Dealing With Storm Damage To Your Roof

When a severe storm hits the area, it is essential to act immediately to prevent the damage from spreading to other corners and protect the property from its effects. Neglecting storm roof damages can cause various structural, functional, and aesthetic issues. Even minor problems can become a potential threat if home or business owners fail to address them on time or call professional roofers for repairs.

Here are a few steps you can take to efficiently deal with storm damage to the roof and prevent future issues:

Inspect and assess the roof for damages

The first step towards dealing with storm damage is to determine its extent. After a storm, go out to evaluate the damage it has caused. Avoid climbing or walking on the roof as you may suffer severe injuries. Use binoculars instead to take a closer look. During the inspection, identify the damaged areas and the severity of the problem. 

Fallen tree limbs and other debris can also damage the roof during the storm. Some of the potential issues a roof can experience during a storm are missing, cracked, or broken shingles, damaged framing, granule loss, clogged rain gutters, loosened ridge vents, dings and holes, mold, rot, leaks, and other water damages.

Besides exteriors, look for signs of damage in the interiors too. Peeling or loose sealant, faded paint, drywall cracks, and water stains on the wall or ceiling are the common issues caused by a storm.

• Take steps to minimize damage

Before calling in the professionals, take immediate measures to protect the property from further damage. Cover the roof with a tarp, remove all valuables, and place a bucket under leaks as temporary fixes till the help arrives. If the damages are extensive and the property is unusable or risky to stay in, look for an alternative place till the repairs are over.

• Hire a reliable roofing contractor for repairs

It is always best to call a roofer to look into storm damage. Several roofing companies provide emergency roofing services and will quickly arrive at your doorstep for inspection. Not all roofing issues are visible to an average person. A roofer has the experience and can perform a detailed examination to look into hidden problems that may create serious trouble down the line. Roofers will document all the damages and give you an estimate of the required roof repairs or replacement needs. Always hire a licensed and insured contractor and avoid storm chasers. 

• Call the insurance company

When the roof suffers storm damage, immediately call the insurance company to apprise them of it. Usually, the home insurance policy covers roof damages due to fire or vandalism. However, it also protects against weather damages that are not under the homeowner's control. After the roofing contractor gives an estimate, talk to the insurer to know what the policy covers and the deductibles. Document all the damages to show to the insurance provider. The insurance coverage generally depends on the roof’s age and the region.

Do not wait for the problem to worsen if the roof has suffered storm damage. Do a quick assessment and hire a professional roofer to provide efficient solutions to fix the issues quickly and efficiently. Pros will restore the roof to ensure it stays in top condition, protects the property for a long time, and efficiently withstand future storms.