Up on the Rooftop
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Up on the Rooftop

The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

3 Things To Do After Discovering Storm Roof Damage

Lori Silva

Hail storms, high winds, and other inclement weather can cause serious damage to your roof. The good news, though, is that most home insurance policies cover roof damage caused by storms. From minor repairs to total roof replacement, your insurance policy should protect you from having to pay anything out-of-pocket aside from your deductible.

Still, acting quickly after a storm to report and repair damage is a must, and there are a few specific steps you should take right away after discovering storm damage on your roof.

Document as Much as Possible

Whenever it is safely possible to do so after a storm, document the extent of your roof damage and surroundings. For major damage, you shouldn't need to climb up to your roof to see the damage. Missing shingles, downed gutters, and other common types of roof damage can be easily seen and documented from your yard. Use your cell phone camera to take photos of the damage. If there is other damage to your property (such as a downed tree limb, for example), you'll want to get documentation of this as well.

Have a Professional Inspection Done

If your storm damage is less obvious, then it may be necessary to have a professional roof inspection done to pinpoint every repair that needs to be done to your roof. This is more common in situations where a hail storm has caused asphalt shingles to wear or chip as there may be dozens of shingles affected that are only visible up close. Any reputable roofing company should be able to provide you with a free roof inspection with no obligation to choose them for your repair or replacement job.

Call Your Home Insurance Agent

Don't put off calling your home insurance company to report the damage to your roof. Depending on your specific policy, you may only have a limited amount of time to report and repair the damage to your property in order for it to be covered. Your agent can also help walk you through the rest of the claims process and may even be able to make some recommendations on preferred roof companies to get the job done quickly and professionally. He or she can probably even match you up with a roofing company that will bill the insurance company directly, which prevents you from having to pay out-of-pocket and wait to be reimbursed.

Dealing with roof damage after a storm can be stressful, but by following these steps and choosing reputable roofing contractors for your repairs/replacement, you'll have a solid roof over your head again in no time. Look for local roofers for more information. 


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