During the year, extreme weather such as wind, hail, and tornadoes can severely damage a home’s roof. The damage isn’t always easy to spot, however, and leaks may not be immediately evident. To repair damaged roofs and other issues, homeowners must assess the damage, file an insurance claim, and work with a local roofer. To avoid or mitigate serious Storm Damage In Upper Arlington, homeowners can take precautionary steps as shown below.
Things to Look For
Roof damage is often hard to spot. On modified bitumen and asphalt shingle roofs, the most common problems are loose shingles, small punctures, and hairline cracks, all of which are hard to detect. As water gets into compromised areas, problems get worse, and leaks eventually develop. If a homeowner suspects their roof has suffered Storm Damage In Upper Arlington, it may be wise to schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible.
What to Do Next
If a customer suspects roof damage, the first thing to do is to initiate an insurance claim. It may also help to hire a trained inspector to assess the damage. Roof inspectors know where to look, and they’ll offer comprehensive reports of what caused the damage. These reports are an important asset when filing a homeowner’s insurance claim, and in many cases, an inspector can recommend a quality roofer in the area.
Preventing Storm-Related Roof Damage
The home’s roof is its first defense against poor weather. To protect the structure and its contents, customers can take these steps to minimize the risk of storm damage.
- Remove overhanging tree branches, especially dead ones. If these branches fall, limbs may penetrate the roof.
- Clean gutters regularly to remove organic matter before inclement weather arrives. Blocked gutters may freeze or overflow, causing damage to the home and its roof.
- Repair cracked, loose, and missing shingles as quickly as possible.
- Keep the attic insulated to prevent rooftop heat loss. When the heat gets out through a home’s roof, it may raise utility bills.
The most important tip is to schedule an annual inspection. With a yearly roof evaluation, contractors can point out potential troubles and minimize expensive repairs.
Although it is possible to repair storm-related roof damage, the most crucial step is to find and resolve problems before they get out of hand. Visit the website for more details or call to schedule an inspection.
