20 Point CATch All

CAT contracting has implemented a brief and consistent inspection process for homeowners who desire having their home inspected after hail and wind events. Its important to work with a company who is efficient and methodical in all of its processes. BY creating the 20- Point CATch ALL inspection process we ensure each customer receives a thorough step by step inspection process consistently followed by all of our team. Just like McDonalds has an exact way in which it makes their famous BIG MAC consistently taste its best, this initial CATch ALL process ensures the remainder of your claim process runs smooth with optimum outcome.

#1. SHINGLE LAYERS- When approaching the eave from the ladder our rep will peel up the rep will lift the layers of shingles in order to determine the number of the layers of roofing present on the property. This is crucial for a few reasons. First it plays a part in determining repair-ability, Second in the event a replacement is warranted it plays into cost for labor and debris removal, and third storm damage affects the top shingle layer much more severely when multiple layers are present.
#2. ICE & WATER- When examining the eave for the number of roofing layers the rep will determine if the home currently has ice & water shield. If a home has ice and water shield it must be considered when re-roofing the home for both labor and material costing.
#3 VENTILATION- All ventilation items will be inspected. First for cosmetic damages that can help determine the hail size and ferocity and also to see structurally if the home is ventilated properly. More often than one would think, our reps find the ventilation to be insufficiently installed or worse yet, not even open under the ventilation.
#4. Fascia- 65% of the homes we inspect have metal wrapped fascia boards. This aluminum wrapping is easily damaged from hail and high winds however in some cases depending on the angle to which youre observing the product, it can be difficult to spot. Looking across the face while even with the plane of the fascia at a 45 degree angle is the best way to spot these damages.
#5ROOFING SOFT METAL- Flashings will be inspected next to ensure their integrity after the storm. Hail and high winds batter these metal roof components and can cause opportunity for water to breach the waterproofing capabilities of the roofing system.
#6. SKYLIGHTS- Both the window and the framing of the skylight must be examined. Skylight panes can be tattered from hail in excess of nickel size causing the gas seals to be loosened and ultimately fogging. The frames can be dented and compromised as well.
#7. FIELD SHINGLE (TEST SQUARE)- If the previous items show damage in excess of normal wear and tear the shingle must then be field tested. We then perform a test square by sampling 100 sf on each roofing plane (north, south, east, and west). This 100 SF area is normal taken in a 10’X10’ area in the center of the roofing plane. Starting from the top right, the rep will work left to right, top to bottom along each roofing row searching for hail bruises. Once the last row has been analyzed the rep will count the bruises and if more than 6 hail bruises are found, the square will be determined as warrantying replacement.
#8. GUTTERS- Once the shingles are examined the Guttering will be looked at for knots and dents on both the lip of the gutter and the trough of the gutter. Gutter Damage can be tricky to spot so our reps will look at these from multiple angles depending on the glare or direction of the suns light.
#9. GARAGE DOORS- After returning to the ground the Rep will begin his perimeter inspection of the home. First he will will inspect the garage doors. Garage doors are often overlooked by insurance carriers and can be an expensive miss if left unclaimed. We are looking for soft dents and often need to examine the panels form different angles like most metals. it also may help the inspection to wet the doors down in order to highlight the dents which other wise could be missed.
10. DOWNSPOUTS- Downspouts exposed to the storm side are often dented and dinged from the hail or possible blown loose from high winds. Your rep will examine these befor emoving to the Siding.
#11. SIDING PANELS- Siding damage is usually easy to spot however we want to ensure we are identifying Hail damage not previous incidental breaks or dents. We start the siding inspection above knee height and are looking for random breaks on vinyl patterns, or dents on metal panels. Vinyl is often broken on the edges while metal siding can be damaged throughout entire profile of the panel.
#12. ALUMINUM CASEMENTS/ WRAPS- Windows, Doors and Garage doors are often cased in aluminum wrapping. These wraps are often dented after affected by wind blown hail stones. This is a labor intensive item which must be carefully inspected and priced in the event a replacement is necessary.
#13. WINDOWS- The rep will then inspect the window frames and glass. Although not completely uncommon, broken windows arent seen as often as thought. The main reason for this is storms commonly occur in the spring when temperatures are rising. Window screens are normally present protecting the actual window panes.
#14 WINDOW SCREENS- Screens are often damaged on storm facing sides. Window screens will be stretched, dented and even torn from hail and flying debris.
#15. AIR CONDITIONING UNIT- Air Conditioning units are skinned in metal fins. these fins can be dented very easily buy the smallest hail stones however when hail falls in great volumes or excessive size these fins can be dented so severely they can not be combed straight thus not allowing air to flow through freely. Although in most cases a simple A/C Comb can remedy the problem at times the damage incapacitates the ability for the conditioner to perform warranting full replacement.
#16. DECK, RAILINGS- Decks, Patios and Railings will be looked at for chipping or pot marks. In the event the chips are more than cosmetic reparations must be considered but more often a power-wash and stain will suffice.
#17. FENCES- If the property owner has a fence made from vinyl, composite or wooden material, the fence must be examined for surface damage or marking. Wind events play a major role on fences as well by blowing panels or even full lines down. This is easily spotted however we also must examine the gates and connections to be sure the security and structure of the fence has withstood the storms impact.
#18.COLLATERAL ITEMS (lights, picnic tablesjacuzzi tops, mailboxes) Although CAT doesn’t repair such items on a regular basis, we will note damage to collateral items such as patio furniture, jacuzzi covers, mailboxes and likewise to be sure we aid our client in their claim settlement. These items are commonly referred to as “personal property” and written in a separate settlement claim & check.
#19. ATTIC INSPECTION- Our clients sometimes wonder why we inspect the attic, simply put the under-surface of your roof is just as important to its integrity as the exterior surface. If the attic shows signs of deterioration or dampness it gives indication of other problems such as leaks, ventilation or insulation. If you took your car to a mechanic and he didnt look under the hood, how would you feel about that mechanic?
#20. INTERIOR CEILINGS & CLOSETS.- Finally we will ask to see the interior ceilings and closets near valleys or protrusions. We often find leaks go unrecognized simply because as homeowners we rarely look up or in our closets. We want to ensure we aren’t missing anything which can potentially cause issues later in your home.