How to protect your roof from storm damage?
Hurricanes and tropical storms happen every year, and every single year it causes problems for some homeowners.
Nothing can really be done when Mother Nature pours violent showers in different regions. But every so often, consistent preventive upkeep can go a long way in making sure that your house, and especially your roofing, can withstand the storms.
As the mindset of people is, anything that is not common to be seen is easily ignored. Nevertheless, damaged shingle roofing is something very common after a storm hits Florida. If ignored it can cause serious problems like leaks in the roof, flooding in the house, and also an invasive black mold. Therefore, maintenance is key when it comes to minimizing storm damage so protect your roof from storm
What are the Common Signs That My Roof is Damaged?
Signs to look out for if you want to know whether your roof is really damaged are:
- Splintered, curling, bent over, or missing shingles from shingle roofing or tile roofing.
- Wrecked flashing: the thin strips that run along the edges of a roof.
- Loose seams can fall off at any moment and don’t look properly fixed.
- The huge number of shingle grains clogging the gutters in the rain ( this is not possible in the case of metal roofing )
- Visibly cracked paint on the roof.
- Peeling wallpaper from the sides or any wall covering
- Discolored plasterboard that looks a little off
These are all the signs that your roof is in genuine need of maintenance, which you are already aware of if you can see leaks around the house.
Apart from these signs, another factor to be considered is the age of the roof. You might be using something from ancient times, and that is prone to leaks. The new shingle roofing has many options to offer like the Asphalt 3-Tab, Architectural, metal roofing, and so on. On the other hand, any roof nowadays is not likely to last more than two decades. That is when you know it is time to get an inspection done.
If we talk about a clay, slate, or copper roof, that might be a little more enduring, but that too should be examined and checked by professionals after some years.
Keeping your roof maintained from time to time can help it easily withstand any storms in the way. You can contact us for the same. Our team is experienced and licensed to be serving in Florida. Be it Naples, Ft Myers, or Bonita Springs Fl, we have long-term customers from all over Florida.
What Can Happen if You Go on Neglecting the Damaged Roof?
If you start being attentive to small issues that come with your roof and take action accordingly, you can easily extend the overall life of your roof. It may also save you the headache of facing some major issues after a storm hits. Be it commercial or residential, every roof needs proper care.
Those bent over and not properly fixed shingles on your roof can easily fall off if the winds are strong, which can result in major damage to the roof and also the interiors of your home or office. They might also fall on a car, an individual, or another home.
That tiny leak can result in a big problem, especially at the time of a hurricane. And later on, costs you huge bucks out of your pocket to get it repaired.
Some angry neighbors might as well get you into legal trouble after a storm hits and the loose shingles fall on them or their belongings, so it is better to opt for regular maintenance and upkeeps.
What can be done if the roof is already damaged from the Storm?
If you already have had damage on your roof for a long time now and maintenance is not an option, then you must get in touch with your homeowners’ insurance and find a roofing contractor. For this, take the following steps:
Keep a record of the damage in a Document Form
Before you put your hands on anything, take thorough notes and numerous photos of all damage to the roof and surrounding area, interior, and exterior. This documentation will be helpful while you file a claim from the insurance company.
Prevent any Further Damage
Place a cover on or board up any windows in the house that have shattered or cracked glass. Next is to be clear of any areas that can be of physical danger to you and your family or employees.
File your Claim
The next step is to get in touch with your insurance provider at the earliest. Time is very important when it comes to filing an insurance claim. You can either visit their nearby office or even contact them over the phone or email.
Document the contract from the insurance company and keep track of everything, particulars, and dates organized. Then submit the pictures you took and the notes you made of the damage done.
Replacement or repair of the Damaged Roof
Contingent on the brutality of the damage, your company, will recommend either a roofing repair or a complete roofing replacement. Always keep in mind that you can make the company work unless you are not satisfied. As if the work is not up to the mark, the roof will be damaged again because storms are pretty common in Florida.
Contact a Good and Trustworthy Roofing Company
Now comes the instant where you have to choose the best suitable roofing company. Take quotes from different companies and evaluate them before making a decision. Some companies may even specialize in storm damage. Always be open and ask about their experience and then only choose.
When it comes to how to protect your roof from storm damage we offer the best services in all of Florida and have years of experience dealing with all kinds of roofs.
Wrapping Up!
It is always better to get your roof examined from time to time. Or else the procedure of filing a claim and getting another company to repair the roof can be a little hectic. Consistent maintenance saves you both time and money both.