Follow this advice from OneRestore to check for and fix damage to your roof after a storm.
Even when a storm does not produce a great amount of rain or hail, wind alone can create enough damage to your roof to require repair or replacement. So after a tornado, thunderstorm, hurricane or hailstorm, it is wise to check the condition of your roof.
“Every thunderstorm has a straight-line burst of wind,” says Walt Zaleski, meteorologist at the National Weather Service. “At 50 to 60 mph, you start seeing damage to homes — trees toppling, power lines coming down, debris blown from your neighbor’s house.”
Once a storm has passed, be sure to check for roof damage from wind, hail and other sources. Be sure to document any problems and then work with your insurance company and an experienced local contractor to fix any problems.
What If A Tree Damages My Roof?
Evacuate immediately, then call a restoration contractor for temporary repairs and a complete assessment of the damage.
How Can I Identify Roof Damage?
Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms and hurricanes can often tear shingles from your roof and give your roof a beating with fallen tree branches. Follow these steps to inspect your roof for storm damage:
- Check your attic for leaks or evidence of water damage. If any water stains appear on your ceiling or walls, this is a strong indication of roof leaks that will require repair or a complete roof replacement.
- Look for signs of storm damage from the ground. Scan your roof for missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia, including any metal pieces that may be displaced around your chimney. Also, assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls.
- Obviously, you will notice a tree that has fallen on your roof. If this is the case, stay out of your home until a professional can evaluate the extent of the structural damage. It is smart to hire a restoration contractor if your home has suffered structural damage, as you’ll need more than roof repairs. A restoration company can extract water, dry out your home, apply anti-microbial, and monitor for moisture and mold growth. Some companies, like OneRestore, may even be able to handle any re-construction and even remodeling that is necessary.
- If your area received any hail during the storm, check for roof damage as well as siding damage. Hail damage commonly comes in the forms of dimples, made when smaller chunks of ice pound the outer layer of shingles.
- Stay safe — It is always best to avoid going on the roof to check for damage yourself. Instead, contact a professional roofer or preferably a storm restoration contractor.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
Dealing with your insurance company after any disaster is never fun. Some roofing and restoration companies, like OneRestore, will handle the paperwork and work directly with the insurance company on your behalf. If you are forced to deal directly with the insurance company yourself here are some tips…
Get an assessment of the damage from a reputable local company. Restoration companies can often provide evidence that the damage was the result of a storm, even if time has elapsed.
Keep receipts for all work, including any work you do yourself, including covering broken windows or holes in your roof to facilitate reimbursement when you file your claim.
Make sure you have a complete list of damages and expenses. Once you file your claim, many companies will not allow modifications.
Contact your insurance agent to have them assess the situation and determine whether you should file a claim. It is a good idea to meet with the insurance adjuster yourself unless your restoration company professional will meet with them on your behalf.
Locate the Right Roofer and Materials
It is always best to find a roofing or restoration company that has both a strong claims department and experienced repairmen. The average roof costs about $13,000 to replace. Homeowners should avoid companies that cannot extract excess water, check for mold, or do the complete job from beginning to end.
When replacing a roof that has been damaged by a hurricane or storm, consider alternatives to traditional asphalt shingles to avoid future storm damage. Metal or composition shingles resist damage from storms better than traditional shingles. They may cost more initially, but insurance companies may offer discounts on the price of your premium.
OneRestore handles your complete storm restoration from beginning to end and even more – we work directly with your insurance company to be sure to maximize your claim. Contact OneRestore today to get a free inspection and evaluation of any roof damage to determine if your roof repair or replacement can be covered by insurance.
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