The roof protects your home from elements. Unfortunately, the roof is more susceptible to damages than any other part of the house. Hails and storms can cause roof leaks, which can result in buildup of mold and mildew. After a storm, your first step should be to check your roof for damages to protect the roof and other parts of the house. Below are the main steps to follow after a storm damage.
Spotting Storm Damages on the Roof
After a storm, you need to check whether there are damages on the roof. Check the chimney from outside for signs of missing bricks, flashing, or leaning. Check the valleys, the vents, and the outer edges. If there are cracked vents, they may allow water into your home, leading to either mold growth or water damage.
From the chimney, check the gutters and the downspouts. Ensure there are no granules of asphalt in the gutter. If your gutters and the downspout have debris that clog them, clear the debris to prevent water from spilling over the side of the home.
Move inside the home and do more inspection. Check for rusty and brown colored stains and peeling or bubbling of paint. These signs show that there is water trapped somewhere in your walls.
Check for Hail Damage on the Roof
Most homes have wood or asphalt shingles. The hail season has different effects on roofing materials. Some of the common signs of damage include:
- Shiny patches on the asphalt
- Cracks on shingles
- Dark spots on the shingles
- Loose granules on the shingles and some in the gutters
- Punctured wood shingles
- Impact marks on wood shingles
- Dents along wood splits
Call Your Insurance Company
The basic home insurance policy covers roof damages from storms, wind, fallen trees, and hail. If there are signs of sustained roof damages, call your insurance company and ensure you have documentation of the damages. To be on the safe side, you should keep a record of all expenses, including any minor emergency repairs you may have had on the roof, wall, windows, or doors.
It is advisable to call the insurance company immediately after a storm. During tornado season, there is likely to be several insurance claims. Filing your claim early helps you get fast compensation.
Conclusion
After a storm, you need to repair your roof with materials that resist a storm. You should not attempt to do the repairs yourself. Get a qualified contractor and your roof will be safe. Calidad Enterprises can help you choose the right roofing materials based on the severity of storms in your area.