As a homeowner, having a sturdy roof is important to protect your home. To ensure this, regular maintenance is needed, and it should be done by trusted contractors who specialize in roofing, siding and replacement windows. However, there will always be the danger of your roof being seriously damaged after a severe storm.
Once the storm passes, you’ll want to assess your roof and see how much damage was done. But before you take a look for yourself, follow these do’s and don’ts in checking your roof damage after a storm.
The Do’s:
Calling Your Insurance Agent
One of your first steps after surviving a severe storm is to call your insurance agent. If your agent is good, they should have your best interests in mind. Leverage their expertise and knowledge of your policy. We recommend talking to the insurance experts first before hastily filing a roof claim or having an unknown roofing contractor try to file one for you.
Make sure to get all the information about your coverage so you know what is and isn’t covered. Insurance claims can get mired in policy language, so know what you’re getting into before you proceed with your claim.
Documenting Your Damage
When you get an inspection, ensure that the person in charge documents everything, making sure to take photos or even a video of the damage on your roof and other affected areas of your home. Thoroughly document the damage to protect your home or property, so make sure to look for leaks or water spots on the ceiling and walls, and don’t forget to check shingles or other roofing products on the ground and whether your siding was also damaged. Never overlook anything when it comes to documenting your damage.
Getting the Repairs Done Sooner than Later
After a significant weather event, you can just allow the claims process to take its course. However, if there’s active water intrusion occurring, then it’s important to move quickly and find a trusted general contractor to make the emergency repairs before the damage gets any worse. Water leakage can cause even more damage to your affected roof, and the longer a leak is left unrepaired, the more expensive your repairs will become.
The Don’ts:
Hiring the First Person to Knock on Your Door
Never trust contractors who show up on your doorstep right after a storm, unless they’re someone local and well-trusted in the area. Some people only try to cash in on replacing roofs, with little priority and regard to quality and efficiency. These “storm chasers” travel around the country to affected areas and offer quick services to replace roofs then move on. Of course, not all of these people are suspicious; some do have your best interests in heart, but make sure you do your research before letting them up on your roof.
Going Up on a Roof That’s Sagging or Damaged
Knowing the level of damage of your roof can be tricky to assess if you’re doing it at ground level. However, it can still be dangerous to go up and check things out, especially if there are obvious signs of water leaks and significant water damage, which can make roofs unstable. If you still try to go up on an unstable roof, you could end in a situation much worse than needing a roof repair or replacement. It’s much better to stay grounded and keep yourself safe. Just wait and leave inspections to the professionals.
Whether you need a locally trusted roof, siding and window replacement, 3JM Exteriors, Inc. has got you covered. Call us today at (630) 985-6494, or you can reach us online by filling out our contact form. We serve Lake Forest, Hinsdale, Schaumburg and surrounding IL areas.
