staff If you live in an area that sees frequent severe weather, it is not uncommon for roof damage to occur. Wind, hail, falling debris, and even lightning can all take a toll on your home’s roof.
It is always best to call a reputable local roof inspection professional for evaluation after a storm has passed. It will help you take preventative measures, file insurance claims quickly, and avoid costly repairs.
Make Temporary Fixes
Before making any temporary roof repairs, it’s essential to find the source of the leak. It will save you time and money from trying to patch a roof that isn’t the problem.
First, locate the leak using your attic or loft space to look for protrusions, water stains, or mold. These can indicate a leak somewhere along your rafters rather than shingles that are loose or hanging down.
Once you’ve found the leak, cover it with a large tarp to extend past the edges of the damaged area by at least 4 feet in all directions. Securing the tarp with roofing nails is simple and effective until a professional can repair the roof.
Temporary roof repair is an excellent way to make minor repairs and save on hiring a professional. However, it’s best to call a professional contractor for a storm damage roof repair if you’re dealing with severe damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
It’s essential to call your insurance company as soon as you notice roof damage from the storm. It can help prevent issues with your claim and save you time and money.
Home insurance policies typically cover wind and hail damage as long as it’s considered accidental. It’s also important to check your policy for any exclusions regarding windstorms and hail damage.
After you submit your claim, you will be sent to an insurance adjuster or a roofing inspection to assess the damage. Once the review is complete, your insurer will approve or deny the claim.
If the insurance adjuster decides not to approve your claim, you have a few things you can do to appeal their decision. First, you need to prove that the damage occurred in the storm and was caused by wind or hail.
Contact a Roofing Contractor
If you believe your roof is damaged, contact a roofing contractor. Choosing a local contractor with experience with insurance claims will help make the process easier for you.
A local contractor will understand your deductible and will take care to document all of the damage they find on your roof, which makes it easier for your insurance adjuster to assess the claim.
It is a good idea to ask for references from previous customers. Additionally, by contacting your neighborhood BBB, it is a good idea to see if the business has been the subject of any complaints.
Roofing companies often ask homeowners to sign an insurance commitment form that permits them to work on your behalf with your insurance company. However, this is a red flag and can indicate that the company needs to be more interested in your best interest.
