No matter where in the country you live, you will have to deal with storms of some type. Depending on where you live, that can mean anything from a blizzard to a hurricane to a tornado to just a heavy rainstorm with high winds. The common theme is that any type of storm can lead to damage to your roof. If roof damage does occur from a storm, or any other cause, you want to take care of it as soon as possible. A small leak can grow and cause water damage. A missing shingle can expose the roof layers underneath, encouraging damage via exposure to the elements. Nearly any storm damage will get worse with time, so take care of it as soon as you can.



How To Check For Storm Damage
The first thing to know about storm damage on roofs is how to check for it. Ideally, you will hire a roofer after the storm to take the time and inspect your roof. The challenge to this is that following a very bad storm, roofers tend to be very busy as everyone wants their roof inspected. In the meantime, you can go on your roof, if you are comfortable doing so, to check for any potential major issues. If you have reason to believe your roof was seriously damaged, your roofer will likely make your inspection a priority over others in the area. If you do choose to inspect your roof yourself, be incredibly careful. Do not go on the roof if you suspect that the storm caused structural weakness. Ideally, you should just avoid going on the roof yourself until you know it is stable and wait for the professionals. Most roofers have a good system down so even if they are very busy after a storm, they should be able to get to you in a timely manner.

What To Look For With Storm Damage
Whether you have a pro inspect your roof following a storm or do it yourself, you should be aware of what to look for. This involves familiarizing yourself with the most common types of storm damage, but that does vary based on the type of storm in question. You want to look for any type of water damage. Luckily, you can do this yourself without climbing on the roof. Go into the attic and check for water damage or water stains. In the case of severe damage, you may even spot water stains on your home’s walls or ceiling.

It is also relatively common to have storm damage you can spot from the ground. It goes without saying that you should notice a tree that went through the roof, but not all storm damage is this obvious. You may notice metal pipes that are no longer on your chimney. Or maybe you’ll see shingles missing. Or perhaps there will be pieces of your roof on the ground. In the case of a storm that involved hail, check for damage to the siding and the roof. Specifically, you will be on the lookout for dimples in the shingles and siding.

Insurance Coverage
If you have homeowner’s insurance with storm coverage, you will likely be able to get covered for most, if not all, of the necessary repairs. You will need to document the damage to your roof carefully and work with both your insurance company and your chosen roofing company. To receive the coverage from your insurance company, you will definitely need receipts for repairs and inspections. Most of the time, your roofing company will have experience working with insurance companies, so they should be able to assist you with the process.

Hire A Reputable Roof Repair Company
One of the most important things to know about storm damage on your roof is that you should not just hire any roofer that you happen to find. Make sure that you get a reputable roofer with experience, licensing, insurance, and a strong reputation. This way, you will be charged a fair price for the work and they will complete repairs that last. Working with a reputable roofer also ensures that they are able to spot all of the storm damage so nothing is left to get worse.

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people who take advantage of bad situations. This means that after a storm in your area, you will likely see people going door-to-door offering their roof inspection and repair services. These may be legitimate businesses, but never assume that. In many cases, these are people claiming to be roofers who will either take your money and do nothing or leave the repairs half-finished and poorly done. Avoid this type of scam by doing your research before hiring a roofer for an inspection and repairs after a storm. Ask for information on their licensing and insurance and check their reputation online. When you work with a reputable roofing contractor, your roof can be as good as new even after a severe storm.

Visit our Roof Contractor home page to learn more about us, or hire a local professional from over 100 USA locations.