Hurricanes don’t exactly give you a heads-up.
One day everything looks fine…
The next, you’re staring at missing shingles, leaks, or worse.
And then the question hits:
“Wait…what if my rood was already old before the storm?”
Does that mean your insurance won’t cover anything?
Not necessarily. But this is where things can get a little tricky.
First, Let’s Be Real About Roofs
Roofs don’t last forever.
In Louisiana, especially around places like New Orleans, Slidell, and across St. Tammany Parish, your roof takes a beating year-round. Heat, humidity, storms…it all adds up.
So by the time a hurricane rolls through, a lot of roofs aren’t brand new. That’s normal.
Insurance companies know this too.
The Insurance Company’s Perspective
Here’s the key thing to understand:
Insurance covers damage from the hurricane, not normal wear and tear.
So if your roof was already:
- Aging
- Worn down
- Near the end of its lifespan
The insurance company may try to say:
“This damage wasn’t caused by the storm, it was already there.”
Or they might argue:
“The storm made it worse, but we’re only pairing for part of it.”
This is where claims often start to get…complicated.
But “Old” Doesn’t Mean “Not Covered”
Just because your roof wasn’t brand new doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
If the hurricane:
- Tore off shingles
- Caused leaks
- Created structural damage
That’s still storm-related damage.
And in many cases, your policy should cover at least the portion caused by the storm.
The problem is proving it.
Why These Claims Usually Go Sideways
This is what we see all the time:
- The insurance adjuster does a quick inspection
- They point to the age of the roof
- They downplay the storm damage
- They offer less than what it actually costs to fix
Or deny the claim altogether.
And most people don’t push back, because they assume the age of the roof automatically disqualifies them.
It doesn’t.
Why Documentation Matters More Than Ever
If your roof was older, documentation becomes your best friend.
Things that can help:
- Photos of your roof before the storm (even casual ones)
- Inspection reports
- Maintenance records
- Contractor opinions after the storm
Even small details can make a big difference in showing what changed because of the hurricane.
One More Thing: Partial vs. Full Replacement
This is another gray area.
Sometimes insurance companies will say:
“We’ll pay to patch it, not replace it.”
But depending on the damage (and local building codes), a patch job might not actually be enough.
That’s where disputes often happen, and where having someone on your side can help you figure out what’s fair.
The Bottom Line
If your roof was already old before the hurricane, you’re not alone, and you’re not automatically out of options.
Yes, the insurance company may push back.
But that doesn’t mean the damage isn’t covered.
It just means the conversation is going to be a little more detailed.
If You’re Not Sure Where You Stand
If something feels off about your claim, or you’re being told your roof is “too old” to qualify, it’s worth getting a second opinion.
Not to make things more complicated.
Just to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Because once you accept an offer, it’s a lot harder to go back.
