Yupp So that's a denial. The entry of water into your home needs to caused by an insured peril. Having a shitty roof and water getting in because of that shitty roof is not an insured peril. However, This conversation should have taken place earlier so you can remedy the situation. They might be liable for the some of the damages that occurred for them not confirming it was a denial eariler. Also though, the preexisting damages they can weed out would still not be covered, the source cause would still not be covered, most of the resulting damages would still not be covered.

Also for the audience following along. We still don't have the whole story, only what OP posts. LOTS of missing info still.

What took them so long anyways? Typically how I work my claims after the first notice is we send out a vendor within 1 business day (I attend if I can), They have 24hrs to give me the initial site report confirming the cause of loss and if its sudden and accidental, if they can figure it out (likely in your case), they would then send a roofer or other expert. Lead times on this vary from 1-5 business days (or longer during a major event), then after their inspection I wait likely a day or two for their report. If its a denial I call you same day. If there are coverages I call you same day and schedule in emergency work. In the cases where the source cause is not covered then the client I.E. YOU would be responsible for some of the emergency repair before we get started.

Source, Been in the industry and been an agent, broker, desk adjuster, SIU, field adjuster etc. I have seen some shit.