The roofing system is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and, as such, it’s pretty much a given that it would sustain some damage every now and then. This is something that you can expect when a strong storm passes by your area. However, while it’s understandable that you would be eager to repair or replace your damaged roof as soon as possible, roof repair pros say that there are a few post-storm roofing do’s and don’ts that you’ll need to keep in mind, including:
Do: Document the Damage
Before the storm even arrives in your area, it’s highly recommended by experts that you document what your roof looked like before it sustained any damage, and, once the storm has passed, homeowners will also have to repeat this process to document the damage the roof sustained. That way, you’ll have before and after photos to show your insurance adjuster if you ever need to need to file a claim.
Don’t: Go Up a Sagging or Damaged Roof
As much as possible, avoid trying to inspect the roof on your own as doing so will require you to climb up onto the roofing system to get a closer look and determine the level of damage it sustained. This can be extremely hazardous for homeowners as the damage might have caused the roof to become unstable. With that in mind, it’s best that you enlist the services of an expert roofer to inspect and repair the roof for you.
Do: Have the Roof Inspected
Once you’ve documented the damage that your roof has sustained, the next step that you need to take is to have the roof inspected by a professional. By doing so, you’ll be able to determine just how extensive the roofing damage is as well as how much it’ll cost to have the roof repaired or replaced. Once you have both, not only will you be able to prepare for the upcoming repairs or replacement, but you’ll also be able to justify any insurance claim you plan to make.
Don’t: Hire Anyone Who Knocks on Your Door
When it comes to post-storm roofing, a general rule of thumb you need to always follow is that you shouldn’t hire anyone who knocks on your door after a storm. This is because some of these people are known as “storm chasers”, and they try to make some quick cash by replacing your old roof with mediocre ones. With that in mind, be sure to properly vet any roofer that comes your way by checking their credentials, references and reviews from previous clients. That way, you can determine if they’re the right roofer for the job.
Make your search for an expert roofing company easier by turning to Superior Roofing. Give us a call at (334) 821-8411 or (706) 322-9032. You can also fill out our contact form to get a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Columbus, GA, Auburn, AL, and other nearby areas.