Roof Damage From A Storm: What To Do Next
A major storm with heavy winds or falling hail can wreak havoc on your home — and especially on your roof. If you've recently discovered roofing damage from a storm, you'll want to act quickly to have it repaired before you run into more costly problems. The good news? Storm-related roof repair is typically covered by a standard home insurance policy. You'll just need to know which steps to follow to get your claim going and have your roof repaired as quickly as possible.
Call Your Insurance Agent
Start by reaching out to your home insurance agent to report the damage as soon as you find it. The sooner you report the damage, the sooner you can get the ball rolling on your claim. Your insurance agent will also be able to recommend the next steps, such as having a temporary repair done if there is water actively leaking into your home. And of course, your agent will be able to tell you exactly what your policy will cover and what kind of deductible you should expect to pay out of your own pocket.
Document Everything
The more documentation you have of your roofing damage, the better. This is especially true when it comes to expediting your insurance claim. Take as many photos as you safely can of the damage to your roof and the conditions following the storm. For example, if you suspect that hail has cracked the asphalt shingles on your roof, you'll want to take pictures of fallen hail after the storm.
In addition to photos, be sure to keep detailed documentation of any repairs made to your roof. This includes estimates and invoices from different roofing companies. You'll most likely need all of this documentation in order to process your claim swiftly.
Find a Roof Repair Expert
Choosing the right roofing company to perform the repair is a must. Keep in mind that you are under no obligation to use any roofing company recommended to you by your home insurance agent; you are allowed to select any roofer you want. To make the process easier, consider choosing a roof repair professional who will bill your insurance company directly. And of course, take the time to check that the company is licensed and insured for your protection and peace of mind.
Experiencing roof damage from a storm can be stress-inducing, but having it taken care of (and covered by insurance) doesn't have to be a pain if you know which steps to follow.
For further tips, reach out to a roofing contractor in your area.
