For many homeowners, the roof isn’t something they have to worry about for a long time. Most roofing materials are built to last decades before they need to be replaced.
But that doesn’t mean they’ll never get damaged or need a little repair here and there. It’s important to handle those smaller tasks so the problems don’t spread so far that you do need a full new roof. The quicker you act, the better!
Knowing where to start on storm damage roof repair can be confusing. There’s a lot that needs to be done in a short amount of time. Check out this guide to walk you through each step of the repair process!
Start the Clean up as Soon as You Can
When there is heavy rain and high winds going on outside, you know there’s going to be some cleaning to do. It’s a good idea to get that kind of chore done as quickly as you can following the storm.
Clear your yard of any big branches or debris. Then work on clearing what you can from the roof. Focusing on the gutters and easy-to-reach edges is the best practice.
Not only will you be able to see better once things are clear, but it’ll be safer too. There will be much less chance that more damage is done if things aren’t left for too long.
Do a Quick Visual Inspection
After you’ve cleared away the main mess, you can work on doing a quick inspection. Extreme weather can mess with your whole exterior and landscaping. So it’s a good idea to walk around your entire property to see what’s going on. Sometimes you’ll find hidden issues you wouldn’t see from your regular routine.
As you’re checking the roof, see if you notice any missing shingles. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to spot for most roofs and shouldn’t require you to get on the roof.
You’ll also want to note if there are any large branches or other debris left on the roof. All of this information will be helpful for your roofing expert to decide if a repair is possible.
Watch for Leaks Inside
Damage to your roof doesn’t mean the problems will stay on the outside. The real issues come when there are leaks inside your home because of the imperfections.
After the storm is over, pay close attention to your ceiling for a couple of days. Be on the lookout for any standing water, ring stains, or condensation on the ceiling. All these things can be signs that you have a leak coming from your roof. If that’s the case, you’ll want to get repairs done even faster.
Let the roofing team know what you’re seeing and where so they can fix those areas first.
Make Temporary Fixes
Sometimes when there is a major storm in the area, pro repairs can’t be done immediately. If this is the case, some temporary repairs may be necessary to hold you over until they can come.
It’s important to work with your roofing experts to come up with a plan for your roof. They’ll help you make any temporary fixes as safely as possible. This may be adding a tarp to a damaged area. Or simply placing the free shingles back in their original spot.
The key is to try to minimize as much damage to your roof and interior as possible while you wait for full repairs.
Document the Damage
Any kind of home repair project is going to cost you some money. Even minor damage can end up being really expensive to fix. That’s where your home insurance policy is going to come in and help cover the cost.
To have success with your claim, you’ll want to document everything. Taking pictures of every detail can feel like you’re going overboard but trust us, it’s not. The more proof you can show of the damage and the work that needs to be done, the better. Insurance companies want everything documented and organized.
Call the Professionals Quickly For Immediate Storm Damage Roof Repair
Before you worry about calling the insurance or making temporary fixes, you need to call in the experts. These kinds of jobs are always something that should be left to people with the proper training. Not only is it much safer that way, but you’ll also get a much better result in the end.
A roofing expert will know exactly how to handle the storm damage to your roof. They’ll do all they can to save the shingles and keep what’s still good.
The faster you make an appointment, the less time you’ll have to spend worrying about how the roof is holding up.
Take Steps to Prevent Future Storm Damage
Once your roof is fixed, it’s a good idea to think about taking some preventative measures. The last thing you want is to be right back where you were in a couple of weeks.
One of the best things you can do for your roof is to schedule regular maintenance inspections. This will allow any minor imperfections to be fixed long before a storm can come and make it worse. It’s also really helpful to keep your roof as clean as possible. And that includes the gutters.
You should also consider clearing up your landscaping. Especially those bigger trees and bushes near your home. Taking away dead or damaged branches will keep them from harming your roof in the future.
How to Start Storm Damage Roof Repair on Your Home
Storm damage roof repair can feel like a major undertaking, especially if you haven’t had that kind of work done on your house before. But it doesn’t have to be that scary or stressful!
Working with roofing experts will make all the difference in your experience. They’ll make sure your roof is in tip-top shape without any work from you!
That’s our whole goal at Novalis Roofing and Siding. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality service for all your roofing needs. If your roof needs some attention, contact us today!
