Hurricane season may seem like the worst time to need an emergency roof replacement.
Statistically speaking, though, that’s the time when it’s most likely to happen.
It’s always a wise idea to have a Central Florida roofer you can trust saved to your phone in case of a crisis. This is important any time of the year, but it’s even more serious in hurricane season.
Being inland, our local communities have the benefit of being spared from storm surges. Storms generally have some time to weaken and disperse before they reach us. But even when you aren’t suffering a “direct hit,” your roof can still be at risk.
You might be surprised to learn that, in other parts of the country, it’s sometimes possible to find a roof 20 years old and still standing up strong. Here in Florida, the average service of a shingle roof is closer to 10 years, and that assumes regular maintenance.
It’s true: The Sunshine State ages roofs fast!
So, it’s important to act quickly if you need roof replacement during hurricane season.
Here’s what to do:
1. Assess Any Potential Storm Damage
Remember that if you are in a named, well-defined hurricane system, you shouldn’t go outside during the calm in the eye of the storm. Wait until the entire storm has passed, the wind has died down, and there’s less risk from standing water. A crank-operated radio is helpful for getting the latest updates.
Once it’s time to check for damage, go outside in the morning or early afternoon, under conditions of full light, and check things out from ground level. We recommend against climbing up on the roof. If a roof has significant damage, you’ll often be able to spot it right from the driveway.
A pair of binoculars can also help with this.
If your home has an attic, it’s also a good idea to check that area.
It’s vital not to store items in the attic since this interferes with the ordinary flow of warm air in your home. It can create sweltering conditions that damage your roof from below, and also forces the air conditioner to work harder, costing you more in the long run.
2. Place a Waterproof Tarp on Your Roof
Florida is in the middle of a property insurance crisis, and many insurers are not thinking twice about pulling homeowner’s insurance from a home with a damaged roof. If damage is noticeable, it may not be enough to get roof repair – you’ll often need to opt for complete roof replacement.
Many Central Florida homeowners find out too late, to their horror, that their policy requires them to take immediate action to prevent identified storm damage from getting any worse. In practice, that translates to placing a waterproof tarp on the roof as soon as possible after a storm.
Because time is of the essence here, it is often the second step you should take, and shouldn’t wait more than 24 hours. That said, be careful about the road conditions and do not put yourself in danger, especially if the outer bands of a storm are still passing through the area.
3. Call Your Insurer
Before you even begin the process of roof replacement, call your insurer and let them know that you intend to pursue remediation for your roof. They often have their own procedures they need to follow. The sooner you advise them about your plans, the more likely it is they can support you promptly.
Sometimes, an insurance company will need to send its own personnel to the home to look at the roof and take pictures. Other times, they may ask you to submit visual evidence. In still other cases, they will leave it up to the roofer on the scene. Get the details of exactly what they expect you to do.
4. Call Your Roofer
A trustworthy Central Florida roofer will often find the phone ringing off the hook in the wake of a big storm. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t call. Calling right away means you can get a place in the queue and receive roof replacement as soon as humanly possible.
Just like your insurer, your roofer may have specific advice that will help you maintain the safety of your home in the time it takes help to arrive. If you can’t get through to your chosen roofer right away, keep trying. It is okay to leave a voicemail and follow up if you don’t get a call back.
Contact Sheegog Contracting today for expert help with Central Florida roof replacement.
