It’s not necessary that whenever a severe storm hits your city, your home can endure the damage. You must perform a quick check, especially after the weather clears, to protect your property from further deterioration and to initiate the insurance claim procedure to receive your compensation.
Now, you must be wondering how to spot storm damage and when to call a professional to tackle the situation.
Spotting Storm Damage on Your Home Exterior
Begin by inspecting from the ground; using binoculars will give you a closer look at the roof. Never climb onto a wet or unstable roof.
Roof and Shingles
The roof takes the brunt of the storm. Look for:
- Missing or Damaged Shingles: Speedy winds can damage shingles or leave them cracked, curled, or lifted. If you find missing shingles, that can leave your roof deck exposed to the elements.
- Granule Loss: In the case of asphalt shingles, check your gutters and downspouts. These spaces are ideal for collecting shingle granules. It looks like a dark, coarse sand. Heavy loss is a sign that the shingle layer has been compromised.
Gutters, Siding, and Windows
After examining your roof and shingles, assess the rest of your home’s exterior for collateral damage:
- Gutters and Downspouts: Search for dents, cracks, or sections pulling away. The storm debris can clog your gutters, resulting in water pooling and possible leaks.
- Siding: See if there are any broken, missing, or discolored pieces. Flying debris or hail can leave dents or holes in your vinyl or aluminum siding.
When to Call a Professional?
You should immediately get in touch with a professional roofing contractor or a storm damage restoration expert after any severe weather event involving large hail, high winds, or falling debris.
It is especially critical to call a professional if you observe the following:
- Active Leaks: If you see water actively dripping or accumulating inside your home.
- Widespread or Structural Damage: Plenty of missing shingles, a part of the tree fallen on the house, or you doubt that the structural integrity has been compromised.
- Suspected Hail Damage: For the untrained eye, hail damage is hard to spot from the ground, and a professional can only conduct a safe, thorough assessment to identify damage. It’s better to let the expert deal because an insurance adjuster might ignore the damage caused.
- To Expedite Your Claim: Make sure a licensed contractor assesses the storm damage. Their detailed examination is vital for providing your insurance company with the required documentation and repair estimates to quickly start the claiming procedure.
For professional and reliable assistance, you can always count on Advanced Roofing and Siding. They will conduct an in-depth assessment of your roof and prepare a report for your insurance company. Contact today for a free estimate.