Expert Roof Inspections With Unbiased Advice

Our team, at Roof Inspector NM, LLC, is led by Tom, Michael, and Geoffrey. We treat each client like family and provide honest evaluations you can rely on. Unlike sales-focused contractors, we are here to protect your home by providing impartial, expert advice. We are here to protect your Property.

Certifications

Thomas Newkirk

Roof Inspector
Roof Inspector NM, LLC
Albuquerque, NM

Phone: (505) 500-5100
HCI Number: 201412224

Certifications: Residential, Commercial, Wind

Residential Certification - ACTIVE
ORIGINALLY CERTIFIED ON: 2014-12-10

LAST CERTIFIED ON: 2023-12-29

CERTIFICATION EXPIRES ON: 2024-12-31

Commercial Certification - ACTIVE
ORIGINALLY CERTIFIED ON: 2015-03-07

LAST CERTIFIED ON: 2024-04-15

CERTIFICATION EXPIRES ON: 2025-04-30

Wind Certification - ACTIVE
ORIGINALLY CERTIFIED ON: 2024-08-07

LAST CERTIFIED ON: 2024-08-07

CERTIFICATION EXPIRES ON: 2025-08-31

Geoffrey Newkirk

Roof Inspector
Albuquerque, NM

Phone: (505) 500-5100
HCI Number: 991904009

Certifications: Residential

Residential Certification - ACTIVE
ORIGINALLY CERTIFIED ON: 2019-04-19

LAST CERTIFIED ON: 2024-10-09

CERTIFICATION EXPIRES ON: 2025-10-31

Michael Newkirk

Roof Inspector
Albuquerque, NM

Phone: (505) 500-5100
HCI Number: 991904008

Certifications: Residential

Residential Certification - ACTIVE
ORIGINALLY CERTIFIED ON: 2019-04-18
LAST CERTIFIED ON: 2024-06-17
CERTIFICATION EXPIRES ON: 2025-06-30

Find an HAAG Certified Inspector

Honest Roof Inspections

Unbiased Evaluation

A thorough assessment covering the good, bad, and ugly of your roof’s condition.

Repair vs. Replacement

Clear advice on whether your roof needs repair or complete replacement.

No Pressure

We provide the facts without overwhelming you, helping you make the best decision for your home and family.

Peace of Mind

Our inspections ensure you have all the information needed to keep your property safe and secure.

Why Roof Inspector NM Requests the Insurance Estimate

Roof Inspector NM will always request the insurance estimate because it provides essential details that impact the cost and scope of the job. For example, if the actual cash value (ACV) is $10k and the replacement cost value (RCV) is $20k, a contractor could bid $17k without knowing the full details of the insurance estimate. In this case, the contractor loses $3k, and the homeowner gains nothing, leading to a situation where both parties lose to the insurance company.

How Roof Inspector NM Helps

Maximizing Your Payout

Roofing isn’t a commodity. A reputable contractor understands how to navigate the insurance process effectively. Contractors may include valuable upgrades like premium shingles, attic ventilation systems, or extra gutters, depending on the payout. By withholding information from your contractor, you risk missing out on these upgrades and could end up with lower-quality service.

Handling Supplemental Claims

When extra damage is discovered during the project, contractors often need to work with the insurance company to secure a supplemental payout. This can include filing for depreciation and negotiating the scope of work. The process takes time, and the contractor isn’t just providing a quote—they’re also managing inspections and adjusting the scope of work, often leading to upgrades or additional services for the homeowner.

Managing Depreciation and Claim Limits

If your roof is older and the insurer has depreciated its value, filing for depreciation is essential to cover the difference. This process can be frustrating, but working with a reputable contractor can help ensure that you get what you’re entitled to, avoiding unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. A skilled contractor can navigate the depreciation process, ensuring you get the most out of your insurance payout and saving you money in the long run.

Trust Your Roof Inspector

Avoid Interfering With the Process

If you constantly question your contractor’s steps, it may be a sign that you haven’t chosen the right one. Contractors often avoid working with clients who second-guess their every move, as it can create delays and lead to additional costs. A good contractor should be able to navigate the process with minimal interference, ensuring the job is completed efficiently and correctly.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Homeowners who try to manage their own general contracting may face costly mistakes. Contractors frequently find that insurance adjusters have missed or mismeasured damages, and it’s their job to correct those errors. These adjustments can lead to upgrades or additional services that benefit the homeowner, ensuring that they don’t miss out on the full potential of their insurance payout.

How Your Roof Affects Insurance Rates

Roof Age and Condition

Older Roofs: Roofs that are older than 10 years may be more prone to damage, requiring expensive repairs or replacements. Insurance providers prefer newer roofs as they are less risky, often leading to better premium rates.
Roof Condition: A well-maintained roof is less likely to experience leaks or structural damage, which can lead to claims. Insurers often offer lower premiums for roofs in good condition.

Roofing Materials

Durable Materials: Fire-resistant or impact-resistant materials, such as metal roofing, can reduce the risk of fire or storm damage, leading to potential discounts. Insurers favor these materials as they minimize claim risks.
Common Materials: Asphalt shingles and wood shakes may result in standard rates, but they can increase premiums in certain cases, especially if the roof is in poor condition.

