When a storm hits and damages your roof, siding, or gutters, your first thought is often, “Will insurance cover this?” What many homeowners don’t realize, however, is that building code compliance plays a critical role in both how your home is restored and whether your insurance company will pay for certain upgrades. This guide will walk you through why building codes matter, how they tie into your insurance policy, and why having a contractor like Grand Rising Exteriors on your side can make all the difference.
What Are Building Codes and Why Do They Matter?
Building codes are regulations that govern the design, construction, and materials used in residential and commercial buildings. They are established to ensure your home is safe, durable, and energy-efficient. Local jurisdictions — including cities, counties, and states — adopt and update these codes over time to reflect new technologies, safety standards, and weather-related risk.
If your home sustains storm damage and you’re filing an insurance claim, your repairs must comply with the current building codes in your area — not the codes that were in effect when your home was built.
The Risk of Not Updating to Code
Failing to bring your home up to current code during a restoration may:
- Invalidate future insurance coverage
- Jeopardize safety (e.g., inadequate roof decking or improper flashing)
- Decrease resale value or delay closings
- Lead to failed inspections or municipal fines
Simply put, restoring your home without following updated code requirements puts your investment at risk.
How Insurance Handles Code Upgrades
This is where things get tricky — and where many homeowners hit unexpected delays.
Most insurance policies include a clause called Ordinance or Law coverage, which helps cover additional costs required to bring your home up to current building code standards — not just restoring it to pre-loss condition. These costs are often essential for safety, durability, and compliance.
Some common examples of code-required upgrades include:
- Roofing: Installation of self-adhering underlayment in valleys and eaves (ice and water shield), proper step flashing at walls, and drip edge at rakes and eaves
- Gutters: Reattachment with appropriate fasteners and protection systems, such as gutter guards (if previously installed)
- Siding: Installation of a weather-resistant barrier, such as protective house wrap (e.g., Tyvek or equivalent), beneath all new siding — required by the 2018 IRC R703.1.1 and adopted under the Kentucky Residential Code
These requirements weren’t always enforced in older homes, but they are mandatory in modern code. That means if your home didn’t originally include house wrap or certain types of flashing, your insurance carrier may still be obligated to pay for it — if properly documented and submitted.
However, insurance carriers don’t include these items automatically. In most cases, your contractor must:
- Identify which components are out of compliance
- A written code citation (e.g., from the IRC or state building code)
- Documentation from your contractor showing how the existing component fails to meet current standards, such as supporting photos
- In some cases, written justification from a code official or building inspector
This process, known as supplementing, can take several days to several weeks, depending on how fast the insurer processes supplements, reviews documentation, and how responsive the adjuster is.
Why You Need a Contractor Who Understands Building Codes
Why You Need a Contractor Who Understands Building Codes
We don’t just build. We advocate. We know how to:
- Identify code-related deficiencies in your home
- Document them clearly for insurance adjusters
- Provide written citations and professional justification
- Submit and track necessary supplements on your behalf
Our team is trained to stay current on Kentucky’s residential building code, so nothing is overlooked — from proper valley liners on a roof to correct attachment of siding and gutter systems.
Why Code Upgrades Can Delay the Restoration Process
If you’re wondering why your project hasn’t started yet or why insurance hasn’t approved the full amount, it’s often because we’re working behind the scenes to ensure your claim reflects all code-required upgrades. Without this, you’d be paying out of pocket later — or worse, living in a home that doesn’t meet legal safety standards.
While this step can take time, it protects you, ensures a compliant repair, and often saves you thousands in future expenses.
The Bottom Line: Code Compliance Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential
Building codes exist to keep your home safe and resilient. When storm damage strikes, you deserve a contractor who ensures not only that the damage is fixed, but that your home is brought back better and safer than before — fully up to code and fully backed by proper insurance coverage.
Grand Rising Exteriors: Here Every Step of the Way
At Grand Rising Exteriors, we believe in doing things the right way — no shortcuts, no overlooked code items, and no leaving customers in the dark. Whether it’s a missing drip edge or a full roof replacement, we take every detail seriously. Our team is here to:
- Guide you through the claim process
- Communicate clearly and consistently
- Ensure your home is restored with integrity and excellence
Have questions about your insurance claim or building code compliance? We’re here to help. Give us a call at (859) 795-7933 and let us advocate for your home like it’s our own.
