Every homeowner will know the difficulty in maintaining a roof. Like any other natural elements, storms can cause damages to your roof that are expensive to repair. Thus, it is understandable for any homeowner to feel frustrated because of the damages that were incurred. With every storm, homeowners are always faced with the question as to what will happen to their home and roof after the storm has passed. However, homeowners should also have an idea as to what they should do after a storm has hit.
Homeowners know that having an exposed roof will leave their homes unprotected. Thus, it is understandable if they want to have their roof fixed immediately. However, the process of having a roof fixed may not look as easy and simple as it seems to be. From calling their insurance company to hiring a reputable roofing company, homeowners can sometimes feel overwhelmed with these. This is why homeowners should do proper research on what to do after a storm has hit their area.
If you want to know what to do in the event that a storm will hit your area, then here are seven tips that you can take note of. These tips can help you decide on what to do if your roof sustains damages caused by a storm.
ROOFER’S TIP # 1: Always exercise safety first
It is understandable if you want to check on the condition of your home after a storm. However, it is important for you to exercise safety before going near your home. A storm-ravaged area may leave fallen power lines, broken shards of windows, fallen trees, flooded areas, and other effects that may be hazardous for anyone. It is best for you to inspect your home once the area has been deemed safe and free from debris.
However, you should also exercise caution when inspecting your roof. Falling shingles and fallen trees are examples of these hazards. As much as possible, you should avoid climbing up to your roof for inspection and documentation.
ROOFER’S TIP # 2: Avoid hiring storm chasers
After a storm has damaged your roof, it is understandable that you will want to have it fixed immediately. However, you have to be patient. If your roof has sustained considerable damage, then it is always best to have a professional fix it. The professional should be someone you trust and is highly recommended by your local community. In contrast, you should avoid storm chasers.
What are “storm chasers”? Their name says it all. Storm chasers are roofing companies that visit an area that was affected by severe weather recently. These roofing companies will attempt to fix homes that had been damaged by the severe weather. They will offer to fix your roof immediately at a price that may seem reasonable. These companies may make offers that seem enticing, but you have to take note of some reported issues when it comes to their workmanship.
It has been reported that these types of roofing companies have been described to have poor workmanship. These roofing companies may fix your roof quickly, but eventually, you may find their work at a substandard level. In addition to their workmanship, these companies reportedly use inferior materials. Another issue is that most “storm chasers” do not have a physical address. If a homeowner has complaints about their low-quality work, then he or she might have a difficult time tracking them down.
Thus, it is important for you to avoid these types of roofing companies. Do not feel pressured into signing anything that you do not fully understand. Be patient and do proper research on these types of companies. It is important to note that some of these roofing companies are unlicensed and may cause more harm than good.
ROOFER’S TIP#3: Hire a professional roofer to inspect your roof
A storm-damaged roof may leave it dangerous for anyone with no experience. Thus, it is always advisable to have a professional inspect your roof. A professional roofer is trained to do an inspection safely. The professional will also know what to look for and can give an assessment of the damages.
However, if you want to inspect and to document the damages on your roof, then safety should always be your priority. You should have the proper safety equipment before doing an inspection. It is best to avoid going on your roof in order to prevent any accidents.
When inspecting your roof, you first have to inspect the following:
- Shingles
Being the most visible part of your roof, you can inspect shingles at a distance. These damages could range from missing shingles to cracked shingles, which must be replaced.
- Leaks
Sometimes, leaks are a result of missing shingles or damaged shingles. Remember that shingles help redirect water away from your home. Missing shingles combined with a poor waterproofing system will result in the development of leaks. Leaks will cause your attic to become moist and damp. This condition may lead to the growth of molds, which can become a health hazard. Inspect if your attic has holes and if it is showing any signs of leaks.
- Flashings and gutters
The flashings and the gutters of your roof help make your home waterproof. You should check if your flashings and gutters are damaged and are free from debris.
ROOFER’S TIP # 4: Document damages
It is best to take photographs before and after a storm. These will make it easier for the insurance company to compare damages before and after the storm. Once it has been deemed safe to go inside your home, you should document signs of damages. While inspecting your roof, you should take photographs of damages like broken shingles and damaged gutters.
ROOFER’S TIP # 5: Do small and temporary repairs to avoid further damages to your home
Without the proper training and experience, one should not attempt to do repair works on the roof especially after a storm. It is best to leave roof repairs to a professional roofer. However, you can do small repairs that can prevent further damages to your furniture. These will include covering broken windows and placing buckets under leaks. Also, you can call your utility company if you suspect any gas leaks or any fallen power lines.
ROOFER’S TIP # 6: Dealing with your insurance company
If your roof has been damaged by a storm recently, then it is time to call your insurance company. However, before you call your insurance company, it is important that you must read and understand the policies of your insurance company. You should take note of what is their coverage limit and what are the incidents that are not covered by your insurance. Also, if you want to strengthen your insurance claim, then you must have photographs of the damages. These photographs can support your insurance claim.
Once you have contact with your insurance company, they may send an adjuster who will assess the damages that were caused by the storm. The adjuster will then give an estimate for the cost of repairs. Sometimes, the amount given by the adjuster may not be what you initially expected. However, it is important to note that you can still negotiate with your insurance company.
Also, if you want to do your own estimation, then you can hire a roofing company that you can trust. The roofing company will also give their own assessment and estimation. By doing this, you can compare the amounts that were given.
ROOFER’S TIP # 7: Hire a reliable roofing company
As stated before, it is always advisable to have your roof fixed by a roofing company that you know very well. You can ask a reference from your friends or the local community. One way of knowing if it is a reliable roofing company is that they should have the proper paperwork and has great customer reviews.
These paperwork will include:
- Insurances
- If a roofing employee will have an injury while working at your home, then insurances can help protect you from any litigation.
- Licenses
- Licensing requirements will vary from state to state, but the general requirements are somewhat similar. A license will give a homeowner an idea of how knowledgeable and skilled the roofing company is. Also, in most states, a roofing company can only operate as long as it is licensed.
- Warranties
- Warranties are important because these will guarantee that the quality of workmanship and materials are of high-quality. If the roof is still under warranty, then this will entitle the homeowner to have his or her roof fixed should there be any defect. It is important to note that there are different kinds of warranties. You should ask your roofing company about what these are.
GO FOR A LOCAL ROOFING COMPANY
It is best to have a local roofing company do repair work. Should you have any inquiries or complaints, hiring a local roofing company can make it easier for you. Also, it is easier for you to gather information and reviews when it comes to a local roofing company.
If you are looking for a trusted roofing company in Draper, Utah and Salt Lake City, then hire Patriot Roofing And Construction. They are an experienced roofing company that will offer only the best workmanship and high-quality materials.
I love your tip about taking photographs before and after the storm. That makes sense considering you want to have proof that there was in fact damage. I’ll have to consider properly documenting my roof.