What Are the ABCs of Roofing Storm Damage?

Extreme weather events can cause significant damage to your home. If your home has been hit by a storm, it’s always a good idea to have your roof checked. It’s because some kinds of damage are difficult to detect unless they have spread or affected other areas of the house.

Here are the ABCs of taking care of storm damage.

A: Assess the Damage

When it is safe to do so, get a roof inspection. Do not attempt to do this task yourself because climbing the roof can be dangerous, especially after a severe storm. Professionals know how to climb and walk on your roof safely following a weather event.

While waiting for roofing contractors, talk a walk outside your home, and check for loose or fallen shingles. You can use binoculars to see the surface of the roof without using ladders. Inside your home, check your attic for signs of water damage or leaks, such as dark stains on walls and ceiling.

B: Begin Temporary Fixes

You’ll need to act fast if your roof has experienced serious damage and water is leaking into your home. If there are leaks, place buckets or garbage cans under them. Make sure to keep valuable items away from the affected areas of your home. To protect your furniture, place plastic or trash bags on them.

C: Contact Your Insurer

If your home has suffered from storm damage, don’t wait long before contacting your insurer. Many insurance companies have a deadline until when you can file for a claim. Some roofing contractors can even assist with filing your claim.

What counts as storm damage to a roof?

Insurers and roofers generally mean damage caused by a specific event, such as hail, high wind or a falling limb, on a known date.

Usually counted as storm damage:

• hail bruises, cracks or punctures in shingles, and dents in metal
• shingles, ridge caps or flashing torn off or creased by wind
• holes or broken decking from a falling tree or limb
• water coming in through a new opening the storm made

Usually not counted:

• wear from age and sun, such as even granule loss or curling across the roof
• problems caused by how the roof was installed
• leaks from old damage that was never repaired
• blistering or cracking that comes from the product itself

Many policies also separate damage that affects how a roof works from damage that only changes how it looks, so read yours for the exact terms. If you are not sure what you are looking at, a storm damage inspection can tell you before you call your insurer.

For your roof storm damage needs, turn to Lankford Roofing & Construction LLC. We also specialize in gutter and window replacement. Call us at 903-465-7677 or (580) 920-1433, or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We work with clients in Sherman and Denison, TX.