What Should I Do About My Storm Damaged Roof?

Thunderstorms are fun to watch from the comfort of your own home, but it is not so fun when the roof above cracks and the water starts pouring into the living room. Kids, get your pots and pans, and hurry.

Watkins understands how it must feel to have your worst nightmare come true. Over the years, we have helped thousands of homeowners’ repair storm-damaged roofs and heard it all.

Whether you need a roof repair or a new installation, Watkins Construction has everything you might need. If you suffer from a storm-damaged roof, we have you covered.

The damage caused by a storm is a pressing matter that needs to be attended to as quickly as possible to avoid further damage to your roof and your home overall. If you are reading this article, you are probably experiencing storm damage and are unsure how to process it. Let’s jump right in.

Types of Storm Damage

No matter what kind of damage your roof has sustained from nature’s fury, most insurance companies will cover any damages.

Hail

Signs of Hail Damage

Hail is very common in areas where the temperatures are low, but it can appear anywhere. Hail can cause serious damage to your roof because chunks of ice can break off and wreak havoc. After a hailstorm, inspect your roof for the following signs of damage:

  • Divots and dents on shingles
  • Broken or cracked shingles
  • Unusual amounts of granules in the gutters
  • Dented metal on the flashing and gutters

Acting before damages worsen is essential. Hail can damage roof surfaces, allowing pests and moisture to enter, leading to issues such as mold and infestations, quickly worsening a bad day. 

Rain

There is nothing more soothing than rain rhythmically falling on your roof unless it becomes a thunderstorm that damages your home. In that situation, rain can quickly become a nightmare when it floods your house.

Common signs of damage by rainstorms to look out for are:

  • Broken, missing, or curled shingles
  • Discolored or peeled ceiling paint
  • Water bubbles in the ceiling
  • Stains or puddles on the roof

Mold

A weak roof can leak so much water that you need to collect it in a bucket in extreme cases.

Tree Damage

Tree limbs can fall on your roof in strong winds puncturing the roofing materials and decking, as well as adding additional weight to the structure. The added weight may cause the roof to leak or even collapse, which can be a very dangerous situation.

Wind Damage

Contrary to popular belief, even moderate winds can severely damage a roof it is made with lighter materials, such as asphalt shingles.

Moreover, you may also notice that a few shingles fall off after a strong windstorm. As a result, you may need to carefully inspect the shingles to see if there are creases in the shingles and if there are tears in them.

The company will make temporary repairs whilst your insurance company decides whether to pay for the repairs. However, if your roof is metal or slate, there is little risk of damage from windstorms.

How to Address Storm Damage Roof Repair

If your roof has been damaged by a storm, you should turn the power off to prevent a fire. Then if there is a leak, you should move any furniture, electronics, clothing, and other valuables out of the flood water.

Make sure you and your family are safe and evacuate your home if necessary. After you have handled the crisis, you should call a professional roofer to fix the problem. You might not be able to book an appointment with your roofer that same day, so you should schedule one the next day if possible. For more information, contact Watkins Construction and Roofing at 251-299-8151 in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL. 

Also Read About- 3 Reasons to Consider a Metal Roof Installation