Things to do right after an unprotected roof sustains severe weather damage:

Sudden and even the most powerful storms can cause a homeowner‘s worst nightmare the roof to become compromised. High winds, baseball-sized hail, heavy rains, and objects hurled through the air by the storm can all cause considerable damage to a roofing system, potentially allowing water to seep through the structure, and create even more problems. Though the after-effects of storm damage can be paralyzing to a homeowner, acting quickly after the storm passes can help reduce further losses, ease the repair process, and guarantee your investment.

Second, knowing what steps to take after a storm hits is essential to maintaining the value of the structure. Being able to respond fast and in a safe manner can help house owners save money on repairs and with emergency roof repair Houston get their roofing system back in shape early.

Put Safety First

Most importantly, your safety is first. Wait until the weather has cleared before beginning an inspection of your property. Avoid downed power lines, broken tree limbs and other hazards.

Do not go up on the roof to check for damage yourself. Roofs that have been affected by storms can have damaged areas compromised to the extent that they are unsafe to walk upon. Conduct a visual inspection from the ground with binoculars if required.

Perform a Ground-Level Inspection

Tour your home and identify clear indications of roofing: missing shingles, dented gutters, bowed flashing, broken branches or roof debris around the yard.

Next, inspect your driveway, landscaping, and surrounding areas for fallen pieces of shingles or roofing materials as a result of the storm. Such physical indicators can help determine the extent of damage.

Check the Interior of Your Home

Damage from the storm may be concealed. Check the roof‘s interior ceiling, wall and attic areas for evidence of water penetration. Look for brown water spots, moist insulation in the attic, flakes of paint falling from the ceiling, water drips and/or “mildewy” odors.

Detecting leaks promptly can avoid further damage to drywall, insulation, flooring, and possessions.

Document All Visible Damage

Photograph and video record all storm damage visible before starting any cleanup or temporary repairs. Take a clear picture of all missing shingles, gutters, fallen trees, broken windows, ceiling stains etc.

Accurate documentation is vital when making insurance claims and will also help the contractors to know which repairs may be needed.

Prevent Additional Water Damage

In the event of water leaking into your house, implement short-term steps to protect internal furnishings and fixtures from further damage until repairs can be carried out. For example, position buckets under leaks, relocate valuables to safe areas of your home and surround furniture with plastic sheeting if required.

Another step homeowners may want to take, if it is safe to do so, is to install temporary protective coverings that may minimize additional water intrusion until permanent repairs can be made. Homeowners should not try to undertake significant repairs themselves after a storm.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Inform your homeowner‘s insurance company of storm damage immediately after identification. Details of the damage and photographs should be submitted, and the insurance company said procedures followed.

Maintain records. Taking notes on each conversation, claim number, estimate for repairs, and receipts can make dealing with insurance much easier for you and help prevent confusion and trouble down the road.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Some of the damage caused by a severe storm is not easily visible. Wind-driven rain can dry up loose shingles instead of blowing them away, and hail can leave little impact marks which later become leaks. A professional roof inspection can uncover damage that the homeowner may miss when looking at the roof.

Those familiar with the construction industry have an understanding of areas of the roof that are susceptible to damage caused by storms and can generate a comprehensive report detailing the condition of the roofing system.

Avoid Delaying Necessary Repairs

One of the worst decisions homeowners make after a storm is to delay getting their roof damage repaired. Small problems can turn into much greater damage as the roof is exposed to rain, wind and other elements.

Timely repairs limit the extent of water intrusion to the roof deck, insulation and finished interior. Early intervention may be several orders of magnitude less expensive than many cases of extensive structural deterioration due to long-term access to water.

Choose a Qualified Roofing Contractor

It is critical to hire an experienced professional after fire damage. Seek out contractors with established local reputation, appropriate licensing, insured workers, and a history of storm-related roofing repairs.

Homeowners should insist on a detailed written estimate and ask questions about how repairs are to be performed and seek confirmation on warranty before authorizing any work. Good contractors are looking for long term fixes, not band aids.

An established Houston roofing company will properly assess and repair the damage caused by severe weather according to standards set by the industry. Their professional experience can help restore the safety and stability of your roof while safeguarding your home from new storms.

Plan for Future Storm Protection

Once the repairs are done, take a moment and think about what you can do to prevent a storm from damaging your roof again. Keep the roof maintained properly (cleaning the gutters, trimming back trees, replacing old roofing materials, etc.). Do regular inspections to identify potential problems.

Preparing your roof before storm season is highly recommended if you want to minimize surprise damage and require a get away from having a bad storm.

Conclusion

We understand that an unanticipated storm damage incident can be an overwhelming experience; however, acting quickly and correctly after the damage occurs will help ensure the safety of your home and your investment. Prioritizing your safety, documenting the damage, limiting any further water intrusion, contacting the insurance company and booking an inspection with a reliable roofing contractor The Woodlands, will help ensure your home is back to where it needs to be in no time at all.