Storm season is upon us! All we have to do is watch the news and see that wind can cause substantial damage, even if a local storm didn’t produce large hail or an onslaught of rain. Any of these conditions warrant a thorough inspection to determine if replacement or repair of your roof is needed. So after a severe thunderstorm, hailstorm, or tornado, make sure to inspect the condition of your roofing system.
Wait until the storm passes and then check your home’s roof for damage from hail, wind or lightning. Take a notepad with you and write down any issues that you will need to report to your insurance agent and your local roofing contractor that you will contact to make the necessary repairs. Better yet, have a professional climb up there and take a good look. Many times damage cannot be seen from the ground, and you need to stay safe on the ground and leave the climbing to us.
How to identify roof damage…
High wind, thunderstorms, hailstorms and tornadoes can tear shingles from your roof and give your roofing system a pounding from tree branches. Follow these actions to check for storm damage to your roof:
Examine your attic for leakages or water damage. Also, if any water discolorations appear on your ceiling or walls, you likely require repairs or a roof replacement
Search for indications of storm damage from the ground. Check for missing or damaged shingles and metal fascia that is missing which would include metal pieces displaced from around your chimney. Assess the condition of places where your roof has an angle and meets the walls, areas around steeple windows and other dips in the roof.
It will be obvious if a tree fell on your roofing system. If so, stay out of your home until a specialist can figure out whether any structural damage took place. Think about hiring a home builder/contractor or roofing professional with a contractor’s license if your home has suffered structural damage, as you’ll require more than roof repair work.
If the storm produced hail, check for roof damage in addition to siding damage. Hail damage typically can be found in the forms of small dimples, made by chunks of hail that pound the external layer of shingles.
Stay safe– avoid going on the roof to look for damage yourself, instead get in touch with a professional roofing contractor. Martin Exteriors Roofing & Siding offers free roof inspections. Save yourself from harm and give us a call.
Let Us Help You With Insurance
Find a roofing company that has both a strong insurance claims department and experienced service technicians, says Justin Martin, owner of Martin Exteriors Roofing & Siding. Your roof is a primary structure of your residence; don’t skimp when it comes to hiring the right roofing contractor who will use the right materials.
When repairing or replacing a roof, do your research and consider alternatives to conventional asphalt shingles to avoid future storm damage. Metal roofing can withstand damage better than conventional shingles. They cost more than the asphalt ranges, but insurers may offer discounts on the price of your premium.
Schedule a time for a roof inspection and a quote for needed roof repairs or roof replacement with your storm damage contractor.
