When a major storm comes through, do you check your home for damage? If so, do you remember to check the roofing system? “Out of sight, out of mind” rings true for many homeowners, who overlook the roof even as they assess their home for storm damage. Learn what you should do after storms to ensure your roof is structurally safe.
Check Your Roof & Gutters for Storm Damage
Check your gutters for signs of damage. A storm may have knocked gutters loose or caused scratches and dents. A hail storm can break shingles or loosen granules, which then get stuck in gutters.
If your gutters are cracked, loose, or otherwise damaged, they will not be able to drain water from your home. Likewise, if they are clogged with branches knocked loose by strong winds, they will not work well. If you spot debris in the gutters, have them cleaned to improve gutter performance and avoid water damage to your roofing system.
The older your roof is, the more susceptible it becomes to storm damage. Use a ladder to get on the roof and check for damage to shingles, soffits, and cracks. If you don’t want to head up on the roof yourself, schedule a roof inspection.
Make an Insurance Claim
It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company after a strong storm. Some insurers delay or deny claims that do not come in quickly after local storms. Your insurance company may want to send someone to your home, or they may ask for photos of the damage.
Once you file the claim, the company will determine what’s coverable. You’ll still need to pay the deductible for your policy, but you should be able to get coverage for most of the roof damage, depending on the exact details of your policy.
Get a Quote for Roof Repair
If you had a recent major storm, take action to get roof and gutter damage approved by your insurer and fixed before another storm comes. At Brandstetter’s Kanga Roof, we provide a 17-point roof analysis, roof repairs for commercial and residential customers, and gutter repair or replacement. With more than 15 years of experience, and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, we are Cincinnati’s trusted roofers. Get a free quote today from your greater Cincinnati roofing experts here at Brandstetter’s KangaRoof by calling 513.713.0418 today.