The roof is an essential part of every building structure as it protects from the direct exposure of natural elements like heavy rain, windstorms, and others. Homeowner rarely can predict when their home will be hit by bad weather. But it is important that people should have clear understanding and knowledge of the steps that should be taken when the roof of the home has been damaged by windstorms, severe rainstorms, or snow/ice storms. Some of the steps are:
1. Estimate the damage caused
The first thing you can do after the disaster is to estimate the damage caused to your roof. The common signs of roof damage are holes in the roof, split seams, missing or dented shingles and granules collecting in gutters, leaks on your roof or ceiling and dents on flashing, gutters or vents. Estimate the general square foot area and specific details of the area that has been damaged. Note the severity of the damage and look carefully to see if there are areas of missing shingles, exposed plywood, tarpaper. Make the list of the materials which are visible or exposed. Also, note the colors of the shingles and plywood. The roofing contractor can analyze the condition of your roof and will let you know the exact life of the roof and will help you decide if repairing the existing roof can solve your issue or it will be better to get a new roof.
2. Make emergency small fixes
Make temporary fixes if the damage is severe and safeguard your living room or storeroom where it can damage the interiors. Temporarily fix the leakage by placing buckets under the leak and remove any valuables in the area in order to prevent further interior damage. After making the temporary fixes look for the roofing contractor and contact your insurance company.
3. Contact your insurance company
Evaluate if the damage caused by the disaster is large enough to be covered by the insurance or it will be more economical to hire a contractor directly for any necessary repairs. If you want the insurance company to pay for the repair work and finishing, call your insurance company and brief them about the situation. In times of natural disaster, when large residential areas are hit by a storm or other severe weather, it can be beneficial to use your homeowner’s insurance.
4. Contract a reliable roofer to help you with the situation
If your roof needs emergency treatment or the damage caused is not big enough to be covered by the insurance call for roofing contractors canton MI. Do some research work and hire the best-reputed roofer in your area. Ask the roofer to analyze the situation thoroughly and work accordingly.
If you are considering your home insurance for the damage, request for an insurance inspection. Make sure your roofer is present during the adjuster inspection as the contractor will make sure the adjuster plays fair and provides you with a fair assessment. Hence, hire the roofer carefully. A licensed and professional roofing contractor will assess your damage carefully, will make it easy for you to get through the insurance investigation process and thus will save lots of your money.
Beware of the traveling contractors who follow storms; they have no reputation to uphold and may provide poor-quality service.
