Worried about Roof Damage after a Big Storm? Take These First Steps

Texas is no stranger to major weather events, and these can range from a serious snowstorm to high winds, hail, and tornadoes. If you’ve recently experienced a storm in your area, you might be wondering who to call first to address roof damage, or you might even worry about damage that isn’t immediately obvious. Below are some of the first steps you should take in either situation.

If There is Obvious Roof Damage

If there is obvious damage to your roof after a storm - whether that means a fallen tree or even a section of the roof that’s missing - the first step involves contacting your homeowner’s insurance company and filing a claim. Generally speaking, these companies move very quickly to address roof damage so that further damage doesn’t occur in other areas of your home. In most cases, they will send someone out to assess the damage and determine the best (and fastest) way to get that damage repaired. Depending on the severity, your insurance company may pay for you to stay in a hotel until the work is complete.

How to Perform a Ground Level Roof Inspection Following a Storm

While climbing up on your roof is a task that’s best left to a team of experienced professionals, there’s a lot that you can learn by simply walking around the perimeter of your home and conducting a ground-level inspection yourself. Some things to pay attention to include:

• Fascia and soffit: Do you see any loose pieces or areas where the fascia or soffit are simply missing?. 
• Gutters: Are you missing any sections of gutters? Do your gutters seem to be sagging or broken?
• Shingles: Can you see areas with missing shingles on your roof? Are there shingles perhaps laying in the yard? Upon closer inspection, are there asphalt granules along the side of your house?
• Uniformity: Does your roof appear to have a wave or “bump” at any point? 

If you can answer yes to any of the questions above, it’s a good idea to call a professional immediately. The more quickly you address any potential issues with your roof, the better.

If There is No Obvious Damage 

If your roof seems to have come through a major storm unscathed, it may still be a good idea to contact a professional for a quick post-storm roof inspection. In some cases, damage may still exist, even if it isn’t immediately obvious during your self-inspection. You may not see things like loose or missing shingles, for example, but they can still lead to significant leaks that cause damage inside your attic and even in the main part of your home. If your neighbors experienced damage to their roofs, then it’s always a good idea to contact a roofing company for a quick once-over. Even if they don’t find anything, you can rest assured that your home is safe and sound. 

Nature can be violent, and unfortunately, that violence often leads to roof damage. Sometimes that damage is obvious, but this isn’t always the case. If you have recently experienced a major storm and you are concerned about the condition of your roof, reach out to a professional right away. If there is obvious damage, contact your homeowner’s insurance company; otherwise, reach out to a trusted roofing professional.