Roofs are built to protect you from the elements, especially against storms. Though they are durable and resilient, roofs can still sustain significant storm damage. Learning about what you can do as a homeowner is vital to prolonging the life of a storm-damaged roof.
Today, we lay out the ABCs of dealing with storm damage on your roof.
A – Assess and Collect Information
After the storm passes and it’s safe to go out and check your yard, you can assess the damage to your property, particularly to your roofing. Knowing the extent of the damage can help you, your roofer and your insurance company in determining what to do and how much it will cost to repair your roof. Keep in mind that the best time to inspect the damage is either in the early morning or in the late afternoon because there is sufficient light and it’s not too hot outside. Nevertheless, do not attempt to climb on your roof. You can perform a quick inspection of your roof from the ground with the help of binoculars.
After checking your roof from the outside, you can start looking for damage indoors. Pay close attention to your attic and ceiling. Take note of the issues you see – write them down, and take a picture of the damage.
Remember to be wary of hazards in and out of your home. Inside your home, don’t go into rooms with damaged ceilings or unstable flooring. Make sure to hire a contractor so that someone can thoroughly check for stains, leaks and other issues in your attic and walls. A leaking roof typically causes stains and discolorations on the ceiling and the walls. Additionally, your roofer should inspect for holes and cracks where light is seeping through, as well as protrusions in your decking and underlayment.
When outside, look out for knocked-down power lines and poles, and stay clear of uprooted trees and other heavy objects. If your siding also got damaged, take note of the affected sections and leave the repairs to an experienced exteriors remodeling and repair company.
With regards to your roof, look for blown-off shingles, excessive shingle granules in your gutters or on your yard, and other visibly damaged roofing components. You don’t need to climb a ladder or perform any repairs yourself. At this point, you only need to carry out a visual inspection. Don’t forget to take note of exposed or heavily damaged parts of your roof. Furthermore, check your gutters, and see if they have been knocked askew or if the fascia boards sustained any significant damage. Take pictures or videos of the dents and cracks you see around your roof and siding as this will enable exteriors remodeling and repair companies in assisting you when filing an insurance claim.
If your area was hit by a strong hailstorm, look in your yard or driveway for the largest intact hailstone you can find. Take a picture of it or place it in a food-grade plastic bag and freeze it. This can help prove the severity of the hailstorm to your insurance company.
B – Begin Damage Control
Before calling the professionals to fully assess the extent of the damage, you can make use of temporary solutions to prevent issues from worsening. This doesn’t mean you have to perform roof repair as doing so will put your roof at risk and affect your warranties. Rather, a temporary fix is crucial to prevent your home from being damaged further.
For example, if your roof has been damaged to the point that there are multiple leaks in your home, putting buckets on the spots where water is dripping can help mitigate moisture damage on your flooring or furniture. You can also place protective wrapping over appliances, furniture and other important objects to prevent damage to these things. Storing away fragile objects, sensitive documents and other important belongings is also important.
C – Call Your Insurance Company and Roofer
Once you’re done with your assessment, you should call your insurance company and request the assistance of a reputable contractor. Why do you need to call for the help of roofers? Some types of storm damage are difficult to detect in the early stages. To the untrained eye, your roof may appear to be in good condition, but it may have been damaged by the storm. Such damage can only be detected by roof repair professionals who know what to look for on your system. But remember, only hire reputable roofers. Avoid shady roofing companies that typically travel from one community to another, specifically targeting panicked homeowners and charging them exorbitant rates.
As for the insurance company, they typically send their own roofing contractor to assess the damage to a home. Having a third-party roofing contractor will help you get a better idea of how much you should receive as a payout when filing for storm damage claims.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Roof Repair or Replacement
Putting off roof repairs or replacement is generally a bad idea for many reasons. First, leaving the exterior and interior of your home exposed to the elements makes them more vulnerable to further damage – which can lead to even higher costs than what you think you’ll save. Second, your home’s structural integrity will be affected since your roof plays a crucial role in your home’s stability. Finally, you’re putting your health at risk as moisture damage can sometimes take the form of mold and mildew growth, which can trigger allergies or cause other health issues.
That said, when a storm hits, make sure to immediately have the damaged sections of your home assessed and repaired. This will not only help you retain the comfort and appearance of your home, but it will also prevent further damage and help you identify issues that you didn’t know about before the storm hit.
For over 80 years, Ganser Company has been a trusted expert that delivers exceptional craftsmanship and great value. Whether it’s exterior remodeling, skylight installation, gutter replacement or storm damage repairs, we’re the industry professionals that can handle your home repair and improvement needs.
Need help in evaluating and repairing storm damage? You can contact us at (608) 222-1243 or fill out our contact form.