Storms can take a major toll on homes. In fact, reports indicate that severe weather causes an estimated $150 billion in home damage each year in the United States. Roofs often tend to take the brunt of the damage. After all, they’re the largest surfaces on many homes, and they’re more exposed to the elements.
Since your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the weather, even relatively minor damage can lead to far more extensive problems. Those issues will only grow worse over time if they’re not addressed. With that being the case, it’s important to take the following measures to protect your home after it sustains roof damage.
Contact a Professional Roofer
One of the most important steps to take after your home takes a hit is calling a professional roofer like Edwards & Sons Roofing. A licensed roofing contractor can inspect your roof to determine just how much damage is present. They have the training and equipment to inspect your roof safely and thoroughly, and they know how to spot damage that might go unnoticed by the untrained eye.
From there, they’ll give you a detailed report about the condition of your roof and recommendations on how to proceed. They can also effectively repair the damage to keep your home and family safe. In many cases, they can help you with filing an insurance claim as well.
Make Safety a Top Priority
Many people’s first instincts are to run back inside their homes to see how far the damage goes after a storm. If your roof is damaged, that’s not necessarily the best course of action. It’s best to be sure your home is still structurally sound before going back inside. If the damage is severe, consider waiting until professional roofers arrive to inspect it. They’ll let you know if it’s safe to enter your house.
In cases with less serious damage, you should still proceed with caution. Never try to climb on top of your house and check the roof for damage on your own. Instead, look for more obvious damage from the ground, and check inside your home for signs of broken pipes, ceiling damage, and other problems.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is also a key step to take after a storm damages your roof. Most homeowners’ policies cover storm damage. You can send your coverage provider pictures of the damage as well as the reports and estimates professional roofers provide. They’ll likely send an adjuster to see the damage firsthand and determine how much of a payout you’re entitled to.
Cover Holes
Another important measure to take after your roof sustains storm damage is to cover any holes or exposed areas. Those types of damage can allow water to seep inside your house where it will cause more extensive destruction. Using a tarp to cover exposed areas can help keep water out.
As mentioned, though, you shouldn’t climb onto the roof to cover vulnerable areas. If you can’t cover them from a ladder, consider leaving that to the professionals. Many roofing companies offer emergency services to help protect clients’ homes until further measures can be taken.
Keeping Your Home and Family Safe After a Storm
Storms can cause significant roof damage. If left to its own devices, that damage can spread to the rest of your home. As such, addressing it as quickly as possible is essential. With the measures listed here, you can protect your family as well as your biggest investment.