Roof damage can quickly turn into a serious issue. It’s not unlikely that a damaged roof can easily lead to flooding within the home. Even minor roof damage can cause leaks and lead to saturation of the building materials in the upper part of your house.
Simply put, roof damage is something that needs to be handled immediately.
But, not everyone knows what to do. Now sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at how to react if your roof is damaged.
1. Document The Damage
Although this step seems simple, you should be extra careful when inspecting the damage done to your home.
The first concern here is downed electrical wires or other harmful debris. If a storm was strong enough to significantly damage your roof, it most likely damaged the surrounding area, as well.
Once you’re sure it’s safe to go outside, take a look at your roof from the street/yard to see if there’s any noticeable damage. You may notice shingles and other materials on the ground.
Assuming the weather permits, you can use a ladder to get a better look at the top of your roof. But, you should avoid getting on your roof due to the risk of it collapsing.
Take photos, notes, etc. of all the damage that you find to your property. Then, you’ll need to…
2. Get in Touch With Your Insurance
You should do this as soon as possible to ensure that you get compensated in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the longer you wait to repair your roof, the more likely it is that further damage will occur. The last thing you or your family needs is for it to cave in and cause you to spend money on a hotel.
Realistically, even waiting one or two days is too long when it comes to getting repairs started. Make sure you follow the instructions from your insurance company exactly as they are given to avoid any future complications.
3. Call a Professional
Lastly, you’ll need to contact a reputable roof repair professional so that you can repair your home’s damage (and prevent more damage from occurring).
It’s important here that you make sure to hire a professional. Unless the individual you’re considering is a properly licensed contractor with experience in emergency roof restoration, avoid hiring friends and family.
Not only could this cause potential conflict in the future due to the quality of work, but it could also be dangerous for the one working on the roof if they don’t know what to look out for.
Knowing What to Do if Your Roof Is Damaged Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about in mind, you’ll be well on your way to acting accordingly if your roof is damaged.
Want to learn roof maintenance tips that can help make your life easier during a storm? This article has plenty of good information.