What Should I Do If My Roof Suffers Storm Damage?

Your roof offers essential protection for your home or business. Feel peace of mind after any storm when you hire professionals to perform a roof inspection. A roofing contractor can identify issues and offer the necessary solutions. What will a roofing contractor look for when inspecting your property after a storm?  We cover the inspection process and potential outcomes to help you feel prepared at every step.

Signs of Storm Damage

Before looking at the roof itself, you need to look at your home’s surroundings. Start on the ground outside and look for debris. Then move to the garage door, downspouts, window screens, painted wood or shutters, electric meter, AC unit, grill and mailbox. Some notable signs of damage may include dents, dings, holes, and loose or missing pieces. These signs may not guarantee your roof was damaged, but they’re a starting point. After inspecting the ground level, you can focus on the roof. Be sure to take a close look at these areas:

• Gutters: Roofing contractors will look for dings or dents on the face of the gutters and sitting granules inside your gutters.
• Shingles: The inspectors will look for any creased, lifted, or missing shingles and granule loss on the shingles.
• Roof flashing and vents: The experts will look for marks or dents on the roof flashing and vents.

The inspection might also reveal some damages unrelated to storms. That includes manufacturer defects like degranulation, blistering, curling and cupping of shingles. You may even find side effects from UV exposure, including roof materials expanding and contracting. It’s important to take any necessary steps to fix these conditions after finding them.

Why Hire a Professional for Storm Damage Roofing Inspections?

While you may want to look around yourself right after a storm clears, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals. Hiring roofing contractors to check your ground level and roof offers several benefits:

• Accuracy: Experts have the knowledge to identify signs of damage so your inspection is very thorough. Beyond storm damage, roofers can also determine whether an aging roof has reached the end of its life expectancy. You can offer ideal protection for your home by investing in the repairs or replacements your roof needs, storm-related or not.
• Convenience: Professional roofers already have the tools and experience to complete a safe, thorough inspection. They’ll work efficiently and take steps to prevent injuries or further roof damage. You can save storage in your garage by hiring roofers who will come prepared with ladders and other equipment.
• Peace of mind: Roofers know exactly what you need to document after storm damage. They’ll mark any possible damages from wind or hail with chalk so they’re easy to see in the photos they take of the areas. You can use the photos as evidence if you plan to file a claim.

When looking for a reputable roofing inspector, you’ll want to hire professionals you can count on. Look for a business that values high-quality workmanship and offers warranties to back their work. You can read feedback from customer reviews or ask for recommendations from your friends and family.

Dealing With Storm Damage After the Inspection

After an inspection, a roofing contractor will let you know if they identified any storm damage and show you proof with photos. They’ll walk you through what happens next with recommendations suiting your circumstances — for example, they can offer advise you on the extent of needed repairs which may impact whether you should file a claim with your insurance company. While your roofing contractor can advocate for you after a roof inspection, your insurance company ultimately decides whether to approve or deny your claim. From there, you can plan to fix any roof issues with professional services. Feel free to ask questions after the inspection so you can gain a better understanding of your repair and replacement options. Your roofing contractor can discuss details like pricing and schedule a time for service that works for you.

Schedule a Roof Inspection With RoofAid USA

When you want to feel confident knowing you’re prepared for any storm, trust the experts at RoofAid USA. Our family-owned and -operated company is dedicated to providing detailed, accurate roof inspections. Our team can guide you through the steps of ensuring your roof is in top shape and answer any questions you have. We prioritize quality with every service and aim to keep you informed from start to finish of any project. To learn more or request a service, please complete a contact form today! Our team can provide you with a free quote.