Roof Repairs Following Storm Damage
In Florida, it’s no secret that the risk of storm damage to your roof is significant, especially during hurricane season – but during other parts of the year as well. Inspecting and repairing your roof following a storm will help it to last its full life span instead of failing early and costing you extra money.
Here are 5 key roof repair tips to follow in the aftermath of a major Floridian storm:
1. Do A Quick Visual
You don’t have to be a professional or expert to spot many forms of roof damage that could result from a storm. Once the storm has passed, walk the perimeter of your home. Use a pair of binoculars if you have them.
Check for loose, dangling, missing, or bent up shingles. Look for flashing that’s been knocked out of place. And of course, if there are shingles strewn on your lawn or excessive shingle dust in the gutters, you know you have a problem.
2. Check For Hail Damage
If you are skilled at walking on rooftops, it will pay to get up and look for hail damage after a hail storm. Otherwise, you can check from a ladder’s edge, depending on the location of the main hail impacts. But for many homeowners, it’s best to get a professional roofing contractor to do the hail inspection.
Realize that even seemingly small hail marks can be very serious. If a dimple shows on the shingle surface, it could mean that there are radiating cracks and fissures on the top and/or bottom of the shingle.
Even hail damage that looks relatively harmless may have weakened shingles to the point they will break easily or blow off in the next storm. It may be best to just replace them right now.
3. Fix Leaks Without Delay
For certain types of roof repairs, you might be able to wait awhile before acting, but if you see any signs of a leak, move as quickly as possible for sure. A small leak may grow worse over time, and where there’s one leak, there may be others that have not yet manifested themselves.
Fixing damaged drywall, ceilings, flooring, furniture, trimwork, and more is going to add a lot to your final repair bill – so move now to minimize expenses and protect your home’s contents!
4. Prepare For Insurance Claims
Be sure to call your homeowners’ insurer early, if you have one, and be sure to take pictures of all storm damage to verify your claim. The insurer will, of course, send out an inspector to assess the validity of your claim and what needs to be done as far as roof repair and any other damage.
If a tree has bashed through your roof, or your home has been made unsafe to live in temporarily, talk to your insurer to see if living expenses while forced out of your home can be covered.
5. Avoid “Storm Chasers!”
You do best to find your roofing contractor through your own research and initiative or on the recommendation of your insurance company. Be wary of contractors who suddenly pop up at your doorstep following a storm or who call you up on the phone. Always take the time to ensure that your contractors are licensed and insured and part of a reputable company.
If you are looking for a reputable, highly skilled roof repair contractor in the Central Florida area, contact Sheegog Contracting today. We offer free, no-obligation estimates, so there’s absolutely zero risk.
