Understand Your Options Before Replacing Your Roof
What Is a Retail Roofing Job?
A retail roof is when you pay out of pocket for a new roof — just like any home improvement project.
This might be because:
– Your roof is simply old or worn out
– There’s no clear storm damage
– You want to upgrade materials (metal, slate, etc.)
– Insurance didn’t approve a claim or only covered a portion
Think of it like buying a new car with cash or financing. You choose what you want and pay the total cost directly.
What Is an Insurance-Based Roofing Job?
An insurance roof happens when your roof was damaged by a sudden event — typically wind or hail — and your homeowners policy covers part or all of the replacement cost.
This usually involves:
– A free inspection to document storm damage
– Filing a claim with your insurer
– A roof replacement covered by the insurance company, minus your deductible
In this case, you’re not shopping for a roof — you’re restoring your home back to pre-loss condition.
Key Differences: Retail vs. Insurance
Aspect | Retail Roofing | Insurance Roofing
——————|—————————————-|———————————————
Who Pays | You (cash, credit, or financing) | Insurance company (minus deductible)
Trigger Event | Age, leaks, upgrades | Wind, hail, or storm damage
Inspection | Optional but recommended | Required for claim approval
Materials Chosen | Your preference | Must match original materials (typically)
Timeline | Based on your schedule | Typically longer due to insurance company delays
Documentation | Simple proposal | Detailed scope with photo evidence
How Do I Know Which One I Need?
Ask yourself:
– Was there a recent storm in my area?
– Do I see creased or missing shingles?
– Are my neighbors getting new roofs?
If yes → you might qualify for insurance.
If no → you may be looking at a retail project.
We offer both — and we’ll tell you which path makes the most sense after a no-pressure inspection.
Common Misconceptions
“Insurance won’t cover my old roof.”
✅ If the damage was caused by a storm, age usually doesn’t matter.
“I’ll just patch it myself.”
⚠️ DIY or improper repairs will void insurance coverage and worsen the problem.
“Insurance companies handle everything.”
✅ They assess, but they don’t always see everything. That’s why you need a contractor who works for you.
Customer Testimonial
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The company people were really nice. Nick explained everything in detail so there weren’t any surprises in the cost. They worked with the insurance company so I didn’t have to worry about that. Roof was done in one day and it looks great. The cleanup was good. Highly recommend using this company. Great job”
– Patricia T., Hudson, OH
Not Sure Which You Need? Let’s Find Out.
We’ve helped homeowners across Bedford, Solon, Twinsburg, Macedonia, and Northeast Ohio navigate both retail and insurance roofing — and we’ll help you make the right call for your situation.
📞 Call or text us at (216) 650-4334