Harsh elements like tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, sleet, or heavy rain can cause insufferable damages to your house. Dealing with and handling these damages can often be a dangerous and difficult task.
A roof is one of the most important parts of your house, so if it gets destroyed due to unpredictable weather, it is essential to assess and repair it as soon as possible and you should be aware of the necessary actions you should take in such cases.
1. Assess the damage from the inside
The first place to search for any possible damage should be inside your home. Starting from the attic, check for any indications of water leakage. Water stains on your ceiling or along your walls could be a sign of some serious roof problems.
2. Make temporary fixes
Your roof might get dented or have holes in it due to hail, sleet, or heavy rain, so you should make temporary fixes to minimize the damage to the interior of your house. If there is a leak, make sure to move all your furniture and valuables away from it, and place a bucket or trash can under.
3. Evaluate the damage from the outside
You should inspect the area surrounding your house and look for shingles, pieces of roofing, or tiles. Make sure to check gutters, since they could become clogged during a storm. This can lead to further damage to your roof or interior since blocked gutters cannot carry water away from it. If your chimney is leaning and has a tear, it has probably suffered damage, so be on the lookout for loose or damaged bricks.
Never climb on the roof to inspect it, since it can be weakened and unstable. Wet shingles might cause you to slip, so just try to assess the damage from the ground, without putting yourself in danger.
According to the Mighty Dog Roofers, the best thing to do when you are walking on your roof is put on a pair of shoes that have rubber soles or grip pads on them (such as Vibram FiveFingers). You should also wear appropriate clothing, such as a hard hat and safety harness. Avoid doing this, however, and seek professional help if you need it.
4. Hire a credible contractor or contact your insurance company
Once you have determined the scale of the damage, your next step is to decide whether it is better and more cost-effective to hire a contractor or call your insurance company.
You can turn to a roofing contractor not only for repairs but also for assistance with the claim process. They can make sure you are not spending more than what is necessary, at the same time increasing your chances of the approval of your claim.
Make sure to avoid hiring traveling contractors since they, more often than not, make the situation even worse. Certified contractors like RestorationControl are always a better choice. They are certified, credible, and reliable and will provide you with high-quality roof restoration or replacement services.
If you have opted to use your home insurance, you should contact your insurance agency as soon as possible and file a claim. Keep all receipts for roof repair, even ones that were done by yourself so you can get compensation.
Dealing with a damaged roof after a storm can surely be a frustrating and tiring task, but always have in mind that safety comes first. Instead of trying to clean up or repair the roof by yourself, it is always better to leave it up to the professionals.