What Actions Should Be Taken as Soon as a Roof Sustains Damage from a Storm?

Introduction

Storm damage to your roof can be unpredictable and cause damage you may not see right away. A severe storm could be the most damaging to your home, causing water leaks and structural damage that can lead to a very expensive problem over time.

By knowing the damages high winds, large hail, driving rain, and flying debris could do to your home, you are better prepared for the post-storm issues that may arise. Many homeowners, think a small paint chip or dent is no big deal and become surprised, weeks and months down the road, to find out they have an expensive problem to deal with.

Speed is essential to prevent further damage while dealing with your insurance company and minimize emergency roof repair Cypress TX costs. Whether you think you have a little or a lot of damage, there are steps you should follow to ensure the safety of your home, your family and your investment.

Prioritize Safety Before Inspecting Your Roof

The number one priority after a storm is your safety.

Do not venture out in bad weather; do not get up onto a compromised roof, either use binoculars from ground level or do your best to look at damage from inside.

Falling power lines, gigantic branches on roof, or signs of structural failure all warrant individuals to stay clear of the site until help can be obtained.

Never risk safety over property damage assessment.

Perform a Ground-Level Inspection

Walk around your home once the storm has fully abated and it‘s safe outside to look for obvious indications of damage to the roofing system.

Particular items to look for would be broken, missing, or curled shingles or underlays, dented gutters, damaged flashing or vents, or roofing material that has been blown off the roof and collected on the ground.

Additionally, search the attic for water stains, wet insulation, or leaking. On the ceilings, look for water spots and stained drywall.

Although these tests do not provide a full scope of damage, they would help provide some basis for calling a professional roofing contractor.

Document Every Sign of Damage

Before initiating cleanup and temporary repairs, document the damage.

Take shop-class quality photos both close-up and wide-angle of damaged shingles, gutters, flashing, skylights, siding, fences, and blown debris in areas surrounding your house.

Be sure to video record the visual damage.

Photograph water stains on walls, leaky ceilings, peeling paint, and wet items.

These are critical to support your claim to the insurance company and help contractors assess the scope of the damage.

Prevent Additional Water Damage

If your roof is leaking, make an effort to keep water out of your home‘s interior.

Use buckets to catch drips and reposition furniture, electronics, rugs, and heirlooms away from the water‘s path.

Cover exposed items with plastic sheeting or water resistant tarps, if possible.

If water has leaked into your attic, remove wet insulation, if it can be done safely, and increase the airflow there to let moisture escape.

Limiting further interior damage can save you a bundle in repairs until professionals arrive.

Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly

Report storm damage to your homeowner‘s insurance as soon as you see that damage.

Most insurance company‘s will require you to file your claim in a timely fashion, and if you wait to file it late your claim could get denied.

To your insurance company give them the photos, videos, and written notes you took during your inspection.

Also find out what your insurance representative needs to see from you to make sure your claim is being processed correctly.

Keep records of whom you talk to on the phone, who emails you, and repair estimates so nothing is used against you later.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

While a few damages may be straightforward to spot, others related to the storm probably slip under consideration.

Damaged flashing, torn underlayment, fractured decking and loose fasteners are virtually impossible to detect without a specialized roof inspection from an experienced professional.

A local residential roofing repair contractor with an eye for quality can assess your roof and roofing system, flag potential problem areas, and advise on the best course of action to avoid structural issues down the line.

Avoid Temporary DIY Repairs

Most home owners will try to hang on an delay doing repairs as long as possible, causing ongoing secondary problems.

Walking on an injured roof can be dangerous, as repairs using DIY techniques can cancel your roofing warranty or make insurance claims impossible.

Quickly patching the roof with substandard materials can do more harm by causing water to get deeper into the roofing system.

Let the certified roofers do the repairs using recommended industry materials.

Remove Debris Carefully

Once the damage is recorded, clear surrounding areas of the house of stray branches, leaves, and other debris only if it is safe.

Do not try to peel large branches from the roofs yourself due to potential dislodging of roof materials.

Commercial metal roofing contractors Cypress possess the proper tools for safe removal of debris from the roof without causing further structural damage.

Clearing gutters and down spouts of obstructions can prevent additional rainwater from exacerbating the present roofing problems.

Monitor Your Roof After Repairs

Prevent future issues by inspecting the roof after each upcoming rainstorm.

After a windy day, look for shingle loss, and after heavy rains look for fresh water rings on ceilings, unusual blockage in rain gutters or other clogs.

By annually inspecting, homeowners can save money by catching existing flaws before they turn into costly repairs.

Proper yearly maintenance of your roof will increase its durability and efficiency during each season.

Conclusion

Storm damage can occur unexpectedly, however your reaction is one of the primary ways you can help ensure that your home avoids long-term and costly damage.

After a storm, the best measures you can take include: safety first, documenting damage, scheduling a professional roof inspection, and notifying your insurance company.

Getting an educated roofer involved to correct do-it-yourself patch jobs is an effective way to have your roof restored properly, and quickly.

Your quick response not only best preserves your investment but it also provides you with valuable reassurance that your home will be ready to endure future storms.

To help make a home sellable, a well-maintained roof has always been one of the most valuable aspects of a property, and when under attack by storms, a homeowner’s quick action should be a crucial responsibility.