If you have experienced storm damage to your roof, the first step is to assess the damage. Take photographs of the roof and ground to document the extent of the damage. You should also take a look at the shingles and siding for signs of water damage. Taking a photo of the damage will be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
A professional roof inspection will be important for submitting an insurance claim. Many insurance companies limit the amount of time a homeowner has to file a claim, so having an inspector check your roof will help you get the process started. Also, taking pictures will help the inspector determines the extent of the damage. Once the damage has been assessed, the insurance adjuster can help file your claim.
Having an inspection done every year will help you identify any damage you may not have noticed. By taking the time to inspect your roof once a year, you can get an idea of its baseline condition. Getting a professional’s opinion is a wise move, as it could save you a lot of time and money in the future.
If you notice missing shingles, metal pieces, or gutters, you should hire a professional roofing company to assess the damages and prepare an insurance claim. Storms can also tear off shingles and cause other damage to the roof. If the roof has been severely damaged, you will need to call an expert to repair the damage. Even if your home is not damaged to the point of needing repairs, it’s still important to assess any damage so that you can restore your roof and your home to its original condition.
If you have an insurance claim, your insurance company should pay for the roof replacement. This is dependent on the policy you have and the type of damage. It’s a good idea to get at least three or four estimates from different roofing contractors so that you can have a professional benchmark for how much the job will cost. Remember to make sure your insurance adjuster has plenty of time to gather estimates.
Aside from the damage to the roof itself, it’s important to assess the interior of your home as well. If there are leaks in the attic, or soft spots in the ceiling, they can indicate a roof fault. A leaking roof can also be caused by a problem with the membrane itself.
Another step in assessing roof damage is to check for signs of water damage. Water-stains and other evidence of water damage are a clear sign that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Also, look for missing pieces of shingles, metal flashing on the chimney, or cracked or missing metal shingles. If you find any of these things, contact a roofing professional immediately. The sooner you address the issue, the cheaper the cost will be. This will also help minimize any problems that may occur due to the presence of mold.