When living in an area like Florida that sees brutal storms every year, it’s not a matter of if, but when your roof will sustain damage. Every year, thousands of homes are damaged in hurricanes and other major storms such as tornadoes and thunderstorms. Even normal windstorms can cause roofing damage with high winds and hail.
Life after a big storm can be extremely stressful, but make sure you keep a level head. It’s important you get any roof damage fixed promptly, but don’t let your panic overtake you. Instead, take a few moments to follow the steps below so that your roof can get the care it needs.
1. Check for Damage
No matter how big or little the storm, it’s vital you check for any damage immediately after. Wait until the storm has fully passed and then walk around your home and look closely for any sign of damage. Damage could be anything from tree branches down to gutters or mailboxes.
Roof damage can be anything from a few granules getting dislodged and stuck in the gutter to entire patches of shingles missing and a tree branch through a window. If you see something amiss, don’t disregard it. Take good pictures or a video for when you file an insurance claim.
While checking outside your home for damage, don’t be tempting to climb on top of your roof. Weak spots may not be visible, so it’s best you avoid walking around your roof until a professional can confirm your roof won’t cave in. Older roofs may have loose granules and it could also be slippery.
When checking for damage, don’t forget to check inside your home for water damage. Look in each room and closet, closely examining the seam where your wall meets the ceiling. It may take a day or two for water damage to show up, so keep an eye out even after your initial check.
2. Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
Finding the right contractor can be frustrating. It’s important you carefully screen and look into each contractor you consider. Here at RBS Roofing Orlando FL, we are open about our practices and won’t hesitate to show you references if you want them. We have helped thousands of homeowners navigate the insurance process. We can walk you through the initial filing of a claim, meeting the inspector, and getting your roof replaced by the insurance company.
When dealing with an insurance claim you will want a contractor to represent you. They will help you with the steps it takes to get the roof bought. Making sure the insurance inspector notates all damage and includes everything that needs to be replaced. Many times the inspector may miss items that should be paid for by the insurance company.
3. File an Insurance Claim
This may seem obvious, but many people forget to actually file a storm damage insurance claim. Once the storm has passed and you are certain you’ve cataloged all of the damage, contact your insurance company and file a claim with your contractor.
The insurance company will ask for the storm date and give you a claim number. They will send out an inspector to take pictures and access the damage to your home, both interior, and exterior. This should be coordinated with your contractor to make sure they can be there to represent you.
Make sure you file a claim in a timely manner. Perils like hurricanes have a three-year window. The goal is to get your home repaired before the next storm hits and further damage is done.
Conclusion
After a major storm, it’s normal to panic and wants to act quickly to get your roof fixed. However, in order to ensure your home gets the best service, keep calm, and follow the three steps above.
Your home is your first line of defense and it’s important it’s in the best condition possible. Call us at RBS Roofing, your trusted, local roofer as soon as possible and get started on protecting your home.