Storms are often violent and unpredictable. One strong storm may not cause any damage at all to your home while the next one might destroy your roof. That's why you should check your roof after every storm to look for areas that need repairs.
Also, keep in mind, storm damage might not be obvious right away. Your roof might start leaking weeks later, so you always want to watch out for roof leaks. Here are some things to know about storm damage roof repairs.
Call Your Insurance Agent and a Roofer
If your roof has extensive storm damage, call your insurance agent first. You might want to take pictures of the roof to show them the extent of the damage. Also, call a roofing contractor. If your roof is destroyed by a tornado, hail, or tree, you know the roof has to be replaced.
However, if the only problem is missing shingles, roof repairs might be possible, and you may not want to file an insurance claim. Gather information from your agent and the roofer so you know the best way to proceed.
Cover Areas Where Shingles Are Gone
In some cases, you might get a roofer to replace shingles right away. However, it's common to schedule roof repairs for a later time. If your roof has shingles missing or has a small hole in it, the area needs to be covered so rain doesn't get the roof deck and attic wet. A roofer might cover the area with a roof tarp so your roof is safe and secure while you wait for the repairs to begin. However, a roof tarp is a temporary measure, so you'll want to schedule the repairs as soon as possible.
Have Repairs Done
A storm can damage your roof in many ways, so the roofer might have a quick and easy job to get your roof back in shape, or your roof could need extensive work. The roofer checks for missing shingles, damaged shingles, loose flashing, holes in the roof, and other damage to the roof that could lead to future leaking.
Damaged and missing shingles can be replaced. Flashing that was blown loose might be adjusted and sealed to the roof. However, a roofer can also replace the flashing by making new flashing from sheet metal supplies they carry with them.
If the damaged area was covered and protected from rain, the roof deck might not have any damage to it unless a tree or falling chimney brick punched a hole in the deck. If the deck has any damage, the damaged area is removed and replaced with good plywood or other decking material.
Once the roofer determines the deck is strong and undamaged, flashing is sealed tight, and damaged shingles are replaced, the storm damage repairs should be complete. However, you'll want to keep watch for a leaky roof, especially if your roof is old since a new leak could develop at any time due to a storm or aging of the roofing materials.
Roof problems can go from minor to really scary in no time at all. One day you have a little leak, and the next you're left with major water damage in your attic. But it does not have to be this way. Well-informed homeowners know how to recognize roof leaks, and they know the importance of regular maintenance for roof longevity.
How do you become one of those well-informed homeowners? By visiting our website, of course! Here, we have articles about common roofing problems, hiring a roofer, choosing a good roof, and even DIY repairs. Every home has a roof, and every homeowner should know the basics about roofing.