Commercial Roof Damage: Why Insurance Companies Underpay and How to Fight Back

Insurance company offering a low payout after commercial roof damage? Bloom Legal Network connects Louisiana business owners with property damage attorneys who know how to fight back and recover the compensation they’re owed.

My commercial roof was damaged in a Louisiana hurricane – why is my insurance check so low?

In Louisiana, where hurricanes and tropical storms are a recurring threat, commercial property owners know that roof damage is often the first and most expensive issue to deal with after a storm. Whether you operate a warehouse in Jefferson Parish, a retail center in Metairie, or a multi-use office building in downtown New Orleans, your roof is your first line of defense and your first point of failure.

But here’s the problem: insurance companies routinely underpay roof damage claims, especially after widespread disasters. And if you don’t catch it early or push back strategically, you may end up footing the bill for repairs that should have been covered.

Here’s why insurers lowball roof claims, and what you can do to protect your business and fight back.

Why Roof Claims Are Often Underpaid in Louisiana

1. Hidden Damage Is Easy to Overlook
Hurricanes don’t always rip off shingles or cave in the roof visibly. Instead, they often cause damage to:

Flashing and membrane systems
Underlayment and decking
Fasteners and structural components
HVAC and drainage systems on flat roofs

Insurers may perform a cursory inspection and declare “minimal damage”, while missing long-term vulnerabilities that lead to water intrusion and mold months later.

2. Insurers Use Biased or Inexperienced Inspectors
After a storm in Southeast Louisiana, insurers often bring in out-of-state adjusters who:

Lack of experience with commercial roofing systems
Miss subtle or structural damage
Rely on software to generate estimates without expert verification

This leads to drastically underestimated repair costs, especially in larger commercial buildings across St. Tammany Parish and St. Charles Parish.

3. Roof Age Is Used as a Justification for Depreciation
Insurance companies love to point out that your roof is “old”, even if it was well-maintained. They may:

Apply aggressive depreciation to your payout
Recommend partial repair instead of full replacement
Claim the damage was pre-existing or due to wear-and-tear

But in Louisiana, hurricane-force winds can compromise an older roof just as severely as a new one. Age should not be a blanket excuse to underpay.

Bloom Legal Network can connect you with a property damage lawyer who knows how to challenge these tactics and get your full repair costs recognized.

Signs You’re Being Underpaid for Commercial Roof Damage

If your insurance offer doesn’t match the reality of your damage, pay attention to red flags like:

Payouts that don’t include full tear-off and replacement
No line items for underlayment, decking, or roof vents
Denials of interior water damage as “not roof-related”
Denied claims based on the roof’s age alone

Own a commercial property in New Orleans or Jefferson Parish? Don’t take the first check as the final word. Let a legal expert review the offer before you cash it, it could be thousands (or tens of thousands) too low.

What Your Roof Claim Should Actually Cover

A properly submitted and documented roof damage claim should account for:

Full replacement cost, including materials, labor, and code upgrades
Interior damage caused by leaks (ceilings, drywall, flooring, equipment)
Tarping, mitigation, and temporary repairs
HVAC and equipment damage on rooftops
Lost income if the damage forced you to close operations

The insurer’s job is to restore your property to pre-loss condition, not cut corners or push cheaper alternatives.

How to Strengthen Your Roof Damage Claim

1. Get a Licensed Roofer or Engineer to Inspect the Damage
Don’t rely solely on the insurance adjuster. A roofer familiar with hurricane damage in Southeast Louisiana can:

Identify hidden and structural damage
Provide detailed replacement cost estimates
Test moisture levels under the roof deck

2. Preserve Evidence
Take clear photos and videos of:

Exterior and interior damage
Water stains, ceiling collapse, or mold
Any repairs or mitigation you’ve done

Keep receipts for tarps, patchwork, or temporary closures.

3. Don’t Sign a Quick Settlement
Many insurers will offer fast but low settlements hoping you’ll move on. Signing that check may waive your right to pursue additional compensation later.

Not sure if the offer is fair? Call Bloom Legal Network before you sign anything. We’ll connect you with a Louisiana insurance lawyer who can assess your claim.

When to Call a Property Damage Attorney

If you’re dealing with any of the following, it’s time to bring in legal support:

Denied or delayed roof claim
Offer that’s far below contractor estimates
Insurer refuses to cover full replacement
Disagreements about cause of damage (e.g., wind vs. wear)

Roof claims are among the most technically complex, and insurers know that many property owners won’t have the time, expertise, or energy to push back. But legal advocacy levels the playing field.

Don’t Let Your Roof Claim Collapse Under Pressure

Your commercial roof protects your entire investment. Don’t let insurers chip away at your recovery with vague language, rushed inspections, or underpriced estimates.

If your business took roof damage during hurricane season, whether in downtown New Orleans or on the outskirts of Slidell, make sure you know your rights, document your losses, and take action before it’s too late.

📞 Call Bloom Legal Network at 504-599-9997
📧 Email info@bloomlegal.com

We’ll connect you with a Louisiana insurance attorney who will fight for the roof claim you actually deserve.