Roof Shape and Design

Wind Resistance: Roofs with a steep pitch, like hip and gable roofs, are better equipped to withstand wind damage, which could lead to lower insurance rates.
Flat and Complex Roofs: Flat roofs or complex designs (such as mansard or gambrel roofs) may be more prone to leaks or costly repairs, leading to higher premiums.

Roof Replacement

Replacing your roof can lead to significant savings on your insurance premium, with discounts ranging from 5–35%. However, discounts aren’t guaranteed, as each insurance company uses its criteria to calculate rates.

Other Factors

Regional Factors: Location matters! Areas prone to severe weather like hailstorms and tornadoes often face higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk of damage.
Discounts and Incentives: Insurance providers may offer discounts for impact-resistant or fire-resistant roofing materials. These features lower the risk of damage and can help reduce premiums.
Insurance Coverage Limits: Higher coverage limits increase premiums, regardless of roof type. Be sure to balance the coverage you need with what’s financially sensible to avoid overpaying.
Roof Inspection Needs: Insurance companies may require a roof inspection to assess its condition. Compliance with inspection and maintenance standards ensures you get the best rates and coverage.

Roofing Materials: Rate Breakdown

Asphalt Shingles: Moderate rates
Wood Shingles/Shakes: Higher rates
Metal Roofing: Potentially lower rates
Concrete/Clay Tiles: Potentially lower rates

Roof Shapes: Rate Impact

Hip Roof: Potentially lower rates (good wind resistance)
Gable Roof: Moderate rates (average wind resistance)
Flat Roof: Potentially higher rates (prone to leaks)
Mansard Roof: Potentially higher rates (complex structure)
Gambrel Roof: Moderate rates (average wind resistance)

How Insurers Calculate Roof Claims

Navigating insurance claims for roof damage can be confusing, especially when the amount approved by the insurance company differs from your roofer's estimate. Here’s a breakdown of how insurers calculate roof claim costs.

Third-Party Estimation Software

Insurance companies typically rely on third-party software to determine roof costs. The two most commonly used platforms are Symbility and Xactimate. These software tools calculate the cost of your roof repair or replacement by considering several factors.

Three Key Factors in Estimating Roof Costs

Independent Line Items

Each roofing project is broken down into individual components (e.g., materials, labor, permits). The software calculates costs for each line item separately.

Market Pricing by Location

Costs can vary significantly depending on where you live. Local market rates for labor and materials influence the overall cost of the roof.

Market Pricing by Date of Damage

The cost of materials and labor is tied to the date of the damage. If pricing has changed since the time of damage, it could result in differences between your roofer’s estimate and the insurance company’s payout.

Why the Difference in Estimates

Insurance companies often lack in-depth roofing expertise, leading to potential discrepancies between the payout and the roofer’s estimate. To ensure you receive the full amount needed for your roof, you can trust us. We can help you navigate the insurance process and ensure that the estimate accurately reflects the true cost of your roof repair or replacement.

Roofing Company vs. Insurance Company

Different Motivations for Cost Estimates

The insurance company aims to minimize costs and may approve lower estimates, whereas Roof Inspector NM is focused on ensuring the roof is properly repaired, which could result in a higher estimate. This difference in priorities can lead to conflicting figures.

The Role of Third-Party Software

Both insurance companies and roofing contractors use third-party software like Xactimate and Symbility to calculate costs. While these tools standardize the process, differences can still arise due to factors like local market pricing, code requirements, and necessary materials. These software systems help reduce bias but don’t always account for all roofing nuances.

Code-Required Features

Insurance adjusters may not be familiar with certain details that affect roof costs, such as required materials to meet current building codes. For instance, a drip edge may be necessary to bring the roof up to code, but if the previous roof didn’t have one, the insurance adjuster may not include this in their estimate. Roof Inspector NM, however, is more aware of these needs and will advocate for you and include them in supplements to the insurance carrier.

Ensuring a Complete Estimate

If there are differences between the insurance company’s approval and your roofing company’s estimate, it’s a good idea to share the insurance estimate with Roof Inspector NM. You can trust us to ensure that the estimate includes all necessary materials and meets building codes, guiding you through the process to make sure the claim reflects the actual cost of the roof.

Tips to Save on Insurance Premiums and Claims

Choose Durable Materials: Opt for metal, slate, or tile roofing to minimize damage risk and qualify for discounts.
Regular Roof Maintenance: Keep your roof clean, inspect for damage, and trim overhanging branches to extend its lifespan.
Improve Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation helps control moisture and temperature, preventing mold and wood rot.
Add Safety Features: Install impact-resistant shingles, storm-rated underlayment, or solar roofing tiles for added protection.
Reinforce Vulnerable Areas: Strengthen eaves and overhangs to protect your home from water intrusion.
Get a Professional Inspection: Schedule regular roof inspections to ensure your roof meets insurance standards.

Get the Insurance Support You Deserve

Don’t let the insurance process overwhelm you—let Roof Inspector NM, LLC make it easy! We’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your roof claim reflects the true cost of your repair or replacement. With our expert support, you can rest easy knowing you're getting the payout you deserve. Reach out today and take the stress out of your roofing insurance claim!

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