What to Do if Your Roof is Damaged in a Hurricane
Each year, homeowners in Southwest Florida brace themselves for the potential impact of hurricanes and tropical storms. No matter how many precautions you take, severe storms are unpredictable and can, unfortunately, cause a lot of damage to your property. If your roof is damaged in a hurricane, you may be wondering what to do next. There are several signs of damage to look for and necessary steps you should take if you suspect your roof has suffered storm damage.
Common Signs of Storm Damage
Once it’s safe to venture outside post-hurricane, there are some clear signs of damage you should look for.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
One of the most obvious signs of damage to your roof is missing or damaged shingles. A helpful tip to spot damage to your roof’s surface is to use a pair of binoculars to better assess any problem spots. You can also look around your home as well to see if any shingles were blown off.
Broken or Damaged Roof Flashing
Another common sign of damage is torn or buckled flashing on your roof. Roof flashing is the thin material used to direct water away from critical areas throughout the roof. If damage to your roof flashing goes unnoticed, it can lead to leaks and further water damage in your home.
Overflowing Gutters
If your gutters are completely filled, your roof could have sustained some storm damage. Gutters often become filled with asphalt from shingles or other pieces of roofing material if any damage occurred. On the flip side, gutters that are overflowing with sticks, leaves and other natural materials that were blown around during the storm need to be cleaned to avoid future roofing damage. Gutters are a part of your roof’s support system, so it’s important that they continue functioning properly even after a hurricane.
Water Damage
This is a sign that you may notice more from the inside of your home. Water damage can typically be spotted by looking for spots along your ceiling or attic. If you’re noticing yellow, brown, or copper-colored spots along your walls or ceilings – it’s likely your home is suffering from some water damage.
Scattered and Loose Debris
If you find loose debris lying on your roof or around your home after a hurricane, it’s important to check for further damage. Big branches that may have fallen on top of your roof are a red flag that there may be some more damage. Even if the debris is scattered around your home rather than directly on your roof, there is still a chance that those items were projectiles during the storm and there may be more unseen damage.
Although many signs of storm damage are visible, it’s important to note that there are some things you might not be able to find on your own. If your home is hit by a severe hurricane, Epic Roofing can help assess the aftermath and determine if any roof repair or replacement might be necessary.
File Your Insurance Claim Right Away
Once you’ve determined that your roof has suffered damage from a hurricane, it’s extremely important to file your homeowner’s insurance claim as soon as possible. Depending on your policy, you could have anywhere from one to three years to file for your benefits. Waiting could only cause further delays in receiving those benefits down the line, or worse if you don’t get your claim filed within the allotted window. At Epic Roofing, we work directly with you and your insurance company to make sure we can provide the best services possible for your situation.
Consult a Professional Roofing Company
If you know your roof has suffered damage and you need an emergency roof repair or you just want to gain some peace of mind with an inspection, it’s important to consult a trusted roofing company to discuss solutions. At Epic Roofing, our certified roofing specialists have over 30 years of experience serving the Southwest Florida community.
Once the storm has passed, it’s extremely important to contain any further damage that could be caused to your roof. Our team will help tarp your roof to limit any further damage both outside and inside your home. After we’ve fully assessed the damage, we’ll work with you to come up with the best plan to get your roof repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Hurricane Season is Here – Are You Prepared?
Hurricane season lasts from June 1st all the way to November 30th. If you haven’t started preparing for the potential impact of severe weather, now is the time. Contact us today for a roof inspection or any roof repair you may need to make sure it’s in the best possible shape to weather a hurricane.