Roof damage is one of the most frequent causes of home insurance claims. When a storm destroys your roof, you should be focused on repairing it as quickly as possible for safety and security reasons, as well as preventing as much additional damage as you can. By taking the right steps first, you can avoid those headaches and get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Look for Exterior Damage
When you are looking for roof issues due to storm damage, check outside first. Exterior damage can come from a variety of sources, including wind, hail, and even falling tree limbs. However, the most common cause of exterior damage is water from rain or from broken pipes. Other sources of exterior damage include mold and mildew from wet walls and ceilings. You might not even realize they have water damage until it starts to grow.
Homeowners should always inspect their homes for signs of water damage. If there is a leaky roof, you will see obvious signs of the problem, such as discoloration in the ceiling or walls. If there is a crack in a window or a hole in a pipe, you should address the issue before it gets worse.
Screen Your Neighbors and Other Structures
When you're assessing the damage to your home, take a few minutes to walk around your neighborhood and look for other damage. Sometimes, if you see that one neighbor's roof is badly damaged, it's an indication that your roof also took a hit.
If you see signs of damage, you'll need to check the roof's underlayment. This is the paper-based material that lies between the roof deck and the shingles. If it's wet or moldy, there's a good chance that water is getting through your shingles and into your attic. Check the rest of the roof deck for patches of dampness too.
If you find damaged underlayment, use a hammer and pry bar to remove any loose pieces of decking so they won't fall down when you remove the shingles. Use a tarp to cover these holes and other exposed areas where water can get in.
Determine the Cost of the Damage and Plan Repairs
First, you have to determine the cost of the damage and then plan repairs accordingly. You can contact your insurance company for an estimate of the cost of the repairs.
Before making any repairs, you should be clear about your budget and what you can spend. Ask the roofer that is handling the repairs about getting a written estimate for repairs.
Roof repairs after storms cause damage that can be very costly. Contact a storm damage roof repair service for help dealing with these emergencies.
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