As a homeowner, you should know what to do if your roof suffers storm damage. The knowledge will help you know how to prevent further damage, file an insurance claim, and repair the roof. Below are some of the measures to take after a storm.
Confirm the House’s Safety
In case of obvious catastrophic damage, then the first step is to ensure everyone’s safety. Say a large tree has fallen and crushed a section of the roof. Check if the roof is in danger of a collapse or cave-in. In the case of a rainstorm, water might have affected the house’s electrical system.
Don’t remain in the house if you suspect danger or if the roof has collapsed. Instead, call for emergency services to deal with the danger.
Inspect the Roof
Most forms of storm damage cause minor to moderate damage. If you can’t spot catastrophic damage right away, then your home is likely safe enough for a roof inspection. Inspect the roof from both inside and outside the house. Below are some useful tips to help you with the inspection:
- Check for dents on different parts of the roof, such as the flashing, shingles, and gutters
- Check if roof accessories, such as gutters and vents, have loosened
- Check for shingle cracks or breakages
- Walk around the house and look for debris that might have fallen off the roof
- Inspect the ceiling for water spots and signs of leakages
- Inspect the gutters for debris, such as shingle granules, that have slid from the roof
For your safety, resist the urge to go on the roof for an inspection. Conduct your inspection from the ground. If you have a ladder, you can use it to insect the roof more closely, but don’t walk on the roof.
Mitigate the Damage
You shouldn’t repair your roof before the insurance adjuster arrives, but you should prevent further damage. Discover some temporary measures to mitigate the damage:
- Board up shattered windows so that they won’t admit water into the house
- Use a tarp or any suitable material to cover up household contents that might suffer water damage
- Remove debris, such as tree limbs that might cause further damage or injury
Note that your insurance policy might not cover damage arising after the storm – especially damage you could have prevented. Thus, damage mitigation is in your financial interest.
Consult a Roofing Contractor
You should also consult a roofing contractor unless you are certain your roof hasn’t suffered damage. The roofing contractor will:
- Inspect the roof and diagnose the damage
- Estimate the repair cost
- Document the damages
- Help with your insurance claim
Even if you have inspected the roof, a professional roofer might unearth damage that you didn’t spot. For example, the roofing contractor can use imaging techniques to detect hidden moisture damage that you can’t spot with your eyes.
Call Your Insurance Agent
Inform your insurance agent about the damage as soon as possible. Your insurance company will likely be flooded with calls or claim filings, especially if the storm has affected multiple properties in the area. The sooner you start the claim process, the faster the adjuster will work on your application.
The insurance agent will reach out to you to appraise and document the damage. Ensure your roofing contractor is present as the adjuster assesses the damage. The contractor’s presence can ensure that the adjuster’s estimate accounts for all the damages.
Coleman Roofing LLC has the resources, skills, and experience to repair or replace your storm-damaged roof. We will also assist you with the insurance claim process. Contact us to assist and document the damage to begin the repair process as soon as possible.