What to Do If Your Roof Is Damaged by a Storm: Initial Assessment & Insurance Claims

Storms can wreak havoc on your roof, leaving you worried about what to do next. As experienced roofers, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that severe weather can cause. After a storm, it’s crucial to check for signs of roof damage like missing shingles, dents, or water leaks.

Your safety is the top priority. If you suspect your roof has been damaged by a storm, don’t climb on the roof yourself – leave that to the professionals. Instead, do a visual inspection from the ground using binoculars if possible. Look for obvious issues like fallen branches or debris. Inside your home, check for water stains on ceilings or walls that could indicate a leak.

If you spot any problems, contact a trusted roofing company right away. Quick action can prevent small issues from becoming big headaches. We can assess the damage, provide an estimate, and work with your insurance company if needed. Remember, addressing storm damage promptly helps protect your home and gives you peace of mind.

Now let’s cover the most common types of storm-related roof damage and walk through the process we would use to fix it.

Assess the Damage

After a storm, it’s crucial to check your roof for damage. A quick assessment can help prevent small issues from becoming big problems. Let’s look at how to inspect your roof and spot common types of storm damage.

Initial Inspection

We recommend starting with a ground-level check of your roof. Look for obvious signs like missing shingles or debris. Use binoculars for a closer view without climbing up. Check your gutters and downspouts for granules, which look like coarse sand. Lots of granules mean your shingles are wearing down.

Inside your home, check for water stains on ceilings or walls. These can point to roof leaks. Don’t forget to inspect your attic for signs of water entry or daylight coming through the roof boards.

If you spot any issues, it’s best to call us for a professional roof inspection. We have the tools and know-how to safely check every part of your roof.

Identifying Visible Signs of Damage

Shingle damage is a common result of storms. We look for:

• Missing shingles
• Curled or lifted shingles
• Cracks or splits in shingles
• Smooth or shiny spots on shingles (from hail)

Wind can tear off shingles or lift their edges, letting water seep in. Hail leaves dents or breaks in shingles. Both can lead to leaks if not fixed quickly.

Check metal parts like vents and flashing for dents or bends. These can also let water in. Don’t forget to look at your chimney and skylights for cracks or damaged seals.

the Impact of Different Types of Storms

Different storms cause different types of roof damage.

Here’s what we typically see:

• Wind storms: High winds can rip off shingles and throw debris onto your roof. Even if shingles stay put, strong winds can break their seal, making them prone to leaks.
• Hailstorms: Hail dents and cracks shingles, knocking off protective granules. This can shorten your roof’s life and cause leaks.
• Heavy rain: While less obvious, too much rain can find weak spots in your roof. It can seep under damaged shingles or through small holes, leading to water damage inside.

We always check for mold growth after heavy rains. Mold can start growing in just 24-48 hours if water gets in.

Safety First

When dealing with storm-damaged roofs, safety is our top priority. We recommend taking these important steps to protect yourself and your property.

Secure Loose Items

After a storm, it’s crucial to secure any loose items around your home. We suggest walking around your property to identify and secure anything that could become airborne in strong winds. This includes patio furniture, grills, toys, and potted plants.

Move these items indoors if possible, or tie them down securely. For heavier objects, we recommend using sturdy ropes or chains. Don’t forget about items in your yard like trampolines or playsets – these can cause serious roof damage if thrown by high winds.

We also advise checking your gutters and downspouts. Loose or damaged sections should be repaired or removed to prevent them from detaching and damaging your roof or siding.

Trim Trees and Remove Debris

Trees near your home can pose a significant risk during storms. We recommend trimming back any branches that hang over your roof or are close to your house. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or weak branches that could easily break off in high winds.

For larger trees or those close to power lines, it’s best to call a professional tree service. They have the right equipment to safely trim tall trees without risking injury or property damage.

After trimming, clear all debris from your yard. Fallen branches, twigs, and leaves can become projectiles in strong winds. We suggest raking your yard thoroughly and disposing of the debris properly.

Don’t forget to check your gutters and roof for accumulated leaves and branches. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, while debris on your roof can cause shingle damage over time.

Navigating Insurance Claims

Filing an insurance claim for roof damage can be tricky. In nearly every case, it is best to contact a local roofing company like White Oaks Construction first and let us help you navigate the insurance claim. We have handled hundreds of insurance claims over the years and we specialize in getting your claim approved to cover all of the work that needs to be done, not the bare minimum.

