Storm damage to your roof is one of those things you can never fully plan for. Sometimes, you don’t get enough warning to prepare your roof for rough weather.
So that leaves only one scenario where you have to act quickly after the storm passes. Fortunately, our residential roofing experts at HW Roofing are here to advise you.
Determine the Type of Storm Damage
A word of warning: Before inspecting your roof, be sure the storm has passed. In addition, confirm the area is safe, and there are no downed power lines, flooding, or anything that constitutes a potential hazard.
If the coast is clear, you can inspect your roof to figure out the type of damage caused. Here’s what you need to know:
- Rain damage. Flooding on your roof is one of the immediate signs of rain damage. If there’s water pooling on your roof, this might cause sagging. Rain damage also leads to rotting and the growth of mold, moss, or algae if left unchecked.
- Wind damage. Strong winds can wreak havoc on your roof and leave you with broken, loose, cracked, or missing tiles or shingles.
- Hail damage. Hailstones will leave dents, pockmarks, and holes in your roof.
Since climbing on your roof can be risky, you can assess damage from a distance using a pair of binoculars.
Let Your Insurance Company Know What’s Happening
Assessing the damage to your roof gives you an idea of whether the damage is extensive enough to contact your home insurance company. Sometimes only minor repairs are needed, so you can skip this step and contact a reputable residential roofing contractor.
If you choose to contact your insurance company, document all visible signs of storm damage and gather essential information your insurance company might need. Usually, the insurer will send out an adjuster to inspect the damage before deciding whether to approve or decline your claim. You can also check out this post-disaster property insurance claim guide.
Contain the Damage
There might be some wait time before your roofer can start making the necessary storm damage roof repairs. In that case, you’ll need to take some stopgap measures to prevent further damage to your home. For instance, if your roof has become leaky, you’ll need to place containers under every leak to avoid severe water damage.
You can also throw a tarp to cover serious damage and protect the interior of your home. You can even perform quick repairs if you’re up to the job, such as patching up punctures and cracks with roofing sealant. However, keep in mind that these DIY fixes are only temporary solutions. When your roof has storm damage, it needs professional attention sooner rather than later.
Contact a Professional Roofing Contractor
Ultimately, the best thing to do when there’s storm damage to your roof is to contact a professional roofing contractor. An experienced roofer can conduct a thorough inspection to expose other subtle signs of roof damage you may have missed. You can figure out whether to repair or replace your roof based on their findings.
Be sure to hire a local roofer with whom you can build a relationship instead of “storm chasers” who are only in town for a day or two before moving on to the next natural disaster. A local contractor values their reputation, so you can rely on quality storm damage roof repairs or replacement that provides extra value for your money.
Are You In St. Augustine Or Jacksonville, FL? – Get a Free Roof Inspection!
The most crucial step you can take after finding storm damage to your roof is to contact an experienced and reliable roofing contractor. Luckily, HW Roofing offers free roof inspections!
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you schedule a free roof inspection today. By getting a professional assessment of the damage, you’ll know the best way to deal with it and get your roof back in top-notch condition.