Do you live in an area prone to severe weather?
A storm can have devastating effects on the integrity of a home, forcing homeowners to repair or replace some parts. It can even send a whole roof flying, which can cause damage not only to your home but to the entire neighborhood.
Fortunately, cases like that are rare. You may experience missing shingles or a leak from time to time.
But there are other damages you need to look out for after a storm, too. This reiterates the importance of getting the right storm damage repair for your roof to protect your home and your family.
Read on to learn how to spot damage to your home and how to get the right professional to repair it.
How to Spot Roof Damage
After a storm, take the time to look around for signs of storm roof damage. Make a note of each problem you see.
Check the following locations with a careful eye:
Around Your House
Walk around your home to check for metal pieces, fallen tree limbs, and broken fences. Also, note any damage to your outdoor furniture and lawn ornaments.
From the ground, also look at your shingles to see if they’ve incurred any damage. Signs of storm damage include dented, curled, torn, cracked, or missing shingles.
Indoors and the Attic
Inspect the inside of your home to check for water stains on your ceilings and roofs. There might be no signs of damage outside, but your home may still have damage from the storm with subtler signs.
Water stains may indicate a more serious problem requiring a roof replacement, but you should get repairs at the least. Make sure you also go into the attic to look for water damage or leaks with a flashlight.
Gutters and Accessories
Inspect your exhaust pipes and valleys to assess their condition. Check the outer edges and the angles where the roof meets the wall as well.
When checking gutters, look for signs of decay and leaks. The storm might also cause them to break loose from the structure, bend, or sag. Check if there’s debris as well, as clogged gutters can freeze shut and put excessive weight on the fasteners.
Chimney and Windows
The chimney and windows may also take damage from the storm. Your windows may have cracks, torn screens, and loose weather-stripping.
Check the chimney flashing to see if it has tears. Look for loose, damaged, or missing bricks and cracked joints. If it’s leaning, it’s suffered damage.
While performing an inspection, remember to keep yourself safe. Don’t go to the storm-damaged roof without professional help. The roof structure may be weakened and you might slip from the wet shingles.
If you have a more serious problem, such as a fallen tree on your roof, don’t wait to get help. Get your family somewhere safe and contact a roofer and a general contractor, as you may need more than just roof repairs.
What to Do If You Find Damage
After you’ve noted the damage, take pictures and make a plan for immediate repairs. Don’t let another storm hit you while you have a storm-damaged roof or else your house will suffer even more damages. This will add more to the overall cost of repairs.
If you didn’t have leaks before, you almost certainly will the next time. If you don’t take action, your house could also suffer from water damage. This includes leaks, deterioration of the walls due to moisture, and cracked ceilings.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Contact your insurance agent and let them assess the situation. They can advise you on what to do next and whether you should file a claim.
Make sure you document every step throughout the process, including the damage and solutions. Keep the receipts for any storm damage roof repair, even those you do yourself, like covering a hole in your window or ceiling.
If you file a claim, this documentation will facilitate reimbursement. Talk with your insurance agent regarding the coverage limits of your policy.
Get the Right Roofer
A reputable roofing contractor should be able to help you with your insurance claim. They’ll work with your policy to make sure you’re not spending more money out-of-pocket than necessary. The roofer will assess the extent of the hurricane roof damage and make only the necessary repairs.
With that said, it’s important that you hire the best contractor in your area. Look for their license and proof of general liability insurance.
In Texas, there’s no need to get a license, but it helps businesses prove their legitimacy. This doesn’t mean that having no license is a deal breaker, though. At the least, verify that the contractor has been working for at least two years. Be wary of anyone who asks for full upfront payment.
Contractors will often offer a free inspection and quote. This should help you assess their pricing.
Additionally, look for the following qualities:
Offers a Guarantee
When a contractor is confident of their work, they’ll offer a guarantee to do follow-up work if their installation presents any problems.
Be cautious, though. Some might fool you into doing business them by claiming to have a full warranty–then disappear when you report a problem.
Recommended by Friends and Family
Ask your friends and family if they’ve ever had business with the contractor you’re considering.
If yes, ask their opinion and if they’re happy with the work. If no, ask them about a contractor whose service they did like.
Communicates Clearly
While dealing with storm damaged roof repair services, you’ll get the idea of how well a contractor communicates.
If you’re comfortable and they answer all your questions, it’s likely that you’re dealing with a reliable person. If you have a bad feeling, don’t ignore it. Look for another contractor elsewhere.
What to Do After Storm Damage Repair
When you’ve replaced or repaired your roof, remember to do maintenance on a regular basis. This ensures your home is protected when the next storm comes around. You might not prevent damages from the wind or hail, but you’ll at least have to deal with fewer worries.
If the roofer recommends replacing your roof, you might consider installing more durable materials, such as metal or composition. Shingles of this material are more resistant to damage than asphalt. This means less frequent storm damage roof repair or replacement.
Need Emergency Roof Repairs or Other Roofing Work?
For your emergency storm damage repair needs, look no further than Concord Roofing & Construction.
We offer full service on residential and commercial roofs in Metropolitan and North Texas areas.
Questions or concerns? Contact us today and get the best team to work on your roof.
