There are several types of storms and severe weather conditions that leave your roof susceptible to wind or water damage such as hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes and thunderstorms. All of these conditions have the capability of ripping shingles from your roof or causing tree limbs to fall on and potential scratch your roof. With this being said, it is imperative to check your roof for damage following any severe weather.
Spotting the Damage
Follow these guidelines to inspect for roof damage:
1. Glance for signs of damage from the ground. Some of the things you are looking for include: missing shingles or tiles, wood shake. missing pieces of metal fascia and loose gutters or exhaust pipe. Pay particular attention to the valleys, outer edges and angles where the roof meets the walls. If you experienced a hailstorm, look for “dimple dents” on your roof and siding. This small dents are the result of hail pounding the outer layer of your house.
2. Check for any fallen tree limbs or branches. Leaving fallen tree limbs unattended it can have serious repercussions on your roof and siding. If you notice branches on or near your home, have them removed as quickly as possible. If larger limbs or whole trees have fallen on your roof, it is advised you do not enter your home until a professional can determine whether any structural damage occurred.
3. Examine your attics for leaks or water damage. If there are water stains on the ceilings or walls it is time for a roof replacement.
4. Pay attention to any strange odors. Mold or sitting water is common after severe storms, but may not always be visible to the naked eye. If you start to notice a unexplained rotten smell it’s time to schedule a roofing inspection to check for mold and other unresolved water damage.
Always stay safe and avoid putting yourself in danger. Evaluate the condition of your roof from the ground before attempt to walk on it. If you are unsure about the safety of your roof, contact a professional roofer to complete your inspection.
Fixing the Damage
When you ready to fix the damages, you have to options: file an insurance claim or hire a roofing professional and pay out of pocket:
1. Call the Insurance Company. The first thing we recommend you do if severe weather left you with roofing damage is contact your insurance agent. They will assess the situation and determine whether or not a claim would cover the cost for some, if not all, of the damage. The insurance company will send a representative out to inspect your roof and write-up a detailed report. Then the insurance company uses this report when making decisions about your claim.
Tip: Even though the insurance company documents all damage and writes up a report, we recommend that you also document any damage you detect in your initial inspection. Take pictures and/or write detailed descriptions of the damage you notice and its location on your home.
If you have to hire someone to perform emergency repairs or it is necessary you buy emergency materials, like a tarp to cover a hole in your roof, always keep your receipts. Many insurance policies include “insurance supplement costs” if they are submitted with the initial claim.
2. Hire a Roofing Professional. If you choose to fix your roof without including the insurance company, we recommend you find a roofing company that specializes in storm restoration. They have additional training relevant to your need and are likely more equipped to perform emergency services and repairs. We also recommend hiring a roofing company that are manufacturer certified. This certification allows roofers to provide the homeowner with an iron clad warranty on roofing materials. If anything happens to your roof shortly after the replacement, the manufacturing company will cover the cost of the additional materials needed to fix the damage.