We’ll guide you through the key steps to make the process smoother and increase your chances of a successful claim.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

After a storm damages your roof, we will call your insurance company right away if you haven’t already to tell them what happened and ask about the next steps. They’ll likely send an adjuster to check the damage.

We will:

• Get a claim number
• Ask about your policy’s coverage
• Find out if there’s a time limit for filing
• Request an estimate of when the adjuster will visit

We’ll also document the damage with photos and videos before making any temporary fixes. This helps prove the extent of the damage to your insurance company.

Understand Your Policy

Read your homeowners insurance policy carefully. It outlines what’s covered and what’s not.

Key things to look for:

• Coverage limits
• Deductible amount
• Exclusions
• Replacement cost vs. actual cash value

Some policies may not cover older roofs fully. If you’re unsure about anything, ask your insurance agent to explain.

Keep in mind that normal wear and tear usually isn’t covered. The damage must be from a specific event like a storm.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

When the insurance adjuster visits, be present to point out all the damage. They’ll assess the roof and create a report for your insurance company.

This is where working directly with a roofing company really helps you out – we will handle all of this communication for you and we have the knowledge and expertise to push back when the adjuster wants to cut corners.

Tips for working with adjusters:

• Be polite but firm
• Show them all areas of damage
• Provide your own documentation
• Ask questions if you don’t understand something

If you disagree with their assessment, you can hire your own adjuster for a second opinion. We can also help review the damage and provide our professional assessment.

Remember, you don’t have to accept the first offer. You can negotiate if you think it’s too low. We’re here to help you through this process and ensure you get fair compensation for your roof damage.

Professional Repairs

Getting expert help for storm-damaged roofs is crucial. Professional roofers have the skills and tools to fix problems correctly and safely.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

When picking a roofing contractor, do your homework. Ask friends for recommendations or check online reviews. Make sure the company is licensed and insured. Get quotes from at least three contractors to compare prices and services.

Of course, we recommend our own services because we are a well-reviewed and reliable local roofing company that has handled hundreds of storm-related roof repairs and replacements over the years.

In any case, we suggest asking about their experience with storm damage repairs. A good contractor will do a thorough roof inspection and give you a detailed estimate. They should explain the damage and needed repairs clearly.

Be wary of door-to-door roofers after storms. Some may not be trustworthy and many of them are just coming from out of town to try and get extra business. Always verify a company’s credentials before hiring them.

Quality and Workmanship

High-quality work is key for long-lasting roof repairs. Look for contractors who use top-notch roofing materials. Cheap materials might save money now but can lead to more problems later.

Ask about warranties on both materials and labor. A solid warranty shows the contractor stands behind their work. Good roofers will clean up the job site daily and protect your property during repairs.

At White Oaks Construction, we take pride in our craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our team uses proven techniques to ensure your roof is fixed right the first time. Quality work may cost more upfront, but it saves money on future repairs.

Preventative Measures and Maintenance

Taking steps to protect your roof can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Regular upkeep and smart upgrades go a long way in preventing storm damage.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

We recommend checking your roof at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. Look for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and clogged gutters. Clean out debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage.

Check your attic for signs of leaks or water stains. These can point to hidden roof issues. Trim back overhanging tree branches that could damage your roof in high winds.

Don’t forget to inspect the soffit and fascia. These parts protect your roof’s edge and help with ventilation. Proper ventilation is key to preventing ice dams in winter.

Roofing Materials and Barriers

Upgrade to impact-resistant shingles if you live in an area prone to hail or high winds. These materials are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Consider adding a waterproof underlayment beneath your shingles. This extra layer helps prevent water from seeping in if shingles are damaged.

Install metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Good quality flashing is crucial for keeping water out of these vulnerable areas.

We also suggest applying roof sealant to exposed nail heads. This simple step can prevent small leaks from developing into big problems.

Protecting Structural Integrity

Reinforce your roof trusses and rafters to better withstand high winds. This can involve adding hurricane straps or extra bracing in your attic.

Make sure your roof deck is properly secured. We can check if additional fasteners are needed to keep it firmly attached during storms.

Address any existing issues promptly. Small problems like a minor leak or a few missing shingles can quickly worsen during severe weather.

Keep your gutters in good shape. They play a crucial role in directing water away from your home’s foundation. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent clogs.