No matter how durable your roof is, it will most likely suffer some form of damage during a severe storm, which may require an emergency roof repair. To mitigate storm damage, here are the steps you should take, as well as some things you need to avoid:
Do Contact Your Insurer
Find out if the damage to your roof is covered under your insurance policy. If it’s covered by your insurer, an insurance agent should be able to guide you through the process.
Do Document Signs of Storm Damage
Once the weather clears up, take pictures of any damage to your roof and exterior. You’ll need to submit pictures of the roofing damage when you file a claim later on.
Do Take Measures to Mitigate Storm Roof Damage
Cover holes in your roof with a tarp to prevent water from infiltrating your interior. Remember: Your insurance policy only covers storm damage, not damage stemming from any neglect on the homeowner’s part. This is the same reason infrequent maintenance can void your insurance policy.
Don’t Attempt to Fix Leaks Yourself
Don’t attempt to fix leaks yourself, no matter how minor they seem. This is because unauthorized repairs can lower the total insurance payout. Remember: It’s best to let certified roofers handle the repairs.
Do Schedule a Roof Inspection as Soon as Possible
It’s easy to miss the warning signs of storm damage, which is why you should schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible. Even if there aren’t any leaks, it would still be a good idea to have a contractor inspect your roofing system, because it takes time for the warning signs of storm damage to appear. And by the time they do emerge, it’s usually too late to mitigate the damage.
Don’t Put Off Filing Your Insurance Claim
There’s a time limit for filing insurance claims, so you need to submit all the required documents as soon possible.
Important note: Filing a storm damage claim isn’t as straightforward as it seems. If you’re having trouble filing your claim, some roofers offer claims processing assistance.
Arrowhead Roofing has been offering professional storm damage and roof maintenance services to local residents since 1987. To get a free estimate, call us at (918) 743-9257 or fill out this form.
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