Once a hurricane has passed, and the coast is clear, one of the first things you’ll do is check your roof for any visual signs of damage. Are there missing shingles? Is there water leaking from the ceiling and making its way into your home?
If you do find signs your roof is damaged, you need to figure out the next steps to prevent it from getting worse – and fast. Keep reading to learn how to manage roof damage after a hurricane.
Safety First
Flooding, fallen trees, and downed power lines that aren’t visible all pose a risk to your safety. If you see any of these things, stay inside and call 9-1-1 to avoid getting any serious injuries.
Even after the coast is clear, it’s important to remain aware of potential safety hazards on your roof that aren’t immediately easy to see. Structural issues caused by the storm aren’t always in your line of sight, which places added risk of inspecting your roof on your own. When in doubt about how dangerous it might be, always call a professional to perform the inspection for you.
Check for Wind Damage
Hurricanes can bring winds that surpass 150 mph, which is more than strong enough to knock over trees, and fences and cause damage to roofs. Taking time to inspect your home visually can help you identify these types of wind damage and more. We explain exactly what to look for after wind damage in an earlier blog that will give you a better understanding of how to inspect your home. As you walk around your property, the type of damage you’re looking for will vary based on the type of roof you have. Different roofs and types of shingles won’t show damage in the same way, so it’s important to understand what you’re looking for.
Make Temporary Fixes if Necessary
A professional may not be able to repair your roof immediately following a hurricane, depending on how severe the storm was. In the meantime, there are temporary fixes you can do to prevent things from getting much worse. If you notice any water leaks inside your home, place a bucket under the source to contain the water and prevent damage to your floor and other areas of your home.
A skilled roofing contractor can repair things like damaged shingles, but for severe damage, you’ll need to waterproof your roof with strapped tarping. It’s important to remember these temporary fixes don’t replace the need for expert repair.
Check Any Existing Warranties
Warranties can help reduce the costs of repairs in addition to insurance. Warranties can provide replacements or refunds if a product fails before its expected lifespan. Check the warranties on roofing products like insulations, shingles, guttering, and tiles to see what options you may have. Manufacturers often have guarantees on many of these products. You can reach out to the manufacturer for more information on their warranty policy and to confirm that storm-related damage to products that fail before their set lifespan is also covered.
Contact a Reputable Local Roofer for an Inspection
The best way to ensure your roof is in good condition or to properly identify all damage in need of repair is to consult with a skilled roofing contractor. They’ll know how to thoroughly assess the condition of your roof, ceilings, and attic before recommending the right solutions for your situation. The inspection will include a visual inspection of the roof and identifying damage to windows, screens, and roof accessories.
If you’re looking for a Florida Roofer, contact an expert at Janney to get a full picture of your roof’s condition and a game plan for how to restore it.