Your roof is your first line of defense against outside elements, including the impact of debris and severe weather conditions such as hailstones or windstorms. However, even the strongest roof can sustain serious damage without proper care.
As a homeowner, you need to prepare an action plan even before an emergency occurs. Otherwise, you delay critical repairs and compromise your roofing system’s integrity. Here’s what you need to include in a good emergency plan for your roof.
Before the Storm
A well-maintained roof is more likely to withstand extreme weather storms, keeping your family and interiors safe. For this reason, the most important step in an ideal roof emergency action plan is keeping your roof in good condition – even before a storm takes place. One way to do this is by scheduling regular roof inspections. With routine inspections, your roofer can identify weak spots in your roof and perform the necessary repairs to prevent further damage. It’s the single most effective way to keep the structure in good shape and prevent costly repairs.
Occasional visual inspections are fine, but for a more thorough assessment of your roof, you must hire a local roofing company to do so. They have the right qualifications and licenses to ensure your roof can withstand weather conditions.
After the Storm
If your roof sustained damage following a storm, the first thing you need to do as part of your emergency action plan is to visually inspect the damage. Be sure to do this once the storm is over and it’s safe to go outside. It’s worth noting that even the most well-prepared house can still sustain damage in an extreme storm, but your routine roof inspections can prevent any lasting damage. When inspecting your roof for storm damage, look for physical damage such as missing shingles. Other damage, however, may only be discovered when leaks start appearing inside your house. You should also take photos of the damage before moving or removing anything to show your insurance company.
Once you’ve taken note of all the roof damage, call your roofing company for a thorough inspection right away. They will determine what kind of repairs you will need. Perhaps you might need a roof replacement if the damage is too extensive. If you have homeowner’s insurance, review your policy to know what your deductible is and what your insurance policy covers. If your policy covers storm damage, begin the claim process as soon as possible and have assessments done to estimate repair costs. Your chosen roofer will work with your insurer for your claim to be approved.
At Oberg Roofing & Remodeling, we understand the urgency of storm damage roof repair. You can trust our trained professional to assess your roof and recommend the best roof restoration solution moving forward. Give us a call at (320) 204-2264 (St. Cloud, MN), or (651) 369-1630 (Roseville, MN). You can also fill out our online contact form to request an estimate. We serve homeowners in and around Sartell, MN.