Any storm that produces strong wind, hail, or heavy rain can be potentially damaging to a property. More specifically, the roof is particularly vulnerable to storm damage because it hangs over the entirety of the home and usually bears the brunt of the storm. Leaving roof damage unrepaired can lead to the development of additional damage, causing unnecessarily expensive repairs at a later date. Continually using a damaged roof can also put your family’s health and safety on the line, and can become the reason why your home will lose its structural soundness. Thus, it makes sense to thoroughly check for any signs after every major storm so you will know when to hire contractors who provide roof repair services.
With that said, here’s a quick guide to assessing and repairing roof storm damage:
CONSULT WITH A CONSTRUCTION OR ROOFING COMPANY
Generally speaking, roof damage will be fairly obvious at first glance. However, what’s not so obvious is how much it will cost to fix the problem. You can consult with a reputable construction company (i.e. – https://northfaceconstruction.com/) to request a ballpark estimate quote for the cost of repairs. Speaking to a professional about your concerns may also help you discover other damage that you didn’t notice during your initial inspection.
Regardless of how tempting it is to repair your roof on your own, it’s still best if you leave this task to the hands of experienced and trained professionals. Choosing to inspect and then repair your roof on your own can also result in accidents, injuries, and bigger roofing problems.
Sure, you will need to spend money when you decide to consult a construction or roofing company, but this amount is actually a cost-effective investment in the long run. With a professional’s help, you will thoroughly understand the overall condition of your roof, identify if there are any underlying problems, and decide from several solutions presented by the construction or roofing company.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Before you rush to call a roofing company, it’s best to perform your own preliminary inspection. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always have to acquire years of experience in roof inspections for you to know how to assess your own. There are actually a lot of visible signs that can tell you the condition of your roof, most of which do not require any equipment for you to identify.
Be sure to check the attic for any signs of new leaks. These may become apparent through water stains suddenly appearing on the walls or ceilings. Any puddles of water in your attic is also a tell-tale sign that your roof has leaks. Leaving this problem unaddressed can make your flooring, ceiling, and walls weak. A moist attic can also become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, making you and your own family susceptible to common illnesses and diseases.
You should also look for any small pieces of roof on the ground surrounding your home. You may notice missing shingles, metal pieces, or other small debris from the roof. Shingles are important because these provide strength and structure to your roof. Missing or damaged shingles can make your roof weak.
If any trees or branches fell on your home, stay clear of the area until a professional arrives, and do not attempt to remove the object. If you have trees in your own property, make sure to trim these regularly since overgrown trees can fall in your roof and cause significant damage. You may also want to look for hail damage in the form of dimples or dents in the siding or shingles of your home.
CONSULT WITH YOUR INSURANCE AGENT
Once you’ve received an accurate damage assessment from a roofing or construction company, you’ll want to call your insurance company to document the damage and file a claim. Even if you need the work to be done urgently, be sure to keep all of the receipts for the roofing work done, as your insurance company can reimburse you later on.
CHOOSE A GOOD ROOFING COMPANY FOR REPAIRS
Finally, once the damage has been assessed and a quote has been provided, you may still want to seek a second opinion and compare a few other quotes to make sure you’re paying a fair price for the repairs. Look for a provider who has plenty of positive feedback and reviews from local customers.
If your property suffered any kind of structural damage, you’ll need to hire a roofing company that possesses a general contractor’s license, as you may need more than basic roof repairs. Sometimes, you may have to pay a bit more for the services of a premium roofing company, but the additional cost will be worth having the peace of mind of knowing that the job was done right.
Be the first to comment