With hurricane and tropical storm season upon us, it is more important now than ever to assess and inspect your home’s roof. It may be difficult to predict when and where severe weather may hit, but as a homeowner, you need to be able to protect your most valuable asset---your home.
Your roof is a vital part of your home. It provides shelter, helps to heat and cool the structure, and protects you and your belongings from the sometimes-harsh elements Mother Nature can bless us with. You need to have a clear understanding of how to handle weather emergencies and associated damage to your roof to prevent a more costly repair down the road.
Severe wind, rain, and hail can wreak havoc on your roof, your gutters, and even your attic if the damage is significant enough. When these natural disasters happen, it is important to take steps to minimize damage and assess when to call your contractor for additional help. It may not always be possible to contact someone immediately. Here are some things you can do to handle such an emergency to preserve and protect your home:
Evaluate your roof as soon as it is safe to do so
One of the first things you need to do in the event of severe weather is to assess the damage to your roof. As soon as it is safe to do so, thoroughly inspect your roofline, your shingles; metal; or tile, gutters, and areas where your roofline is vented. Take note of any missing materials or exposed underlayment and sheathing, and make sure you communicate these deficiencies to your contractor as soon as possible. When appropriate, use binoculars to inspect your roof to get a clear picture of damaged areas. Document as best you can your findings and communicate with the roofing professionals at Len’s Roofing, as soon as possible to set up a more thorough inspection of your property.
If possible, make temporary fixes to minimize additional damage
If your roof is severely damaged directly over your living space and you run the risk of having water and debris seep into your home to damage your belongings further, you can place a garbage can or large receptacle under affected areas to catch the runoff from the roof. Move items away from the leak and contact Len’s Roofing as soon as possible to address the issue. You may need to place a tarp or waterproof barrier in place to minimize damage; do NOT attempt to get up on your roof and put a tarp over an existing hole or extremely damaged area without prior experience and assistance. Your compromised structure may be significantly weaker than it was before, and it’s best to leave the extensive repair to professionals. It may be inconvenient to incur damage while waiting for repairs, but it will be far more costly to harm yourself by attempting to take matters into your own hands.
Call your insurance company to report damage
Call your insurance company to report damage and see if it can be covered under your homeowner’s policy. Ask questions, fill out paperwork if necessary, and reap the benefits of coverage in an uncertain and stressful time. Many times, insurance claims will take precedence over other reports for contractors, for they have a clearer picture of damage incurred and can take steps to repair and replace more efficiently.
Call in the professionals!
You should not have to shoulder the burden of roof damage and repair alone. At Len’s Roofing, we are committed to providing you with repair and replacement solutions that work for you, your home, and your budget. If you have recently incurred damage to your home, or even if you want to set up a pre-storm inspection of your roof, give us a call at 941-896-7897 today. With over twenty five years of quality service and satisfied customers, we will restore your roof and your home to its former strength once more. Visit https://www.lensroofing.com today and have peace of mind.