Replacing your roof after a storm isn’t something you want to take lightly. It involves a lot of time, money, and patience.

Knowing what storm damage your homeowner’s insurance policy covers is crucial to ensure proper coverage. This article will highlight the essentials of a roof replacement after a storm: 

Assess the Damage

Strong winds, heavy rains, scorching sun, and massive snowfall can wreak havoc on your home’s roof. If left unattended, this storm damage can lead to severe roof leaks, mold, and mildew in your home’s interior. When it’s safe, walk around your property and carefully assess the storm-related damage. Check from the ground, in your attic, and in rooms upstairs to see the impact the storm might have had on your roof and surrounding areas.

When inspecting your roof, check for any missing or damaged shingles, cracks in the fascia boards, and any issues with the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Also, inspect the gutters to ensure they are free of clogs and debris.

If you are physically unable to inspect your roof safely or if the extent of the damage is too great, consider hiring a local roofing contractor like Roofing Solutions for an inspection and assessment of roof storm damage. This will help speed up the process of opening an insurance claim and installing your new roof as soon as possible. Your trusted contractor will be able to provide you with an accurate and detailed report of what needs to be done.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If your home is affected by a severe storm, you must contact your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process. Meanwhile, you can carry out temporary repairs to safeguard your property from additional damage. For example, you can cover holes in your roof or windows with plastic or boards to prevent leaks and other damage. Be sure to save all receipts for materials you purchase so that your insurance can reimburse you for the cost.

It’s also important to remember that your homeowner’s policy typically has guidelines detailing what type of damage will be covered. For instance, your home may have a separate wind and hail deductible in addition to your dwelling coverage limit. If most of your roof’s shingles are affected by hail, your insurer will likely consider this substantial damage and cover your entire roof replacement cost.

It’s best to contact a professional roofing contractor if you need roofing services. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to help you navigate the claims process and ensure your roof is adequately repaired.

Make Temporary Repairs

There’s nothing quite as soothing as the rhythmic sound of rain falling on your roof – except when that rain becomes a torrent of water, causing expensive damage to your property. Even if the damage isn’t immediately catastrophic, it’s essential to make temporary repairs to keep moisture and pests from entering your home or business.

This can include boarding up windows and covering any holes in the walls or roof. It’s also good to save receipts for any materials you buy, as your insurance company may reimburse these expenses.

Look for a contractor that doesn’t require 100% payment upfront and asks you to sign a contract before starting any work. These are clear warning signs of a scam. A reputable roofing contractor will have experience working with insurance companies and can help you get your claim paid for and repaired.

Inspect Your Attic

Inspecting your attic is an essential part of the house inspection process. It lets you spot problems before they escalate and can affect the whole home. The attic is also the first place leaks show themselves, so inspecting it often is essential.

While doing a visual check of your attic, look for damp rafters. This may indicate that your roof needs replacement. In addition, make sure that your attic is adequately ventilated. If you can see the floor joists, you need more insulation.

A professional attic and roof inspection is vital in the repair process. It allows you to avoid costly repairs, increase energy efficiency, and protect your property. It can also help you prevent mold, mildew, and pest infestations.

Contact a Roofing Contractor

Contact a roofing contractor for an estimate if you’ve spotted roof damage. They can work directly with your insurance company to help you get the most out of your claim.

A roofing contractor will take pictures of the storm damage and provide a thorough report. They’ll also check the interior of your home for signs of water intrusion, such as discoloration in paint or wallpaper, sagging floorboards, and wood rot.

Remember that your homeowner’s insurance has a deductible; any reimbursement you receive will be less than the deductible. If you have a $1,000 deductible, for example, only $500 will go toward repairs.

Beware of contractors who call themselves “storm chasers.” These unscrupulous contractors canvass neighborhoods after a storm and trick homeowners into filing fraudulent claims for their roofs. They often offer low bids, use cheap materials, and disappear after finishing the job. This type of fraud is illegal and could result in fines or jail time. Avoid these scams by choosing a roofing company that has longevity in the area.

Jane