The roof is the most valuable defense system of your home. It shields your interior belongings against nature-induced attacks, particularly a severe rainstorm – flying debris, high winds, sharp hail and all. Your roof being damaged after a major weather event blows through is not an uncommon scenario. Although it can incite panic,knowing the essential steps can help you manage roofing problems successfully.
Safety and Storm Damage Inspection
After the storm has subsided, make sure all family members and pets are unharmed. You also need to check whether or not it’s already safe to be outside before inspecting any damage your roof may have sustained during the storm. If you see downed electrical lines, broken pieces of shingles on the ground or a fallen tree on your roof, take those as signs for immediate roof replacement or repair service. Unattended post-storm damage to the roof causes structural issues that can further compromise your safety.
Check for Signs of Water Damage
Although broken or missing shingles from winds and hail damage can be easily identified, the effects of water damage can persist for long periods of time. Untreated water issues can lead to mold and rotted wood parts of the roof, which can significantly weaken the structure of your home and necessitate roof replacement.
Besides the shingles, the most important places to check for signs of leakage and general storm damage are the gutters, ceilings and walls. For gutters, you have to check for water buildup and debris clogs. If water isn’t funneled away properly, it can lead to overflow and flooding. Ceilings, on the other hand, can show suspicious patches of yellow or brown discoloration. Lastly, storm damage can cause wall paint to crack, peel or stick.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If there’s severe storm damage to your roofing system, be sure to contact your insurance company. The company will send an adjuster to assess the roof damage. However, it’s important to get two to three contractor estimates before you meet with the insurance representative so that you have a standard for the project cost. After that, it’s time to find the best roofer in your locale to do necessary repairs.
For superior quality storm damage roofing services, turn to Bradford Xteriors. We have a dedicated team of specialists who will surely take care of your home. Give us a call at (614) 483-6215, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We serve customers in and around Columbus, OH.