Strong storms can be frightening events, especially when they cause damage to your home and property. Your roof is especially vulnerable during a storm, so it's quite possible it will sustain damage and need repairs after the event. While most roofing materials are capable of holding up to typical storm winds, a strong storm can send a tree crashing on your roof or pelt your roof with hail and cause a lot of damage. Here are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to storm damage roof repair.
Involve Your Insurance Agent Right Away
Storm damage is a little different from damage due to the old age of your roof because your insurance company may pay to repair or replace your roof after a storm. You'll want to notify your insurance agent right away and find out if you're covered and what your next steps should be. Keep in mind, there may be a limit on how long you can wait to file a claim, so it's best to have your roof checked out shortly after the storm has passed rather than wait until weeks later when your roof starts leaking.
Clear The Way For The Roofer
If a tree is pushed against your roof or if a large limb crashes down on top of your house, you'll need to call in a tree removal professional to clear the tree out of the way so the roofer can assess the damage to your roof. Just be sure to take photos of your property first so your insurance company knows how the damage looked before you started cleaning it up.
Even if a blown-down tree isn't on your roof, you may still need to have the tree removed or clutter cleared from your yard so the roofing crew, dumpster, and truck can gain access to your home and work safely.
Call A Roofer As Soon As Possible
If only a few homes in your area have storm damage, it may not be critical to get in touch with a roofer as soon as possible. However, if there is a lot of damage to your neighborhood or city, calling a roofer right away is important so you can get help quickly. If a tree punches a hole in your roof, you at least want the hole covered with a tarp so rain and animals don't get inside.
Another thing to be aware of in the event of widespread storm damage is that roofers from near and far often send help. Choose roofers that are legitimate and local. Be careful when hiring a roofer after a storm and check for a license and insurance. Stick with a local roofer with a good reputation in your city if possible.
Contact a company like T-Town Roofing to learn more.