Roofs are among the most essential parts of any home. They keep the sun, weather, animals, and pollution out while keeping you, loved ones, and possessions inside. Roofs are robust and challenging to penetrate but aren’t invincible and require routine maintenance to prolong their life.
However, we can still take proactive steps in the face of disaster. A roof can be severely damaged for various reasons, whether a storm, improper fittings, or hidden water damage. This article empowers you with knowledge of what to do after disaster strikes.
This article is a comprehensive guide, equipping you with the most crucial follow-up steps for when your roof is severely damaged.
Assessing the Roof Damage
Call emergency services (fire department, ambulance) immediately after the disaster. One will assess structural damage; the other will help with injuries. A ground-level inspection will show you whether there are missing or damaged shingles, flashing tears, and any that landed on the roof when damaged.
Check for leaks by looking for wall or ceiling water stains near roof valleys and chimneys. Look for damp spots and musty odors in your attic that tell you whether there are any leaks: record photo and video evidence of the inside and outside to give to insurance for claims and repairs.
Post-disaster Actions
Right after the disaster, here’s what you need to do:
- Place pans or buckets under any leaking water to collect it.
- Cover exposed parts of the roof with plastic or tarp to prevent any further damage.
- Clean any large debris that is lying around your home.
- Board up any doors or windows to prevent intruders or pests from entering.
- Remove all belongings around the damaged site and move them to a safe spot.
Contact Professional Roofers
The next step requires professional involvement from a skilled roofing contractor. Don’t hire the first person you speak to; take the time to find the right people for the job.
Here’s what to do when deciding on a roofing contractor:
- Verify the roofer’s credentials (licensed and insured)
- Multiple estimates from different contractors and compare prices, solutions, materials, and completion time.
- Ensure a clear line of communication regarding the agreed-upon price, scope of work, and warranty details.
Additionally, you want to work with roofers covered by your insurance company. This ensures your out-of-pocket expenses aren’t unbearable. By choosing a reputable Kansas City Roofer, you can also be confident in the quality of work and timely completion of your roofing project.
Get in Touch With Insurance
Record all the damage to your roof and home right after it happens. Make detailed videos and take pictures of the damage as records for insurance. Go through your insurance policy to understand coverage details regarding roof damage.
You want to ensure you’ve recorded substantial evidence because insurance companies are notorious for making claim filing difficult. The physical damage says more than enough, but photographic evidence improves your chances.
Understanding Safety and Legal Obligations
At no cost should you attempt serious repairs yourself, especially if there is extensive damage. You want to work with qualified, insured roofing professionals to handle all necessary repairs. They have the tools, materials, and experience needed to repair any roofing damage you have.
Certain repairs might require additional permits from your local building department. Good roofing contractors usually help with permits, even going far enough to get them for you. Regardless, please do your due diligence and determine what is required and where to get it.
Planning Trump All Disasters
Disasters can strike at any time and, despite preparation, cause extensive damage. Sometimes, the damage is in your control, and other times, it isn’t—both times, you must act promptly to mitigate the effects.
Your post-disaster plan should include taking the necessary steps to prevent further damage and contacting professional roofers. Vet them thoroughly, ensuring insurance is also on board throughout the process. Also, schedule roof inspections every six months for a roof assessment so you’re not blindsided by damage.