A roofing system is a vital part of a home. It provides shelter for dwellers and protects valuables in a home. When it’s damaged, everything and everyone in the house is vulnerable to rain, sun, and other natural aspects. Unfortunately, roof damage is inevitable, especially during a storm. Since a storm can include rain, wind, and hail, your roof might experience different types of damage, depending on what caused the damage.
In this article, we’ll discuss the essential steps you need to take when dealing with storm roof damage. You might also need to contact professional roofers from reputable companies like Sioux Falls Roofing Company to check the damage extent and advise you on the way forward.
Examine The Damage
After the storm is over and everyone is safe and sound, assess the extent of the damage. Regardless of how long it has lasted, a storm can cause severe damage that might be costly to amend. It’s important to note that different storm aspects like wind, hail, and rain can all damage your home in different ways, and it’s essential to note the damage each might cause.
- Wind Damage
Strong wind is a storm aspect that can severely destroy your property. Loose or falling roof tiles are among the damage that a strong wind can instill in your roofing system. While wind damage might not be as severe as rain damage, loose or falling shingles can be hazardous, so the affected home dwellers should stay indoors until the storm is over.
Besides falling and loose roof tiles, other damage might not be so obvious but can still be dangerous. For instance, tree branches might fall over your roof and damage its integrity. Also, tiles from neighboring houses might fall over your roof and cause slight damage. That said, inspecting your roof after the storm is vital to determine if it’s damaged and, if yes, the extent of the damage. Also, check if the gutters are obstructed in any way.
- Hail Damage
Hail comprises heavy solids landing on your roof direct from the sky. While hail damage is the most uncommon aspect of a storm compared to rain and wind, it can cause more severe damage than the two. Hail damage is the most unfortunate thing that can happen to your roof. Since these solids land on your roof at an incredible speed, they can cause tremendous damage and cost you a lot to correct.
Among the damage that hail can instill on your roof are dents and holes, which can store water and later develop mold. Also, the holes in your roof can cause leaks that might affect the essentials inside your home. It’s vital to understand that hail might not cause dents or make holes on the entire roof but can cause one or two depending on its severity. Therefore, check your roof thoroughly to avoid missing even a single dent or hole.
- Rain Damage
Rain is the most common culprit of storm roof damage. In most cases, rain damage occurs when the roof is exposed to water for a prolonged period. The most common rain damage is mold growth due to dampness, depending on how long your roof is exposed to rainwater. Also, your roof might start to rot due to dampness and mold. Given that rooting isn’t a one-day thing, it’s important to check whether there are puddles of water on your roof and attend to them immediately to avoid long-term issues as time passes by.
Reach Out To Professional Roofers
Depending on the severity of your roof damage, you might need to reach out to professional roofers, especially if the damage is beyond DIY. However, you must work with a reputable roofing company to avoid further damage. Since installing a new roof might cost you a fortune, it’s wise to work with experienced personnel who can repair the damage instead of causing more harm. It’s also vital to avoid handling the repairs if you aren’t experienced.
Contact Your Home Insurance Company
Sometimes it might be a good idea to reach out to your insurance company, especially if the damage is tremendous. If the insurance company steps in, you’re guaranteed professional repairs without paying from your pocket. Also, when natural disasters like storms strike, most contractors become busy, and finding one can be a lot of work. With that in mind, it might help if your insurance company steps in.
Conclusion
Natural disasters like storms are inevitable. During such times, people seek refuge in their homes until the storm is over. Unfortunately, roofs are the number one home aspect that experiences damage during a storm. When a roof is damaged, home dwellers are vulnerable to bad weather; hence the damage should be handled immediately. If your roof has been affected by a storm, don’t despair. The above information will help you understand precisely what to do to amend the damage.
