Roof damage is something that should never be ignored. Weather conditions, both big and small, can wreak havoc on your roof. Storm roofing and repair services are essential in ensuring the longevity and stability of your home’s structure. While snow and rain may not initially seem like major threats, it’s important to remember that even small amounts of water can lead to significant damage over time. Additionally, if you live in an area prone to severe storms, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to protect your roof.
Preparing for potential roof damage starts with regular maintenance and inspections. Make sure to clear any debris, such as leaves or branches, that may accumulate on your roof. Additionally, check for loose or damaged shingles, as they can be easily ripped off by strong winds.
5 Storm Roofing and Repair Tips
1. Don’t Panic
As a homeowner, the first and most crucial thing you can do in an emergency roof situation is to remain calm and take action instead of panicking. The faster you call for help in the case of significant damage, you will make the process easier. You will also avoid future inconveniences.
2. Assess the Damage
Roof damage can occur as a result of various weather conditions, including extreme winds, falling tree branches, and the accumulation of snow. It is important to regularly inspect your roof for any signs of damage.
Conducting early damage assessments is crucial as it allows you to identify the necessary repairs and take action to prevent further potentially costly damage. In the event of an emergency requiring immediate roof repairs, many contractors offer such services.
By promptly addressing any roof damage and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can ensure the longevity and integrity of your roof. Remember, regular inspections and proactive maintenance are key to preserving the structural integrity of your home.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider & Roofing Contractor
Call your insurance company and contractor to explain what happened. Most insurance companies have a time limit for filing claims, so it’s important to act quickly. Make sure to document the damage to your roof and file a claim as soon as possible. Keep in mind that reaching out to them during a storm may not be helpful, as roof contractors and insurers may not be available or able to assist you during severe weather conditions such as rain, wind, or lightning.
4. Protect Your Roof
Before designing a plan of action for an emergency, it is important to assess the extent of the damage. What specific type of damage are you referring to? Different types of damage require different strategies for resolution. For example, if a tree has fallen on your roof or if there has been damage caused by lightning, the appropriate next steps will vary. However, regardless of the situation, it is crucial to prioritize the installation of a protective cover as soon as possible to safeguard the interior of your property.
5. Perform Roof Emergency First Aid
You can take certain steps to mitigate the need for professional assistance. Once the storm has subsided, it is generally safe to climb onto your roof. If feasible, you can reposition dislodged shingles to help safeguard your home and prevent potential leaks.
Additionally, you can utilize roofing cement to seal any cracks or acquire extra shingles to replace missing ones. As a temporary measure, you can cover the areas with missing shingles using metal sheeting.
It is important to note that completely replacing the entire roof can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor, which may not be immediately feasible. These repairs serve as a temporary solution until you can replace your roof.
What Kinds of Roof Damage Can Storms Cause?
Roofs are among the most significant investments for your property. Damage to the roof can occur as a result of severe weather conditions, which can compromise its structural integrity. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with various types of damage to prevent further deterioration over time. Here are some of the most common types and causes of roof damage.
Tree Damage
How Much Damage Does a Tree Do to a House?
During a thunderstorm, weaker trees may fall, damaging your roof’s shingles or structure. Damage caused by falling trees can be severe and may require an emergency roof repair.
How Can I Protect My Roof From Trees?
You should regularly maintain and monitor the health of the trees that surround your home. To reduce the risk of them falling, consider removing all weak or unhealthy plants. Experts in roofing recommend trimming any tree branches that are within six feet of your roof. Low-hanging branches can scratch or dislodge shingles.
Is Tree Damage to My Roof Covered by Insurance?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, a standard homeowners’ insurance policy typically provides coverage for tree damage on your property, regardless of whether the trees fell due to wind, hail, or lightning. Therefore, you can anticipate that your insurance will cover the necessary roof repairs resulting from storm damage.
Wind Damage
How Much Wind Can Damage a Roof?
Your roof becomes increasingly vulnerable to damage when winds exceed 55 miles per hour. Strong winds have the potential to uproot trees and deposit debris onto your roof, as well as tear off shingles. It’s important to note that damaged or improperly installed roof shingles are particularly susceptible to wind damage.
What Does a Wind-Damaged Roof Look Like?
It is possible that high winds do not uniformly affect your roof. It can instead cause damage to your roof’s edges or weak spots with loose shingles. The following are typical examples of wind roof damage:
- Shingle Granules Provide Weather Protection: Winds can cause granule loss, resulting in shortened shingles. Pay attention to areas where granules tend to accumulate.
- Lifted or Curled Shingles: Curled or raised shingles near stress points such as corners, edges, and chimneys are signs of wind damage. If you suspect wind damage to your roof, it is advisable to contact a roofing expert for an inspection.
- Damaged flashing: The flashing on your roof plays a crucial role in preventing water damage. The flashing around the chimney is particularly susceptible to being lifted by wind. After a storm, check your flashing for any signs of damage.
- Water damage: Wind damage to your roof can lead to water infiltration, causing interior damage to your home. Look out for symptoms such as discoloration, flaking paint, and moist areas as indications of leaks. If you notice any signs of wind damage, it is important to call a contractor promptly to prevent further damage.
Lightning Damage
What Happens if Lightning Hits My Roof?
Lightning can cause significant damage to your roof, including tearing shingles or gutters, causing roof collapses, and damaging the attic. Additionally, lightning strikes can lead to chimney bricks falling off and damaging other roof components. Furthermore, fires can be sparked when lightning strikes electrical wires.
If your roof is damaged by a lightning strike, it is crucial to take immediate action. Contacting a reliable roofing contractor is essential, as they can provide emergency roof repairs and conduct a thorough inspection of the damage.
How Do You Know if Lightning Strikes Your Roof?
If you are inside your house when lightning strikes, you will likely notice a bright flash and hear a loud explosion. Physical damage to your roof, such as holes, cracked shingles, or loose bricks, may be visible. Additionally, there is a possibility of experiencing a power outage and detecting the smell of smoke or melted plastic.
What Can You Do to Prevent Lightning Damage on the Roof?
Consider installing a roof-mounted lightning protection system that includes a rod to divert lightning away from your house and safely to the ground. Additionally, it is recommended to replace wood shingles with asphalt or fiberglass Class A fire-resistant shingles.
Contact Us for Emergency Storm Roofing and Repair
All Star Roofing is the trusted resource for homeowners in Tampa, Florida. We are the go-to choice for reliable, prompt, and high-quality emergency roof repairs throughout the Tampa Bay area and the surrounding cities. Our Tampa roof repair team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your roof to determine the necessary repairs. We also offer a material warranty and workmanship guarantee, providing you with peace of mind regardless of the season.
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP