Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and hence it’s no wonder that severe weather can take a toll on its condition. High winds, hail, and heavy rain can all cause damage to your roof which can lead to leaks, drafts, and other problems.
If you suspect that your roof has been damaged in a storm, it’s important to inspect it as soon as possible and make any necessary repairs. This quick and easy checklist will help you assess the damage and take care of your roof after a storm.
What to do if your roof has been damaged by a storm
If your roof has been damaged by a storm, you must take action as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Here’s what you should do:
Contact your insurance company
If you have homeowners insurance, you will need to contact your insurer to start the claims process. Be sure to have your policy information handy when you call.
Take pictures of the damage
Be sure to document the damage with photos or video for your insurance claim.
Make temporary repairs
If there are any immediate dangers, such as a hole in the roof, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save any receipts for reimbursement from your insurance company.
Contact a reputable roofing contractor
Once you have filed your insurance claim, you will need to find a qualified roofing contractor to perform the repairs. Ask family and friends for recommendations or look for online reviews.
Get the repairs done
Once you have found a good contractor, they will be able to assess the damage and give you an estimate for the repairs needed. Try to get everything in writing before work begins.
Causes of Roof Damage
If you have sustained damage to your roof, here are a few things that you can do to check what needs to be done after a roof storm, including an overview of the different types of roof damage and their associated costs.
- Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Look for any bald spots where granules have come off, cracks, or holes.
- If you see any damage, use a hammer and nails to secure loose shingles and cover any holes.
- Check your gutters and downspouts for debris. Remove any leaves or other obstructions so water can drain properly.
- Inspect your attic for leaks or drafts. If you see any light coming through the roof, that’s an indication that there’s a hole that needs to be patched.
- Once you have made all the necessary repairs, have your roof inspected by a professional to ensure that it’s in good condition.
Signs of Roof Damage
While a visual inspection of your roof is the best way to identify the damage, there are some telltale signs that you can look for:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Granules from shingles in your gutters
- Cracked or split shingles
- Shingles that are curled, cupped, or blotchy
- Bald spots on your roof
- Leaks in your attic or ceiling
- Stains on your walls or ceilings
- Exterior light coming through your roof
Types of Roof Storm Damage
Wind Damage: Wind can blow shingles off your roof, loosen or break tiles, or even cause the entire roof to collapse.
Hail Damage: Hail can crack or break shingles and tiles, dent metal roofs, and cause other serious damage.
Water Damage: Water can seep into your home through holes or cracks in the roof, causing serious structural damage and mold growth.
Repairing Damaged Roofs
If your roof was damaged in a storm, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. A damaged roof can lead to leaks and other problems that can cause serious damage to your home.
Here’s a quick and easy checklist of what you need to do to get your roof repaired:
- Call your insurance company: If you have homeowners insurance, you’ll need to file a claim. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine how much they will cover.
- Find a reputable roofing contractor: Once you have your insurance claim, you’ll need to find a reputable roofing contractor to do the repairs. Be sure to get estimates from multiple contractors before making a decision.
- Schedule the repairs: Once you’ve chosen a contractor, schedule the repairs. Most roofs can be repaired within a few days, but it depends on the extent of the damage.
- Inspect the repairs: Once the repairs are complete, be sure to inspect them yourself or have someone else do it for you. This is important to make sure that the repairs were done properly and that there are no leaks or other problems.
Dealing with insurance companies
One of the most important and stressful parts of repairing damage caused by a roof storm is dealing with insurance companies. Check out these tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
- Assess the damage and compile a list of repairs that need to be made. Take plenty of photos and keep all receipts.
- Next, contact your insurance company to start a claim. They will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage and confirm coverage.
- Once the claim is approved, you’ll need to find a reputable contractor to do the repairs. Be sure to get multiple estimates and check references before hiring anyone.
- Finally, stay in communication with your insurance company throughout the repair process to ensure that everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting reimbursed for eligible expenses.
Hiring a Contractor to Remove the Old Roof
If your home has sustained damage from a recent storm, you may be wondering what the next steps are. One of the most important things on your to-do list should be getting your roof replaced. But before hiring a contractor, confirm if the cost of a new roof is covered by your insurance. If they don’t, you’ll have to bear the cost yourself. And when you have finally sorted the finance part, it’s time to start looking for a reputable contractor.
If you are hiring a contractor, keep these things in mind:
- Make sure they are licensed and insured
- Get multiple estimates
- Read reviews and check references
- Don’t pay upfront for work that hasn’t been completed yet
Once you have found a contractor you are comfortable with, it’s time to get to work. They will likely need to remove your old roof before installing the new one. This can be a messy and disruptive process but prepare yourself for it.
You should also be prepared for the possibility that your contractor will find additional damage once they start working on your roof. If this happens, they may need to do additional repairs which could end up costing more money. However, it’s better to have these repairs done now rather than later when they could cause even more damage.
Seek an Expert Today!
We hope this quick and easy checklist will help you know what to do after a roof storm. While it’s important to have your roof inspected by a professional, you can save time and money by doing some of the work yourself. With this list in hand, you will be prepared to take care of your roof and keep your family safe.
