07 Oct Answering Your Top 3 Questions About Hurricane-Related Roof Damage
Wind, hail, rain, and debris. These might not be the four horsemen of the apocalypse, but they are the four primary causes of damage you can expect to face after a particularly brutal hurricane.
But, after the storm has passed, how do you actually know if you’ve sustained any roof damage? And, if you have, what comes next?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help you weather the storm that follows the hurricane…
#1 — Is There Damage?
Before you attempt to physically survey your roof, we want to remind you to exercise caution and check out your roof from a distance. After all, you might not be able to immediately tell whether or not it has been structurally compromised.
Instead, try looking for signs of damage with a pair of binoculars.
For example, the Florida PACE Funding Agency recommends that homeowners with asphalt roofs keep an eye out for:
- Broken gutters
- Visible loss of granules on the shingles
- Water leaks inside the home
- And more
Otherwise, the signs of damage may differ based on your roofing material.
“On other types of roofs, including shake (wood), metal, tile and slate, damage can include broken or cracked shingles, missing shingles, torn or split seams, and missing sections of the roof,” according to the National Storm Damage Center.
#2 — How Do I Deal with Damage?
If you believe your roof is or may have been damaged, it is important that you first document what you have seen. Then, call a trusted roofing professional to conduct a thorough inspection.
“It’s important to know what to ask and what to look for when talking to and choosing a reliable roofing contractor,” Owens Corning explains. “Make sure the roofing contractor you’re considering is licensed, insured, and can offer a strong warranty for the work they do.”
Once they have reported back to you on the extent of any storm damage your roof has sustained, you can begin to plan what you need in order to undergo repairs.
Last but not least, don’t forget to bring your homeowner’s insurance into the loop when necessary.
#3 — Who Do I Call for Repairs?
If you’re searching for a locally-trusted roofing contractor to perform a comprehensive roof inspection for you, look no further than Universal Roof & Contracting!
Not only has our team proudly served both Central Florida and Jacksonville residents for over 30 years, but we have a proven history of providing industry-leading craftsmanship and customer service to homeowners — both during and after hurricane season.
Ready to see for yourself how the difference is universal? Simply contact Universal Roof & Contracting today by dialing 1-855-ROOF-HELP to schedule your free roof inspection!