The weather turns sour in no time. One hour it is sunny and clear, and the next hour it is high winds, heavy rain, or hail. Your roof is the first to be affected during disaster times. It is stressful to deal with Severe Storm Damage, but with a plan, it does not have to be panic-inducing or cause additional loss.
Pine State Roofing LLC can assist homeowners with the mayhem following harsh weather. So, if you want to know what to do in the immediate aftermath as well as identification of underlying issues, then this guide is the best option for you.
Immediate safety and initial checks for Severe Storm Damage
Before climbing up the ladder or inspecting the yard, ensure the immediate danger has passed. Downed power lines and unstable structural elements create immediate safety hazards.
Stay Indoors During the Storm:
Do not check your roof during high winds and lightning storms.
- Look for Interior Leaks: Examine ceilings and walls. If you see any water stains, leaks, or bulging drywall, your roof decking is likely damaged.
- Inspect from the Ground: Scan your roofline with binoculars. Inspect for loose, missing shingles, dented gutters, or broken flashing.
- Record all damage: photograph limbs, broken windows, and exterior walls, with dates, before cleaning up starts.
Emergency Roofing Actions
If water is Severe Storm Damage into your home, you need immediate roofing assistance so that you don’t continue to suffer any additional damage.
- Cover Damaged Areas with Tarp on Roof: Cover heavy-duty plastic sheeting over damaged areas if safe to access the roof in Severe Storm Damage. This is to prevent water from entering until it can be addressed by professionals.
- Contain interior water: Put buckets under leaky areas and clear furniture, rugs, and electronics from wet areas.
- Call a Local Professional: Contact them right away for storm damage repair needs. Professional crews know how to properly secure your home and have the proper safety equipment and tools.
Assessing Total Property Damage
The roof is not usually the only part of the house affected by a severe storm. To restore your home from a storm, you need to consider the whole impact of the storm on your home’s exterior.
- Siding and Gutters: Inspect vinyl siding for cracks, check aluminum for dents, and inspect gutters for separation from the fascia.
- Windows and Doors: Inspect window seals and glass for broken window cracks that may have been produced by wind-blown debris or large hail.
- Damage to Outbuildings and Fences: Report any damage to sheds, garages, and fences in your property damage report.
Navigating Insurance Claims
While a claim can be daunting, it’s easier to get it done and done well the faster it’s filed and the faster it gets approved.
- Review Your Policy: Ensure you know the deductible, as well as what weather-related events are covered under your homeowner’s insurance.
- Request an independent inspection: Have a trusted contractor there during an insurance adjuster’s visit to make sure that nothing is missed by requesting an Independent Inspection.
- Maintain thorough records: If your home is temporarily uninhabitable, keep all the receipts for emergency repairs, temporary materials, and hotel costs.
