Storm Damage
Even if a passing violent storm didn't produce a flash flood of rain or a cannonade of hail, strong winds alone can cause enough damage to your roof to warrant a inspection. It is the policy holders responsibility to take care of their property and prevent further damage, and to repair or replace the roof or other accessories right away if there is any damage at all, even if not enough to file a claim on. So after a tornado, thunderstorm, hurricane or hailstorm, make sure to have us check the condition of your roof.
Thunderstorms can produce everything from straight-line bursts of wind to microburst downdrafts and thermal rotation vacuum and updrafts. Starting at 40 to 60 mph, you start seeing roofing and gutter damage to homes - beyond that trees begin toppling, power lines start coming down, and large wind blown debris can strike people, structures and autos. After a storm passes, make sure to check for collateral ground damage from wind, hail or other sources. If there is any sign of damage from the ground it is very likely the roof sustained damage as well.
Follow these steps to check for storm damage to your roof:
Inspect attic or ceiling crawlspaces for leaks or water stains. If any water stains have appeared on your ceiling or walls, you likely need a assessment for repairs.
Look for signs of storm damage from the ground. Check for missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia, including any metal pieces displaced from around your chimney. Check the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls; water running down walls behind gutters can signal clogged or damaged gutter or drip edges.
If a tree falls on the roof or electrical lines and damages the exterior mast or connection point to the structure, stay out of the interior space until a professional can determine whether any structural damage occurred. Consider hiring a general contractor or roofer with a general contractor's license if your home suffered structural damage, as you'll need more than roof repairs - we have the trades necessary to complete both temporary and long term structural repairs.
If the storm produced hail or excessive wind blown debris, check for roof , flashings, hot gas venting and siding damage. Hail damage commonly comes in the forms of dimples, made by smaller chunks of hail that pound the outer layer of shingles. Hail can also cause damage to the substrates without showing damage to the surface if the material is relatively new; only a highly skilled low slope roofer can determine the extent of potential damage.
Stay safe - avoid going on the roof to check for damage yourself and instead contact us.
If you have damage, find your insurance policy and call us first. We have years of experience deciphering insurance policies of all the major carriers. Once we have reviewed your coverage and the risk, we can then recommend the proper course of action. The Texas Department of Insurance suggests documenting any damage that occurred, which we want to do as soon as possible after the date of loss.
We will retain receipts for all temporary and mitigation work, including any you do yourself, such as covering windows or holes in your roof to facilitate reimbursement if you file a claim. Many policies will cover these expenses when submitted with a claim, the expenses and time just has to be documented properly.
