What to Do if You Experience Storm Damage to Your Roof
As we navigate what remains of the Colorado winter storm season (even though we can still get snow well into May) and look towards a rainy spring, homeowners need to prepare for what’s ahead. Strong winds, hail storms, heavy rain—each of these has the potential to damage your property and require roof repair services.
The good news is that you’re not alone. If you suspect that you have storm damage to your roof, here are some steps you can take toward getting your roof back in good shape.
Safely Assess & Document the Damage
Examining your roof for damage doesn’t require actually getting on your roof; in fact, we recommend that you avoid walking on your roof. At this time of year in Colorado, your roof could still have slick spots of ice that are difficult to see. When in doubt, bring in a professional for a complimentary roof inspection.
Roof damage is sometimes easy to spot from the ground. You may be able to see roof penetrations, or loose roofing material. Walking around your yard, you may even find stray shingles that were blown off during an intense storm or damage to your windows, gutters, downspouts orvents. You might also have a good view of parts of your roof from one of your windows.
Here’s a helpful checklist for what to look for if you suspect you have roof storm damage.
Make sure you take several photos of any damage, noting any damage. Bear in mind that insurance companies typically allow you to file a claim up to one year after the storm damage occurred.
Say No to Storm Chasers
The first knock on your door after any significant Colorado storm may be from unwelcome guests: storm chasers.
Storm chasers track storm paths and visit impacted neighborhoods, knocking on doors and telling you they noticed damage before you’ve had a chance to get a good look at your roof. No matter how much pressure they put on you, resist the urge to let them do anything to your roof or property!
These storm chasers are skilled at making their case, but most of the time they’re from neighboring states and aren’t familiar with local and state regulations. Some aren’t certified to do the work they say they can complete, and you don’t want to get stuck dealing with them for a number of reasons.
Check out this link for more tips on how to know if you’re dealing with a storm chaser.
Make Temporary Repairs as Needed
If you notice damage that needs immediate repair you need to safely take care of it. Leaks are an indicator of damage and can appear as a discoloration on your ceilings or walls or as an active leak.
If you spot a leak inside your home after a storm, contain the leak, and move furniture and other valuables out of the way, so you don’t incur any water damage. Place a bucket beneath the leak to catch any water. Be sure to contact an experienced roofing contractor to get a better sense of how to proceed.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
After a storm it’s always a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor conduct an inspection of your roof. It is important to schedule an inspection before filing an insurance claim, so that you have all of the necessary documentation prepared in advance of filing. Your insurance company will always look for reasons not to replace your roof, and a roofing professional can help you negotiate a fair deal based on the level of damage.
Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Company
When the inspection has been completed, you can reach out to your homeowners insurance company to file a claim. They’ll ask for all of the details, including any photos you or a roofing professional took of the damage. Then, they’ll send out an inspector of their own to assess the damage and approve any work.
While different insurance companies may have slightly different directions for filing a roofing claim, the process is by and large the same from company to company. This is what you can expect when filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof repair services.
We’re Here to Help
If you are in need of a professional to assess storm damage on your roof, J&K Roofing is here to handle all of your repair needs. Dealing with roof damage from a Colorado storm can be stressful, but our experienced team makes it as easy on you as possible.
If you’re in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado areas, reach out to us today to schedule your free roof inspection.