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How To Check For Damage After The Storm
Storms are something that we all encounter, and in some cases, certain storms lead to severe damage. Severe storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes hit different areas and can cause significant damage after they hit.
After a major storm, it’s important to inspect your property for damage. One of the most important things to check when inspecting your property is your roof. The roofs of our homes are essential in protecting us and keeping our homes, our belongings, and, more importantly, our families safe (especially during storms). But, even our roofs take damage in the most dangerous storms.
Storms are unavoidable, but luckily the damages it causes can be fixed. The key is to take care of the damages as soon as possible. If you are worried that your roof was damaged during a storm, here are a few things to consider when checking for roof damage.
One of the first things to consider is your safety. Before checking for roof damage, it is important to make sure that the storm has passed, and that it is safe to go outside. Even if the storm has passed, remain alert and cautious when inspecting for damage.
Once the area is clear, try to inspect the roof as soon as possible. The sooner the roof is inspected, the better chance you have of avoiding leak damage inside the home. Also, if an insurance claim is needed, you can get better proof to support your claim. If you are someone who checks their roof regularly, you can have information to compare to the roof’s condition after a storm occurs. Then, you can show that the damage occurred during a storm, and was not present prior to when the storm hit. Photographs of both the before and after conditions of your roof also help your claim.
As you go to inspect your roof, begin by searching your yard for shingles. One of the most common signs of roof damage on a shingled roof is shingles that have blown off due to a storm. Missing or damaged shingles can leave the wood framing of your home exposed, and must be replaced as soon as possible.
Damage can also depend on your roof type. If you own an all shingle roof, missing and damaged shingles may occur. If your roof has composition shingles, look for granule buildup in the gutters. Or, if you have wood shingles or shakes, look for rotting and mold. If you have a flat roof, look for cracks, tears, or surface bubbles or wrinkles.
When examining the roof, it is also important to examine the roof’s accessories. A roof’s structure consists of things such as soffit, fascia, and trim. Tears and dents in these accessories should also be noted and addressed when a roof is damaged during a storm. Roof support such as flashing, roofing cement, gutters, and downspouts can also be damaged.
Another thing to do when inspecting your roof is to inspect your gutters. Gutters can have rust, rot, or missing and dented sections. If there is water damage, water buildup can occur. If damage occurred during a hailstorm, your gutters might be loaded with mineral granules. This is strong evidence of roof wear and damage due to the hail storm.
Once you finish the inspection of the outside of your home, it is important to check the inside of your home for additional damage. If your roof has been weakened or damaged due to a storm (of any kind), there is a good chance that the inside of your home may have taken damage as well. When shingles go missing, they expose your home’s structure, and storm water could already be seeping in. If you see water inside your home after a storm, you more than likely have a roofing issue. Start by inspecting the inside of your home from inside the attic, or wherever you can access it from the inside, is also essential. You may see signs of moisture in your attic or top floor rooms, brown, yellow, or grey stains on the ceilings and/or walls. You may also see peeling paint or large bubbles in the paint or drywall or dampness or moisture on or in the beams, rafters, and insulation.
If you spot any damage during your inspection, it is essential to take notes on where and what damage you see. Afterward, check your roof’s warranty to see what it says about repairs or replacement. Then, call your insurance agent to determine if you should file a claim. If you need to, consider hiring a professional roofer to perform an in-depth inspection on top of the roof. If they spot anything you missed or were unable to get to, you can further your claim with proof from a professional. After their inspection, obtain an estimate for roof repair/replacement and determine when roof repair/replacement will be necessary. In the meantime, take care of emergency repairs, even if that only means tacking down a tarp over holes or damaged shingles.
If you find a trusted roofer to repair or replace your roof, get everything in order (paperwork and so on). Once everything is set, let the professionals take care of anything that is necessary. It is crucial to get this situation resolved as quickly as possible, as damage to your roof can affect your entire home.
Storms are a natural occurrence and something that we cannot avoid. Whether it is thunderstorms,hail, wind, or more, these things occur, and in some cases, they cause major damage. Things happen, and when they do happen, it is important to take the steps necessary to correct them. By inspecting your roof after a storm, you can help prevent further damage and get the necessary repairs.
Luckily, there is a trusted roofing company here in Orlando to take care of your roofing needs. If any storms occur or you have any questions about roof damage, we are here to help. Contact Timothy Parks Roofing & Construction Inc to take care of your roofing needs today!
