By Jesse Sanchez. 

Navigating roof insurance claims and working with qualified contractors after severe weather. 

Storm damage often leaves homeowners faced with the task of determining how to repair their roof while navigating the complexities of an insurance claim. Companies like Nitro Roofing and Construction note that while many policies provide coverage for certain types of damage, understanding what qualifies and how to properly document the issue can be challenging without clear guidance. 

Most residential insurance policies are designed to cover damage caused by sudden, unexpected events rather than gradual deterioration. In many cases, that includes storm-related impacts such as wind or hail damage, as well as certain sudden failures or manufacturer defects. Distinguishing between covered storm damage and normal wear and tear is one of the first and most important steps when beginning the claims process. 

Once damage is suspected, documentation becomes essential. Homeowners are often advised to carefully record visible signs of damage, take photographs and keep detailed notes about what occurred during and after the storm. Reviewing the insurance policy at this stage can also help clarify coverage limits, deductibles and any specific reporting requirements before a formal claim is filed. 

Professional roof inspections can provide additional clarity. Roofing contractors who regularly work with insurance claims understand how to identify storm-related damage and prepare the documentation insurers typically require. Detailed inspection reports help homeowners better understand the condition of their roof while providing insurers with the information needed to evaluate a claim. 

Choosing the right contractor is equally important. Local roofing professionals often bring valuable knowledge about regional weather patterns and the types of damage common in a particular area. Contractors who prioritize transparent communication and thorough documentation can help guide homeowners through the process and ensure repairs move forward efficiently. 

Ultimately, navigating an insurance claim requires preparation, documentation and professional insight. By understanding what types of damage are typically covered and working with experienced roofing contractors, homeowners can approach the process with greater confidence and avoid costly misunderstandings. 

Learn more about navigating roof insurance claims after storm damage, from documentation to contractor selection!

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Learn how this team rose to the challenge of a historic re-roof and won an award along the way.

The team at Nitro Roofing & Construction likes a challenge. So, when they were tasked by a homeowner to replicate scalloped shingles for a historic home in composite slate roofing, they jumped in.

 Led by owner and CSO Connor Stienecker, the crew created a custom jig and hand-cut 4,000 Inspire® Slate by DaVinci tiles made to replicate scallop edges. Two contrasting colors — Mist Gray and Olive — were installed in distinct fish scale and square edge styles on the 1890 home. The result? A gorgeous roof that received a 2025 DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Award.

This was such a creative roofing project. Why did you use the Inspire by DaVinci product on the roof?

The project previously had another composite roofing product on it. However, that product was very brittle and falling apart. The client wanted to stick with something similar, but with more durability. We suggested the DaVinci composite product as a perfect fit for her needs.

What specifically made the Inspire by DaVinci product easy for your team to hand-cut and work with for this project?

This is a quarter-inch thin tile. It doesn’t have a cored back, so the tiles can be easily scalloped. Afterwards we were able to score the edges to give them a more live edge look, like natural slate.

That home in Ohio is from 1890. If you had the chance to personally re-roof any historical home in America, which one would it be?

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville. It was constructed about the same time, in 1895. It’s such a beautiful building with a lot of history. To re-roof that structure would be a large achievement under our belt!

That’s a big dream. How did you get started in the roofing business?

My brothers and I run our company. Our father started the business after he got out of the boating business. He actually started Nitro Roofing on a whim, not expecting much. However, it blew up into a big family business!

What’s been one of the reasons for your company’s continued success?

Quality. We stand behind our work and the products we use. We don’t install cheap products. That’s one of the reasons we use the DaVinci composite products. They have special features like outstanding aesthetics, color fade resistance and an incredible warranty that our customers really like. These products draw attention to our company and have helped build our business.

Finally, let’s dream a bit. Someone walks up to your door and tells you that you can have $5 million to donate to a single charity. Which charity would you pick and why?

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Ohio. I’ve seen how important their work can be firsthand when a friend of mine had his child and they had complications during birth. Ronald McDonald House helped and made sure they were able to stay close by and take care of their child. By donating to this organization, it would mean that I’m helping families, and that’s really important to me.