Tips To Assess And Repair Storm Damage

Rains, snowstorms, waves, all these weather conditions, sometimes very few, sometimes to a great extent, will damage your roof. If you live in places where storms are very frequent, then you are aware of all the dangers they pose.

This includes very serious roof damage that can lead to emergencies. Ceilings are not doorknobs that you can repair whenever you have time.

The roof is the covering of your house and needs immediate attention, especially when the problem is more extensive. So be sure to hire residential storm damage services before it's too late. Here are some tips for assessing and repairing storm damage.

How to properly assess and repair storm damage?

First of all, once you are 100 percent sure the storm is gone, do not attempt any assessment. The last thing you want to do is put your safety at risk by being on the roof when it's still windy outside. Especially when you don't have the proper training for it.

A storm-destroyed roof is unpredictable. Also, if you walk on it, it can be very dangerous. Therefore, perform all tests from the ground because you do not need to be on the ceiling for a simple inspection.

You can spot signs of damage inside your home while you wait for the storm to end. Like leaks and water stains on the walls and ceiling suggest something is wrong and needs attention. Then move the furniture that is directly under it if the leaks and stains are huge and try to avoid certain places in your house for your protection and place a bucket where it drips to save your floor.

 

If you find roofing materials, take a look outside your home, because it's fair to assume that some pieces of your roof are missing. For example, shingles can fracture quickly from severe storms.

 

You can assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, and even external edges or angles that connect the ceiling and wall without going up to the ceiling.

You'll find further damage, including cracks or trees that have fallen onto your roof, it goes without saying.

Have a Plan in Place

The rain doesn't stop just because your has a hole in it. You can get immediate service by having a trusted storm damage restoration professional to turn to. The organization will tackle or place a tarp on your roof to prevent additional water from entering your home.

Check for Damage Indoors

Test it for leaks or water stains if you have an attic. Structural repairs and roof patches or replacements will likely result in water in your home.

Identify the Damage

Look for missing shingles and bonded or missing metal fascia without putting yourself in danger. Look to see if there were any metal pieces in there too, if you can see your fireplace from the ground. Lastly, look for damage in the areas where the roof meets the exterior walls of your house, as well as the exhaust pipes.

Document the Damage

Without causing more damage to yourself or your roof, take photos as close as you can and also go back to get pictures of the damage as a whole. Later on, these photos can help you with your insurance claim.

Talk to a Roof Professional 

When it comes to assessing damage, you'll want a real professional available to help the insurance company assess the damage and make sure all costs are paid. Although insurance agents may have your best interests at heart, they may not be contractors who are taught.

Damage from storms can cause damage that you may or may not see. Your roofing professional will be able to help you recognize any secret problems that may be related to the poor structural integrity of your home.

Remove Debris Carefully

If your roof has a large tree or branches, you may want to cut them very carefully so as not to endanger your home or yourself. In fact, to reduce the risk of further damage, it is best to let the professionals remove any residue. Your insurance provider performs professional removal to keep costs down.

Hold on to Everything

Keep receipts, either from yourself or from vendors, for all completed tasks. That counts whether you are covering a window or filling a void. When filing a claim, your insurance policy may cover reimbursement. This will also help you estimate expenses when dealing with a commercial storm damage company.

Conclusion

Changing the roof or replacing the old one can be very expensive. So if the damage is large, contact the company immediately and let them know what you found during their inspection.

On the other hand, you should contact a roofing contractor directly if the problems you have encountered are minor and do not take a long time to repair. Don't try to make lasting fixes on your own, because you can never be sure what the real problem was. Since it will also worsen the situation and it would be necessary to replace it during the next storm.

 

The bottom line is that to assess the damage, you don't have to be a roofing professional, but you must be a professional to draw conclusions and repairs.