In the aftermath of a hurricane, there are a lot of things that need to be done right away. While ensuring that friends and family are safe and accounted for is number one, vast swaths of damage must also be dealt with. In a large storm, insurance representatives are dispatched to the scene immediately to help with this chore.
So how do you know if you need to look into a storm damage roof insurance claim? The first step is to contact your reputable local roofing company to file assess the damage. Even if you’re unsure what you might need or the damage that may have been done, a professional roofing contractor will be sent to make this determination and get you pointed in the right direction.
While you’re waiting for the professionals, there are a few tell-tell signs you can look for that will tell you if your home or building has suffered hurricane roof damage:
- Missing Shingles: When wind speeds climb up to 45 miles per hour or more, shingles can come loose and fly off your roof. Since hurricanes start with 74-mile-per-hour winds and can get worse from there, you can be certain that shingles may have gone missing. You can usually see if shingles are missing just by looking up, or you might see them littering your yard. But even one missing shingle can cause problems, which is why a storm damage roof inspection by a professional is in order.
- Damaged Shingles: Broken, wind damaged shingles are standard in the aftermath of a hurricane or hurricane-like conditions. Loose, cracked, or broken shingles might be evident during a roof inspection, but blistering or bubbles in a shingle might not be as noticeable to the untrained eye. That can point to roof water damage. If moisture has worked its way to the inside of the shingle, replacement is to avoid any potential leaks or future structural damage.
- Roof Water Damage: Wind damage to roof can ultimately lead to water damage, which is a big problem. Some signs of water damage are clear to the naked eye, such as water spots on the ceiling. If actual marks are not visible, saggy, bulging areas are another sign of leaks in your roof. Other signs, such as soft, “spongy” roof areas, are not as obvious. Those are things you must feel for.
Shingles are your home’s first line of defense against water damage, so if they are missing or damaged, you’ll need repairs or a roof replacement right away. Your second line of defense at critical areas, is called flashing. Flashing’s job is to direct water away from your home and to the proper drainage spots. If the flashing is compromised, that’s something that will need to be addressed by a professional right away. Extreme high winds can cause flashing to come loose, bend, or even tear.
When most people think about roof damage, shingles are the first thing to come to mind, but many things are sticking out of your roof that needs to be considered, too. For example, it is essential to check your chimney for damage after a severe weather incident like a hurricane. Here are a few things to look for:
- Missing, damaged, or out of place chimney cap
- Damage to the flashing at the base of the chimney
- Cracks or damage to the masonry
- Missing bricks
Any of these issues can ultimately lead to water damage. An expert checking your home is essential, even if you don’t see visible damage. If you don’t make chimney repair a priority, you’ll be leaving yourself open for even more damage down the line, which may end up costing you more later.
If you need help assessing hurricane roof damage or need to look for the best options for repair or replacement, contact us at Jack C. Wilson Roofing Co. today.
