While it’s impossible to predict when a roofing disaster will occur, knowing how to respond in the event of an emergency can make matters much less stressful. By incorporating roofing emergency preparedness into your planning, you establish a comprehensive action plan today, ensuring you are better prepared for storms tomorrow. Take a few moments to learn more about how to create a roofing emergency action plan for when unexpected emergencies occur.
Ensure Your Roof is Ready for a Storm
Having the roof inspected twice a year will help you identify potential issues long before a storm hits. Professionals will look for problems like missing shingles or corroded flashing, which could eventually cause roof leaks. It’s essential to perform roof repairs right away before heavy rainfall can cause further deterioration. Keeping up with regular gutter cleaning is equally important. Clogged gutters can overflow during severe weather and can lead to water entering the home through the roof edge. It may also be worth considering upgrading your home’s gutter system if overflowing during heavy rain is a common occurrence. Installing a wider, seamless gutter system or placing additional downspouts may help. Speak with a local contractor about the roof maintenance plans they offer so your roof is prepared to endure any storms in the future.
What to do Following a Roofing Emergency
To quickly recover from a roofing emergency, it helps to have an established plan in place. Strong winds, torrential rain, and hail can all diminish the integrity of your roof. You could end up facing a much larger repair bill down the road if roof damage is not addressed right away. Knowing what to do during a roof emergency ahead of time will make the repair process faster and easier. Follow these steps after a storm impacts your roof:
- Visual inspection – When it’s safe to go outside, walk around your home to check for any noticeable signs of damage from the ground. It’s not uncommon to find pieces of blown-off roof shingles. It’s also a good idea to check the attic space for roof leaks. For insurance and record-keeping purposes, you may want to take some photographs of any damage found. Avoid going onto the roof, especially after a severe weather event. Be aware of any fallen power lines around your property as well. If your roof has sustained a considerable amount of damage, it may be a good idea to find a safe place to stay for a few days until roofers can complete repairs.
- Contact your insurance agent and trusted local roofer – Your next step should be to call the appropriate people to respond to the emergency. Have the contact information ready to quickly get in touch with your home insurance provider and roofer when needed. Get the claim process started, and call your roofer to receive an accurate estimate for repairing the damage. Ask your agent about what’s covered under your insurance plan, and make sure you know the cost of your deductible.
- Schedule repair work – Talk with your roofer and insurance provider to get started on repairs. Make sure you take the time to find a local roofing contractor who has a strong reputation for providing excellent service. Roofers with years of experience with emergency roofing repairs will get the job done safely and efficiently. Not only that, the best roofers back up their work with craftsmanship guarantees and warranties, which will protect your roof well into the future. Working with a licensed and reputable roofing company will also ensure repairs comply with your home insurance policy.
Steer Clear of Storm Chasers
It’s become increasingly commonplace for out-of-state roofers to travel where storms pass through to take advantage of homeowners who need roof repair. These “storm chasers” may offer to pay your deductible or complete repairs at a lower price point than your initial quote. However, this can end up causing problems during the claims process and may result in breaching the terms of your home insurance policy. In many cases, storm chasers will cut corners during the repair process to reduce costs, often resulting in haphazard repair work. All too often, storm chasers leave town before homeowners realize there’s a problem. Always make sure you’re working with a roofer who operates exclusively in your area and check their credentials before repairs begin.
When you need a reliable and trusted roofer when a roofing emergency happens, rely on our team at Adam Vaillancourt Roofing. For more than 15 years, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts with all their roofing needs. We offer comprehensive warranties supported by some of the most reputable manufacturers in the industry. Call us to get started on your roof repair today!
