Your roof is your home’s main line of defense against extreme weather and temperatures. While roofs are meant to keep you protected during a storm, it can still get damaged from high winds, hail or debris. However, signs of roof storm damage aren’t always apparent. This is why you should get an inspection from professional roofing contractors following a weather event.
Here are steps you should take if your roof suffers from storm damage.
Safety First
Make sure that the weather has cleared, and it’s safe to go outside before inspecting your home’s exterior. Beware of possible hazards on or near your roof even if the conditions are clear. While waiting for your roofer, walk around your property, and look for fallen trees or debris, loose or damaged shingles, and ice dams if you recently experienced a winter storm.
Check for Signs of Water Damage
When left unaddressed, water damage and leaks can cause mold growth, which can be harmful to your home’s structure and family’s health. Check your gutters for clogging and water buildup. When your gutters are clogged, water won’t be directed properly away from your home, which can cause water damage. See if the paint on the exterior and exterior walls are peeling, cracking or bubbling. Excessive moisture can also cause the shingles on your roof to crack, curl and break.
If you notice these signs, make sure to immediately contact a roofing contractor. Never attempt to repair your roof on your own. Roof replacement and repairs are best handled by professionals. It can be dangerous to climb on a roof, especially after a storm.
Know What Your Insurance Policy Covers
Homeowners insurance usually covers roof damage due to situations outside of a homeowner’s control like storms. When filing an insurance claim, you must document any damage that occurred on your home because of the storm. To confirm what your policy does and doesn’t cover, contact your insurance provider. It’s also important to work with a roofer with experience in storm damage claims.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is one of the best roofing companies in the area. We’ll document the damage with photos and help you with the paperwork for filing your claim. We can also be there during your appointment with your adjusters to ensure they see the same damage that we found. Call us at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.