Emergency Action Plan for Roof Damage from Severe Weather

A roof emergency following a storm can quickly become overwhelming. There’s an urgent need for repairs, potential damage to your property, and compromised safety of your family and belongings. In moments like these, having an emergency action plan for roof damage is crucial.

This blog aims to help homeowners like you create a simple and effective plan for handling roof emergencies.

Assessing Roof Damage Safely After Severe Weather

Assessing roof storm damage is crucial, but your safety should always come first. Climbing onto a damaged structure can pose significant risks, so ensuring it’s safe for a look-over is essential. Wait for the storm to pass and conditions to stabilize before attempting any inspection.

Start your assessment by checking from the ground level rather than climbing onto the roof. Look for missing shingles, sagging areas, leaks, unusual debris accumulation, and any visible damage that may indicate structural issues. Additionally, consider checking for leaks around chimneys or vents and water stains on walls or ceilings. 

Implementing Temporary Roof Repairs

As the homeowner, you can take temporary measures as part of your emergency action plan for roof damage. These measures may include using tarps or plastic sheeting to cover the affected areas securely. Secure them tightly with ropes, weights, duct tape, or staples.

If you notice any leaks inside, use buckets to catch water and a waterproof sealant or tape for small leaks. Don’t forget to move furniture or valuables out of the way. Such swift actions can help prevent further roof damage until professional help arrives.

Contacting a Professional Roofing Contractor

Temporary repairs are only a stopgap solution; professional repairs are necessary to ensure a damaged roof’s long-term integrity. Contact a reliable roofing contractor in your area to assess and fix the damage as soon as possible.

To assess a potential contractor, consider the following:

• Credentials
• Client reviews and references
• Experience and expertise
• Material sources and options
• Warranties and guarantees
• Communication style
• Detailed estimates

Filing an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage

Protecting yourself from financial loss after unexpected roof storm damage is necessary. To do this, you must file insurance claims that provide clear evidence of the damage’s cause and extent. This process involves several steps, from contacting your insurance company to securing approval.

Proper documentation is a vital part of the process to ensure these claims are successful, supporting your case for repair or replacement. Here are a few tips.

• Take photos and videos to capture clear, detailed images of the affected areas. 
• Use wide shots of the entire roof to show its overall condition, then zoom in on specific damages like missing shingles, cracks, debris, leaks, or water stains. 
• Show the roof from different angles to avoid overlooking any crucial detail. 
• Organize your findings with dates and references to strengthen your claim.

Aside from preparing documents, here are more tips to communicate with the insurance adjuster effectively and receive the coverage you’re entitled to.

• Stay professional and honest when communicating your needs.
• Share thorough information about the damage and your policy.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
• Record detailed notes such as dates, times, and key agreements.
• Follow up about your claim’s progress proactively.

Takeaway

Severe weather conditions can sometimes cause unexpected damage to your roofing system, requiring urgent intervention. Creating an emergency action plan for roof damage may not fix the problem, but it can prevent unnecessary costs and stress. With a solid plan, you stay prepared and can act quickly to protect what matters most: you, your home, and your loved ones.

Do you need professional roof assistance after a storm? Storm Guard Roofing and Construction can help. Our roof assessments, repair, and emergency tarping services are backed by over 20 years of experience, ensuring your property receives maximum protection.

Contact us today for a FREE estimate.