What To Do When Your Roof Suffers Storm Damage
When your roof suffers storm damage, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your home and minimize the risk of further damage. Here are some steps you should take when your roof suffers storm damage:
Assess the Storm Damage
The first step is to assess the damage to your roof. Take a look at the shingles, flashing, gutters, and other components of your roof to see if there are any missing, loose, or damaged areas. If the damage is severe, or if you are unsure of the extent of the damage, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor to assess the damage for you.
Cover Any Leaks
If your roof is leaking, it’s important to cover the leaks as soon as possible to prevent water damage to your home. Use a tarp or plastic sheeting to cover any leaks until a professional can repair the damage.
Document The Storm Damage
If you plan on filing an insurance claim for the damage, it’s important to document the damage by taking photos and videos of the affected areas of your roof. Be sure to take photos and videos of any water damage to the interior of your home as well.
Call Your Insurance Company
Once you have assessed the damage and documented it, it’s time to call your insurance company to report the damage. Be sure to provide them with any photos and videos you have taken of the damage, and be prepared to answer any questions they may have.
Contact A Professional Roofing Contractor
After you have reported the damage to your insurance company, it’s time to contact a professional roofing contractor to repair the damage. Be sure to choose a reputable contractor who is licensed and insured, and who has experience dealing with storm damage.
Make Temporary Storm Damage Repairs
If the damage to your roof is severe, it may not be safe to wait for a professional contractor to make repairs. If this is the case, make temporary repairs to protect your home from further damage. For example, if shingles are missing, cover the area with a tarp to prevent water from entering your home.
Monitor The Weather Forecast
After you have made temporary repairs, it’s important to monitor the weather forecast to ensure that there are no more storms on the way that could cause further damage. If there is a high chance of more storms, take additional steps to protect your home.
Make Permanent Storm Damage Repairs
Once the weather is clear, and your insurance company has approved the repairs, it’s time to have your roof professionally repaired. This will typically involve removing any damaged shingles, flashing, and other components, and replacing them with new ones.
Conduct An Inspection
After the repairs are completed, it’s important to conduct an inspection to ensure that the repairs have been made properly and that the roof is in good condition. This will help you identify any issues that may have been missed during the repair process, and will give you peace of mind that your roof is secure and will last for years to come.
While it can be overwhelming to deal with storm damage to your roof, taking these steps will help you minimize the risk of further damage and ensure that your roof is repaired properly. Remember to stay safe, and never try to make repairs to your roof if you are not comfortable doing so. A professional roofing contractor will have the experience and equipment necessary to make the necessary repairs and keep your home and family safe.
In conclusion, Storm damage to your roof can be a major problem and it’s important to take immediate action to protect your home, minimize the risk of further damage and ensure that your roof is repaired properly. Assessing the storm damage, covering leaks, documenting the damage, and contacting a licensed professional are the most important steps.
