Introduction
Storm damage can hit unexpectedly, and leave you with a compromised roof, missing shingles, broken limbs on trees, and water in your home.
Between high winds, hail, and rainfall, damage to your roof can happen suddenly, and be difficult to identify. Being prepared to take swift action after a storm can help you avoid expensive home repairs later.
Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know where to begin after a storm has just blown through, and if you understand what to do, you will be able to limit the damage to your home, file your insurance claim quickly, and get your home safe much more efficiently.
Protect your home (published on a site for roofing services regarding storm damages) suggests the right thing to do regardless of how terrible or minimal the damage appears to be, is to hire a professional for storm damage roof repair.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety Before Inspecting Your Roof
Remember, your safety should always come first.
Never venture onto your roof following a storm if there are high winds, pooled water, downed power lines or evident structural damage in the vicinity.
If necessary, examine your property from the ground via binoculars or by simply walking around your residence.
Look for missing shingles, damaged gutters, branches that have fallen, struck flashing or pieces of roofing material strewn about your front or back lawn.
If you see water rushing into your residence, avoid electrical fixtures and move precious possessions to a safe location away from the affected area.
Delay an investigation of the scope of the damage until there is minimal risk of accident or injury.
Step 2: Document Every Sign of Damage
Before you call the insurance company or make temporary repairs, document the damage as thoroughly as possible.
Photograph and video tape the roof, gutters, siding, windows, ceilings, attic, and personal property inside your home that has been damaged by water.
Get variety images showing all angles of the roof and home to capture the effects of the storm.
Track weather conditions and the time of the storm and any immediate problems. This information can help your insurance claim.
The more detailed your records, the less room for argument on your insurance claim.
Step 3: Prevent Additional Water Damage
In the event your roof is damaged, the most important step should be protecting and minimizing further damage.
To do this, fasten buckets over existing leaks, drain the buckets periodically, and cover furniture or other valuable objects with plastic sheeting.
If it is safe, it is also a good idea to plan for a temporary tarp covering damaged portions of the roof until permanent repairs can be made.
Temporary coverage prevents additional interior damages and prevents the formation of mold, which could otherwise further worsen your house‘s condition.
Do not attempt to make your own permanent repairs to the roof, as structural damages that are hidden may imply that it is unsafe to access the roof.
Step 4: Contact a Professional Roofing Contractor
After your home is made safe, contact a professional roofer for an inspection.
Roofers are trained and equipped to find damages caused by storms that even homeowners may not notice.
They will perform a thorough examination of your shingles, flashing, structural roof decking, gutters, soffit, ventillation, and general structure of your home to determine the amount of damage.
An inspection report will be helpful when working with insurance companies and ensuring your roof is repaired properly and completely.
When choosing a contractor, selecting one you can trust to use quality materials and provide a job well-done is essential.
Step 5: File Your Insurance Claim Promptly
Once the car has been professionally inspected, call your insurance company immediately to make your claim.
Provide them with the pictures, inspection report, repair estimates and anything else they ask.
Be prompt in answering the insurance company‘s questions, and keep copies of everything.
Prompt insurance claims can prevent excess delays in the accident restoration process and maximize the chances of prompt approval.
Collaborating with your contractor and insurance company during the process will aid completing the process fast.
Conclusion
Never underestimate the seriousness of storm damage.
A minor hail, wind or rain event can be devastating when serious roof issues are left unresolved, and sustained water intrusion begins to cause potentially irreversible structural deterioration, mold development and costly repairs.
Ensure everyone‘s safety, take images of the storm damage, protect your home from extra moisture, call a trained roofing contractor Houston and file your insurance claim immediately, to minimize panic and the potential for long term repairs.
Going the cost for professional storm damage roof repair is well worth it when you can restore your roof to full strength to safeguard your family and ensure peak performance through any future storms.
