When Mother Nature Strikes: Your Complete Guide to Emergency Roof Repair After Storm Damage
Storm damage to your roof can transform from a minor inconvenience to a major disaster in just hours. After hours of howling winds and lashing rains, you may be afraid to look at what a storm has done to your home. But the first step to take for roofing storm damage repair is to assess the problem. Understanding what to do when storm damage strikes can save you thousands of dollars and protect your home from further destruction.
Immediate Safety First: What to Do Right After the Storm
Act quickly to repair your roof and other areas of your home after a storm, but not so quickly that you go outside before the danger has passed. Wait for the all-clear from authorities before you start inspections or begin contemplating the repair process. As always, safety is first. Contact a trusted, professional roofing contractor to schedule an inspection and help you with damage assessment. Many contractors offer free inspections and will know how to safely look for roof damage.
When conducting your initial assessment, take safety precautions, even if the storm has passed. Avoid standing water, watch for broken nails and glass, and wear heavy boots to protect your feet. Never attempt to climb on your roof immediately after a storm, as standing on the roof without proper safety training and equipment is dangerous at the best of times, never mind after a major storm or when you suspect your roof has damage. It’s easier to fall off wet roofs or those with tripping hazards, such as loose shingles. Roofs that are extremely damaged may even collapse under your weight.
Identifying Storm Damage: What to Look For
Visually assess your roof by walking around the perimeter of your house and taking note of any visible storm damage. You might also have a good view of parts of your roof from one of your windows. Keep a list of notes and/or take pictures — this can potentially be helpful later for insurance purposes. Any visible signs of storm damage should be documented, such as dented, torn, curled, or missing shingles.
Don’t forget to check inside your home as well. Observe these areas for leaks and water spots. While your home’s roof might appear undamaged on the exterior, wind and hail can cause unseen leaks that may lead to bigger problems later. Ceilings, light fixtures, and your attic should all be inspected for water leaks and spots.
Emergency Roof Tarping: Your First Line of Defense
When professional help isn’t immediately available, emergency roof tarping can provide crucial temporary protection. Roof tarps are an inexpensive, temporary solution that can buy you the time needed to get professional help without incurring significant additional damage. Cost-Effective: Investing in temporary roof covering is much cheaper than emergency repair services, especially during peak storm seasons when contractors are in high demand. A durable tarp provides a stop-gap measure to prevent costly repairs.
Emergency roof tarping is a temporary solution to help prevent further damage and protect your home. An emergency tarp is especially helpful when trying to avoid roof leaks, water damage, or mold, and keeping your home insulated as you wait for repairs. A tarp is also a great way to reduce insurance costs as it keeps the damage to your home at a minimum.
However, while it is easy to put an emergency tarp up on your own, professional roof tarping may be required when the roof damage is significant or a tarp for the whole roof is required. When properly installed, roof tarping can protect your home from inclement weather for up to 90 days.
Working with Insurance and Contractors
Contact your insurance company so they can assess the damage and hopefully help pay for the cost of roof repairs. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to inspect the damage and may ask you to hire a local roofing repair company to complete the full inspection. Call your insurance company after you call a roofer to make sure it is storm damage that will qualify for repairs or replacements covered by your insurance carrier and document the damage.
When selecting a contractor, it’s important to work with a contractor you can trust. Roofers and repair companies are likely to be busy after a large regional storm and may try to compete for your business by offering discounts or deals. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a “storm chaser” knocks on your door asking to do the inspection for free, don’t sign anything until you have researched them and believe them to be a trustworthy company—it’s important to avoid any potential roofing scams.
Finding Professional Help in South Florida
For homeowners in South Florida, finding a reliable roofer Palm Beach County, FL is crucial when storm damage strikes. Local contractors understand the unique challenges that Florida’s weather presents, from hurricane-force winds to intense UV exposure and frequent thunderstorms.
Aastro Roofing, serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties, exemplifies the kind of experienced local contractor homeowners need during emergencies. Their focus is on supplying value through diligent work and clear communication. A reputation built on integrity and sound practices. Dedicated to serving your roofing needs with care. With over 70 years of combined roofing experience, they serve Palm Beach and Broward Counties with a philosophy that comes down to this: Always do what’s best for our customers – NO EXCEPTIONS.
Prevention and Preparedness
Bi-annual inspections from a great roofer will help you diagnose and fix problems before they rack up expensive interior repairs. Keep a few high-quality home repair tarps in your emergency kit so that you’re always prepared to protect your roof, no matter the situation. This small investment can offer peace of mind and prevent costly damage in the future.
Remember, dealing with roof damage after a storm can be overwhelming, but specific steps can help you manage the situation effectively. Remember that safety is your top priority, followed by quick action to prevent further damage. By understanding these emergency procedures and having a trusted local contractor ready to call, you can minimize storm damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.