How to Repair a Storm-Damaged Roof

Depending on their level and intensity, storms can bring so much damage to an area. It can cause a devastating impact on the landscape and homes, especially to those in areas near bodies of water. Accompanying heavy rainfalls are the strong gusts and storms, which may cause objects to fly and damage everything they smash into, including your roof.  Here are some steps to follow on how to repair a storm-damaged roof.

Locate And Identify The Damage

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms, and hurricanes can tear shingles from your roof. These can give your roof a beating with tree branches and even fallen trees. To check for storm damage to your roof, you can follow these steps:

• Inspect your attic for leaks or water damage. Locating traces of water in your attic for this is one of the definite indications of deterioration. Look out for water stains that may appear on your ceiling or walls. If you one, you likely need repairs or a roof replacement.
• Check for signs of storm damage from the ground. Look for missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia. This includes any metal pieces displaced from around your chimney. Also, do not forget to assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges, or angles where the roof meets the walls.
• Fallen tree on your roof. You’ll see and even hear if a tree fell on your roof. If so, it is better to stay out of your home until a professional can determine whether any structural damage occurred and how severe it is. Consider hiring and getting yourself a general contractor or roofer with a general contractor’s license if your home suffered structural damage, as you’ll be needing more than roof repairs.
• Hail. If the storm produced hail, look for roof and siding damage. Commonly, hail damage comes in the form of dimples made by smaller chunks of hail that pound the shingles’ outer layer.
• Stay safe. Do not even think about going on the roof to check for the damage yourself. You might end up getting yourself in an accident. Instead, contact a professional roofer as they have the proper gear and equipment to keep them safe.

Locate The Right Roofer

Find a roofing company that has both a strong claims department and experienced repairmen. The average roof costs depend on which area you are from. It is advised that homeowners avoid companies that offer to pay their deductible.

When repairing or replacing a roof, plan by considering alternatives to traditional asphalt shingles. As the experienced pros over at  Rapid Restore Roofing of Suffolk County, NY, say, this is to help prevent future storm damage, and there are already so many better alternatives created and available on the market. Some of these are metal or composition shingles that resist damage better than traditional shingles. They do cost more than the asphalt varieties. However, insurance companies might offer discounts on the price of your premium.

Call Your Insurance Agent

After checking and determining that you have damage, contact your insurance agent to assess the situation and decide whether you should file a claim. It is advised that damages that occurred be recorded and for documentation purposes. Moreover, keep receipts for all the work done, including those you did yourself. May it be as simple as covering windows or holes in your roof. This is to facilitate reimbursement if you do file a claim. Many policies will cover these expenses when submitted with a claim.

Generally, these are the steps you should consider following to ensure a safe process of checking your home for damage, as well as repairing your roof with the right contractors and company by your side to help you. However, it’s better to get ahead and fortify your home before the storm strikes your area. This can help reduce the potential expenses of not reinforcing your home before the first drop of rainfall even hits your home.