Follow These Steps When Storm Damage Affects Your Roof!

Homeowners in the south see more than their fair share of extreme weather that causes roof and other home damage.

When the damage is substantial, though the initial instinct might be to call for storm damage roofing repair immediately, there are more important things that homeowners should take care of first.

Storm damage roof repair contractors will be there to help after the fact.

Do these things first and then make call storm damage roof repair companies once the storm has passed and the family is safe. 

  1. Focus on Safety First - Before doing anything with regard to arranging for storm damage roofing repairs, homeowners should do whatever is necessary to ensure their safety, and that of their family. In worst-case scenarios, that might mean evacuating the home if the damage is severe to the point that the roof is collapsed or has been torn off. If the power is still working, phone the utility company to have it cut to the house, then get everyone, including pets, out.
  2. Assess the Degree of the Damage - While it will be impossible for a homeowner to fully assess all damage, get an idea of the scope and how much of the roof and house is affected. This information will be important, both for relaying to a storm damage roof repair company later and when talking to the homeowners insurance company. 
  3. Call the Insurance Company - Though instinct might be to call a storm damage roof repair contractor next, it is the homeowner's insurance company that should be contacted first. Inform them of what happened and how severe the damage seems to be and what steps were taken to keep the family safe. Start the claims process and receive instructions from them on what to do next. Inquire about lodging assistance coverage if that is necessary and whether an adjuster must approve repairs before they are started.
  4. Prevent Additional Damage - After having the power turned off, prevent additional damage if possible by protecting personal property in the home, moving it to a less disturbed part of the home, or making a plan to remove it. If the home is accessible and unsecured, be sure to remove any valuables to prevent theft. If necessary, in the coming days arrange a place to store items removed from the home like a storage unit until a storm damage roof repair contractor inspects the house.
  5. Seek Disaster Assistance If Necessary - If the roof is destroyed or the house is otherwise unlivable, contact the FEMA website to find out what disaster assistance is available for homeowners in the area. FEMA supplies immediate aid in areas that are hit by extreme weather plus there are Federal disaster assistance funds that can help people rebuild. 

Once things are more under control, make that call to a local storm damage roofing repair contractor and inform them of what happened.

The storm damage roof repair company will arrange a time to meet at the property to assess the damage and provide an estimate once the storm has passed and all lives have been protected.