What Should I Do If My Roof is Damaged in a Storm?

Storms can wreak havoc on your roof, and when that happens, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent further damage. From high winds to hail and falling branches, storm damage can lead to costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. But don’t worry—we’re here to guide you every step of the way. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to take after a storm damages your roof, and show you how we assist homeowners throughout the entire insurance claims process.

1. Ensure Your Safety First

Before you do anything else, your safety comes first. After a storm, it’s crucial to stay cautious and wait for the storm to fully pass. Here’s what to do:

  • Stay Inside: Do not attempt to go outside or climb onto your roof during or immediately after a storm. Storm conditions can be unpredictable, and there may be risks like falling debris or electrical hazards.
  • Wait for the All Clear: Only leave your home or inspect the roof when the storm has fully passed and local authorities confirm it’s safe.
  • Avoid Power Lines: If you notice downed power lines, stay clear and report them to your utility company.

2. Inspect the Damage from the Ground

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to do so, you can begin inspecting your roof from the ground. While you shouldn’t climb onto your roof just yet, you can look for visible damage from a safe vantage point. Here’s what to check for:

  • Missing or Damaged Shingles: Wind and hail can tear shingles off or cause them to crack or curl.
  • Visible Holes or Leaks: Water stains inside your home, especially on ceilings or walls, can be a sign that water is entering through your roof.
  • Debris or Tree Branches: Fallen branches, leaves, and other debris can cause physical damage to shingles and block drainage systems.
  • Sagging Sections: If you notice areas where the roof is sagging or seems uneven, it may indicate structural damage.

3. Take Pictures of the Damage

Once you’ve identified the damage from the ground, it’s time to take pictures. Documenting the damage is crucial for your insurance claim. Here’s how you can get organized:

  • Exterior Photos: Take clear photos of any visible roof damage, including missing shingles, broken tiles, and debris. Capture wide-angle shots to show the extent of the damage, as well as close-ups of specific issues.
  • Interior Photos: If there are leaks or water stains inside your home, take photos of the affected ceilings or walls. These are important for proving the water intrusion to your insurance company.
  • Make a List: Write down what you see and take additional notes if necessary, such as the condition of your gutters or other roof elements.

4. We Inspect Your Roof Before the Insurance Company

At this point, most homeowners would call their insurance company, but we recommend that you have us inspect your roof first. Here’s why:

  • Thorough Inspection: Our experienced team will come out to your home and perform a detailed inspection of your roof. We’ll identify any visible and hidden damage, giving you a complete picture of what’s needed for repairs or replacement.
  • Prevent Underreporting: Insurance companies may not always catch all the issues that a professional roofer would. By having us inspect your roof first, we can ensure that all damage is properly documented and included in your insurance claim.

5. We Contact Your Insurance Company with You

Once we’ve conducted the roof inspection and assessed the damage, it’s time to take the next step—contacting your insurance company. The good news? You don’t have to go through this process alone.

  • We Call the Insurance Company with You: We will help you contact your insurance provider directly, ensuring that all necessary information is provided. Our team will be on the line with you, making sure the insurance company understands the full scope of the damage and your needs.
  • Claim Filing Assistance: We will assist in filing the claim, making sure all paperwork is submitted correctly, and the documentation from our inspection is included.
  • Smooth Communication: We work with your insurance adjuster, if necessary, to ensure that no details are missed. We can even attend the adjuster’s inspection to make sure they have all the information they need to approve your claim.

6. We Help You Every Step of the Way

The process of getting your roof repaired after a storm can be overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through it. We’ll support you from start to finish, helping you:

  • Understand Your Coverage: We’ll explain your policy, so you fully understand what’s covered and what isn’t. This ensures that there are no surprises during the process.
  • Get Your Claim Approved: If there are any issues or discrepancies with your claim, we’ll advocate on your behalf with your insurance company, helping to resolve them quickly.
  • Review Repair Estimates: Once your claim is approved, we’ll provide you with a detailed repair estimate, ensuring that the scope of work is accurate and covers all necessary repairs.
  • Schedule Repairs: After the claim is processed, we’ll schedule the repairs at your convenience. Our team will make sure your roof is restored as quickly and efficiently as possible.

7. Secure Your Property to Prevent Further Damage

While we handle the insurance side, it’s important to take steps to protect your home from further damage. You can:

  • Cover Leaks and Holes: If there are any visible holes or leaks in your roof, use a tarp or plastic sheeting to cover the area temporarily. Make sure the tarp is secured tightly to prevent additional water from entering your home.
  • Move Valuables: If water is leaking inside, move any valuable furniture, electronics, or belongings out of the affected areas to avoid water damage.
  • Clear Debris: Remove debris from gutters and downspouts to allow proper water drainage and prevent water buildup on the roof.

8. Avoid DIY Roof Repairs

While it’s tempting to try to fix things yourself, DIY roof repairs can be dangerous and might void your warranty or insurance coverage. Always leave roof repairs to the professionals. Our licensed contractors have the experience and equipment to safely make the repairs, ensuring your roof is restored to its full integrity.

9. Consider Roof Maintenance for Future Protection

After your roof is repaired, consider regular maintenance to prevent future storm damage. Some helpful tips include:

  • Schedule Annual Roof Inspections: Regular roof inspections can catch small issues before they become big problems, especially after major storms.
  • Trim Overhanging Trees: Tree branches close to your roof can be dangerous during strong winds. Trim them back to prevent them from causing damage.
  • Upgrade to Storm-Resistant Materials: If you live in an area prone to severe weather, consider upgrading to impact-resistant roofing materials that can better withstand future storms.

Conclusion

Dealing with roof damage after a storm can be overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can restore your home quickly and efficiently. From inspecting the damage and taking photos to working directly with your insurance company, we’re here to help you through every part of the process.

Call us at (828) 962-0617 for a FREE roof inspection.

Our team will inspect your roof, assist with your insurance claim, and guide you through the entire process, so you can get your home back to normal without the stress.

Service Areas: Alexander County, Catawba County, Burke County, Iredell County, and Caldwell County.

Back to blog