices are allowed, how to read contract proposals, and how to avoid signing documents that give others too much control over your claim.

The Importance of Florida’s Building Code 

It’s critical not to overlook our state’s building code, as it is crucial to any roof damage claim. Under the code, when damage affects more than a certain percentage of a roof section, full replacement of that section may be required rather than simple patching.

That percentage has often been set at 25 percent, although the details can vary based on updates to the code and the type of roofing. A roof claim lawyer will compare the inspector’s findings to the current code to ensure that repairs meet legal standards, not just the insurer’s preferred plan.

The code prioritizes safety and long-term performance over short-term fixes. If a large portion of a roof section is compromised, patching can leave weak spots that fail in the next storm. The 25 percent rule is intended to prevent that outcome by requiring a more comprehensive repair once damage exceeds a certain threshold.

Because the code can change over time, the year your home was built and the type of roof you have both matter. Tile, metal, and shingle roofs may face different standards. Ensuring repairs comply with the current code, rather than an outdated version, helps protect your home and prevents future inspections from identifying new issues.

Common Reasons Insurers Underpay Roof Claims 

Many Tampa families learn during the claim process that a roof can look “fine” from a distance but still have serious problems. Insurers sometimes focus on the most obvious missing shingles and ignore creased, lifted, or bruised shingles that may fail later. When only visible damage is counted, payment offers often fall short of the real cost of repairs.

From the street, a roof might appear intact after a storm, yet close-up photos can reveal cracked tabs, loosened nails, and shingles that no longer seal properly. These weakened areas may not leak right away, but the next round of heavy rain or wind can push them past the breaking point. If the adjuster only notes missing pieces and ignores this hidden damage, the written estimate will not reflect the true repairs needed to keep the roof watertight.

Professionals who work on storm-damaged roofs know how to spot these subtle signs, such as granule loss, lifted edges, and soft spots in the decking. Detailed reports and photographs from those inspections help show that the damage is more than cosmetic. When this kind of evidence is added to the claim file, it becomes harder for an insurer to argue that small patches will solve the problem.

Timing, Notice, and Connecting Damage to the Storm 

Timing can also lead to disputes. If you wait too long to report damage, the insurer may argue that later storms, wear, or poor maintenance caused the current conditions. Yet many homeowners do not notice roof issues until months after a storm, when stains appear inside or granules appear in the gutters. 

A roof claim attorney will help connect the damage back to the correct storm event through weather reports, contractor records, and photos, which strengthens the link between your claim and the covered loss.

Weather data can show when strong winds passed through your neighborhood, while contractor notes can explain how the pattern of damage lines up with that event. Photos taken over time, even casual ones, can help prove that the roof looked different before the storm and that changes appeared afterward.

When timing, hidden damage, and matching issues are all clearly documented, Tampa homeowners stand in a far stronger position to argue for fair roof repairs that comply with both Florida code and the insurance policy.

How Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. Helps Roof Claim Clients

Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. dedicates significant resources to assisting Tampa policyholders with roof disputes. A sound roof is essential for safety, comfort, and property value; delays in repairs can lead to further damage and increased costs.

Clients working with our firm receive close attention to both the policy and the building code. The firm reviews engineering reports, contractor estimates, and adjuster notes side by side. A trusted roof claim lawyer with our team will identify gaps where the insurer ignored code-required upgrades, undercounted damaged shingles, or misapplied depreciation.

Strong negotiation often resolves roof disputes. However, sometimes more formal steps are necessary. When negotiations do not lead to a fair outcome, we will pursue options such as appraisal, mediation, or litigation when appropriate. 

An Experienced Tampa Roof Damage Claims Attorney is Standing By to Help

Property owners who turn to Kuhn Raslavich for legal help gain an advocate who understands Florida law, local building codes, and the tactics insurers use to limit roof payments. This advocacy can make a major difference in how quickly and completely a damaged roof is restored.

Throughout the process, the attorneys at  Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. will work to reduce your stress by keeping you informed about each development. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tampa roof damage claim attorney by calling 877-352-7767 or contacting us online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main types of roof claim coverage?

The two main types are Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV). ACV reduces payment based on depreciation, while RCV aims to fund a full, code-compliant repair or replacement at current prices.

How does the Florida Building Code affect roof damage claims?

The code requires roofs to meet certain wind resistance and installation standards. Crucially, if damage affects more than a certain percentage (often 25 percent) of a roof section, the code may require the full replacement of that section rather than simple patching.

What are common reasons insurers underpay roof damage claims?

Insurers may underpay by focusing only on the most obvious damage (like missing shingles) and ignoring creased, lifted, or bruised shingles. Disputes can also arise if the homeowner waits too long to report the damage, which may lead the insurer to argue that later storms or poor maintenance caused the current conditions.