Those quiet moments after a storm are usually the most terrifying. Finally, the storm is over, but you need to act fast. Hail, strong winds, or a tree falling onto your home has caused significant damage to your roof.
The questions swirl in your head about how to fix the roof. Who do you call first; the insurance company or a roofing contractor? Will the insurance process take too long? Is your home at risk for further roof storm damage if more severe weather is imminent?
Quiet those questions. Rest assured that everything will be okay once you visually assess your roof’s apparent damage.
The following steps you take will be crucial in any storm damage claim process for the roof. But once the storm passes, your roof will need repairs quickly if there is serious damage.
So, what do you do while awaiting repairs to your storm-damaged roof? First, let’s go through the aftermath of roof repair following a major storm.
What Should I Do if a Storm Damages My Roof?
Storm damage, wind damage, hail damage, water damage, missing shingles, and scattered debris around your home’s exterior are all tell-tale signs of roof damage following severe storms.
Take the following steps to get your roof repaired quickly and protect the rest of your home.
Locate the Storm Damage
Your first action should be to locate all visible signs of storm damage to your roof. Things like missing flashing and damaged shingles are evidence of a wind-damaged roof. A hail storm and various debris can leave dents on shingles and gutters and damage your roof’s protective underlayment.
Heavy rains can cause water leaks and standing water that can ruin your roof and your attic and ceiling in several rooms. Even small branches from the whipping wind are damaging to a roof. Unfortunately, roofs are not immune before, during, or after storms.
Homeowners must take quick action to document any storm damage for a potential insurance claim. Take photographs of the damage because an insurance adjuster may ask you to provide pictures to help build your case. Document all shingles that are missing. Taking photos of some of the hail on the ground can also aid in this endeavor.
Call Your Insurance Company
Next, once the storm damage is assessed, calling your homeowner’s insurance to file a claim will get the ball rolling on roof repairs. Depending on the damage, your insurance provider may require a walk-through by an adjuster to fully understand the extent of the roof storm damage.
Pack your patience here because if dozens of other residents in your area are making homeowners insurance claims on their roofs for storm damage, it may take a few days for an adjuster to arrive. In the meantime, check for leaks in your attic space and dents on your roof line. Also, ensure the damage from missing shingles on your roof is covered by a tarp if rain is in the forecast.
Once your insurance company adjuster has completed their walk-through and documented the issues for your storm damage claim, they will likely cut you a check for the damages. However, it’s important to remember that you may receive only part of the claim amount as the insurance company may factor in depreciation and other factors.
Contact Roofing Companies
Once your insurance company adjuster has documented the issues for your storm damage claim, call a trusted roofing contractor. You can call several of these companies if you’re on the hunt for the best price for roof repair.
Keep in mind that insurance companies often have trusted contractors for you to work with already, so you may not get to make the hire.
A roofing company can provide you with a roof inspection and an estimate on how much money it will take to fix any hail damage or other types of severe damage to your roof.
A quality roofing contractor will thoroughly inspect any issues or early signs of problems down the road. After all, storm damage, high winds, and hail damage can create problems not caught during the initial insurance company roof inspection.
The contractor will also inspect your home’s interior for additional damage. This inspection can help identify any potential problems that may be lurking beneath the surface. Your contractor will also check your attic for signs of leaks on your ceiling, such as mold, water spots, and water stains.
With a full inspection of your roof and interior complete, the contractor will lay out a plan to repair or replace what was damaged by rain, hail, wind, or debris. A quality contractor will figure out how to work with your homeowner’s insurance to come under budget or slightly over.
Now we’re on to getting your roof fixed.
Getting Your Roof Repaired
Once the extent of the damage is determined, the repair process can begin. Depending on the type of roof and the scope of the damage, the process may include replacing shingles, re-sealing any exposed areas, reinforcing the roof structure, and replacing any damaged flashing.
Your roofing contractor will likely use quality materials to ensure the roof is well-sealed and structurally sound.
Your roofing contractor may recommend preventative maintenance to keep your roof in good condition. This could include applying a protective coating to help prevent future water damage, adding a ventilation system to help regulate the temperature inside your home, or ensuring proper drainage at your gutter downspouts.
Repairing a roof following a severe storm is no small task. Therefore, you must hire a qualified roofing contractor that you can trust to do the job correctly and efficiently.
Taking the time to repair your roof correctly now can help save you money and headaches down the road—especially if there are any wind storms in your future.
Conclusion
Roof storm damage can make you feel as if your home is unsafe. However, understand that you’re not the only person this has ever happened to and that many want to get your home back in good shape.
Even after all the ripped shingles are picked up, and the contractors leave, your home will return to your sanctuary if you follow all the above steps.
