A severe storm can cause significant damage to your roof. While roofs are made to be a durable, protective component of your home, they can still be affected by extreme weather events. When a severe storm leaves your roof with issues, it is important to deal with the matter immediately. Knowing the steps you should take after your roof sustains storm damage will allow you to mitigate further harm to your property and keep your family and belongings safe.
If you’re looking at roof damage from a storm and want to handle it the right way, here’s where to start.
Step 1: Assessing the Damage
After a severe storm, assessing the damage to your roof should be one of the first steps you take. Since most of the damage will likely be visible, you can easily identify it by safely examining your roof. Consider conducting a visual inspection by walking around your home and looking for issues from the ground, including damage to siding, gutters and downspouts.
Binoculars will come in handy for inspecting some components of your roof. As you search for signs of damage, look for broken, cracked or missing roofing materials. Determine the scope of the roof damage from the storm and form a clear picture of repairs that may be needed.
Once you’ve identified the issues, you will be able to communicate with your insurance company or contractor about the potential repairs you may need.
Step 2: Temporary Fixes
There are plenty of ways a heavy storm can wreak havoc on your roof, from high winds stripping the roofing material to the impact of fallen debris causing severe damage. When storm damage of this magnitude occurs, the interior of your home could potentially be left vulnerable to outside elements.
If you begin to notice water leaking into the interior as a result of serious damage to a particular area on your roof, you will want to implement temporary fixes to prevent further damage from occurring before you can schedule a proper repair. Consider placing buckets or bowls under the leaks to capture the water so it doesn’t damage floors and other valuables in the home. You may also want to cover or move household items from the affected area.
If the problem area is severe, you may need to cover it with a tarp for temporary waterproofing. This will require getting on the roof and securing the tarp safely. Be sure to take the necessary precautions or hire a professional with the proper training to get the job done.
Step 3: Documenting the Damage
It is essential to document as much as possible after a storm, especially if you intend to make an insurance claim. Thorough documentation of the damage will serve as evidence to help support your case. This is especially important if your insurance company only covers certain types of damage.
To properly document everything, take pictures and videos of your property. It would be best if you also considered taking notes and keeping track of the damage, repairs and expenses. Make it a point to include every detail.
Step 4: Filing an Insurance Claim
Whether the storm damage on your roof is severe or just a small leak, may determine if should file a claim with your insurance company. Even small leaks can lead to bigger issues down the line, which can become a burden on you and your family.
Be sure to have your damaged roof inspected immediately if you notice storm damage from the ground. Roof damage tends to get worse over time, making it vital to inspect and document your roof immediately after the storm occurs.
To file a claim, you will want to contact your insurance company after a thorough inspection has been done. Getting in contact with them after you’ve had the roof evaluated will make the process smoother, as you will have all the necessary documentation to detail the extent of the damage. It’s best to get a professional inspection from a reputable contractor to provide an accurate representation of the roof’s condition.
Step 5: Choosing a Contractor
After a severe, destructive storm occurs in an area, traveling contractors tend to show up and attempt to persuade residents to use their storm damage roof repair services. Contractors who canvass neighborhoods after a big storm tend to provide mediocre work using low-quality materials, which often leads to bigger and more costly issues for you over time. That’s why it is essential to choose a contractor that is both local and reliable in repairing storm damage. Here are a few things to look for when selecting a contractor:
- Credentials: Reputable roofing contractors in states where licensing is a requirement will be licensed and insured. Ask about their credentials to make sure that they are properly trained and fully covered when working on your roof.
- References: Ask for references from previous clients to find out more about their quality of work and service to get a better picture of their processes.
- Experience: Working with a roofing contractor with extensive experience and a good reputation for providing quality service is always the best option when you want the best results.
Restore Your Roof’s Integrity After a Storm with Professional Assistance
If your roof has been damaged by a storm, don’t delay in taking action. Contact our skilled team to assess the damage, provide necessary repairs, and restore your roof’s integrity.
Step 6: Making Repairs
Storm damage to the roof is a cause for concern for many homeowners. Depending on how severe the damage is, your house’s interior may be vulnerable to water damage, making your living situation challenging. Regardless of the extent of the issue, any kind of roof damage is a pressing matter that needs to be dealt with promptly.
The extent of the roof repairs needed after storm damage will vary with each case. You can expect a wide range of possible repair requirements, including replacing missing or damaged shingles, fixing leaks or unclogging gutters. These repairs will need to be carried out by professional roofers who routinely deal with storm damage.
Step 7: Preventive Measures
The damage a severe storm can inflict on your roof can be devastating and may lead to costly repairs. Whether extreme weather events are a regular occurrence in your area or not, it is always best to be prepared by taking measures to keep storm damage to a minimum. Here are a few ways you can protect your roof from future storms:
- Trim overhanging branches: Branches that hang against the roof can fall during a storm and damage your roofing materials. Ensure that you keep your trees trimmed, especially if severe weather is common in your region.
- Reinforce weak spots: Conduct a roof inspection before a storm and look for any weak spots, such as loose shingles or gaps in your flashing. If you notice signs of potential issues, fix or reinforce them to avoid further damage.
- Remove debris: It is important to ensure that your roof is clear of any debris, such as leaves or dirt, as foreign matter can trap water and lead to mold growth or damaged shingles.
Let Equity Builders Roofing Assist You With Storm Damage Roof Repair
Dealing with storm damage requires many considerations, from assessing the damage to communicating with insurance companies and scheduling repairs. With all the steps you need to take, it is important to act fast to ensure that the process of restoring your roof to its original state runs smoothly, allowing you to get back to enjoying a safe, aesthetically appealing home.
At Equity Builders Roofing, we have a team of expert roofers who are skilled at performing various types of storm damage roof repairs in and around Bloomington, Indiana. We’re proud of our positive reputation in the local community and will deliver exceptional service to restore your roof’s condition after a storm. Contact us by filling in our online form today.