Roof Damage Tips
Tips For Roof Damage
Damage Prevention
1. Self-inspect your roof regularly.
2. Keep your gutters clean.
3. Keep your trees trimmed.
4. Remove snow and/or debris.
5. Look for leaks.
INSPECTION AND REPAIR
1. Thoroughly inspect your property.
Whether there were simply strong winds in the area or a bad storm, doing a cursory visual inspection of your entire property is one of the best ways to catch damage quickly before it gets out of control. Inspect both the interior and exterior of your home to look for signs of damage. Water or light leaking inside the home anywhere they shouldn’t be as well as mold growth or mildew are signs of exterior damage to the roof. Visual damage to the roof is obvious, but less obvious signs that the roof may have incurred damage are fallen limbs, excess debris on the roof and in the yard, and visible damage to other exterior structures like fences or decks.
2. Have a professional inspection.
If you have reason to suspect there was damage to your roof, don’t delay: call a professional right away. Most roofing companies offer free inspections and a roofing professional will have the experience and equipment to safely and accurately assess the damage to the roof. A professional inspection will help you determine your next steps and whether your roof will need repaired or replaced.
3. Call your insurance company.
If you have roof damage from a storm, or even if your neighbors have roof damage from a storm, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Your agent will help guide you through the steps, but having a professional inspection done will streamline the process. You’ll want to take pictures and document any problems you’re having both interior and exterior. Your adjuster will work with the roofing company to determine coverage and get your damage taken care of.
4. Don't wait.
One of the most important things when dealing with possible damage to your roof: don’t wait to address the damage. A small roof repair can quickly turn into a full roof replacement with a moldy attic and waterlogged home if it isn’t repaired as soon as possible. The longer your wait to address the issue, the more complicated and pricey the problem becomes.
Understanding the steps to take to properly maintain your roof and what to do if it does become damaged can help save you time and money. Most importantly, it will keep the roof over your headstrong.