Batten down the hatches, Minnesota folks–storm season is upon us! So if you’ve recently been hit by Mother Nature’s fury, you’re not alone. From hailstones the size of golf balls to fierce winds that can launch trees out of the ground, the elements can take a serious toll on your roof.
Thousands of homeowners across the country are facing the same dilemma: How to handle a roof replacement after a storm. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of getting a roof replacement after it has been damaged by a storm. From finding a reliable contractor to navigating the insurance claims process, we’ll give you the inside scoop on how to weather the storm and come out with a roof that’s stronger than ever.
But first, let’s go over the different types of storm damage roofing repairs or replacements you might encouter.
What Type of Roof Damage Do You Have?
It’s essential to know what type of damage your roof has suffered to determine the best course of action for repairs or replacement. Every damaged roof presents unique challenges and requires different repair techniques. For instance, a punctured roof will require a patch or replacement of the damaged area, while missing or torn shingles will need to be replaced entirely. This is how failure to identify the specific type of damage can result in inadequate repairs or even further damage to your roof.
Knowing what type of damage you have will also help you communicate effectively with your insurance provider and roofing contractor. This will enable them to provide accurate estimates and ensure that all necessary repairs are made. So take the time to assess your roof carefully and determine the type of damage it has sustained before moving forward with any repairs or replacements.
We must take a moment here to clarify that we’re not advising you to climb up onto your roof and crawl around looking for punctures while hoping you don’t step on a loose shingle. Figuring out what type of roof damage you have should be done by a professional contractor. Later in this article, we’ll go over the process of getting a professional roof inspection to determine the type and severity of damage your roof has incurred.
For now, let’s talk about the varying kinds of storm damage that can impact a roof.
Wind Damage
The culprit doesn’t have to be a full-blown thunderstorm that wreaks havoc on your roof. Something as innocuous as the wind can cause roof damage as well. Of course, it’d have to be a pretty strong gust of wind–not the kind of breeze that makes your hair look effortlessly picture-perfect. Winds that move at 50 mph or higher can significantly harm your roof’s shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials. Accumulative strong winds may even cause gale damage, which can result in a total roof replacement after a storm that was accompanied by particularly high winds.
How an Intensely Windy Day Can Damage Your Roof
When high winds pass over a roof, they create uplift pressure that can dislodge shingles or tiles, causing them to become loose, damaged, or even torn from the roof altogether.
The damage doesn’t stop at the shingle, though. When shingles or tiles are lifted, the roof’s underlayment and the decking underneath can be exposed, making it more susceptible to water leaks and damage. The wind can also cause shingles or tiles to overlap, which can prevent proper drainage and lead to water damage. Thus, one torn-off shingle or tile can result in damage to your overall roofing system.
Hail Damage
Hailstones are solid precipitation that can vary in size and hardness. When they fall from the sky, they can cause significant hail damage to a roof’s shingles and other roofing materials. Hailstones can dent, crack, or even puncture shingles.
How a Hasty Hailstorm Can Damage Your Roof
When hail creates dents in the shingles, it can weaken the structural integrity of the roof and put you at risk for a roof replacement after a storm. Moreover, if hailstones are large enough, they can puncture through the shingles or other roofing materials, creating holes that allow water to penetrate the roof’s surface. These holes can lead to significant water damage inside the home, including damage to ceilings, walls, and flooring.
In addition to damaging the shingles and other roofing materials, hailstones can also damage gutters, downspouts, and other exterior features of the home.
Lightning Strikes
While your odds of being struck by lightning are roughly 1 in 15,000, the chances aren’t that slim for your roof. A storm damage roof replacement that’s caused by a lightning strike is closer to a 1 in 200 chance. Thus, it’s important to understand how these electric bolts can threaten your roofing structure.
How a Flash of Lightning Can Impact Your Roof
Lightning strikes can harm a roof due to the intense heat generated by the electrical discharge. The heat can melt, burn, or char the roofing material, leading to structural damage and potentially causing a fire. Likewise, lightning can create a shock wave that can damage the roof’s structure, including the decking, rafters, or trusses. This shock wave can also create an impact that can loosen or dislodge shingles or other roofing materials.
Water Damage
Over-watering isn’t healthy for your plants, and it ain’t great for your roof either. Heavy rainfall or flooding can cause significant water damage to a roof, including leaks or even roof collapse if the water accumulates and adds weight to the roof.
How too Much Water Can Damage Your Roof
When heavy rain falls, the weight of the water can cause your roof to sag. In extreme cases, the structure can collapse under the weight of the water, rendering you in need of a roof replacement after a storm. Heavy rains can expose any weak points or areas of damage in a roof’s structure or covering, leading to water leaks and damage to your home’s interior. The rainwater can penetrate through gaps in the roof’s shingles or tiles, causing damage to the roof deck and the underlying roof structure.
Additionally, standing water on the roof can cause water damage to your home’s interior and lead to mold growth, which can pose health hazards.
Damage from Debris
You may need a roof replacement after a storm if it has left heavy debris in its path. Storms can bring debris such as tree branches, rocks, or other objects that can cause roof damage.
How Pesky Debris Can Negatively Impact Your Roof
Heavy debris can lead to cracks or splits in the roofing material, compromising the structural integrity of the roof and making it more susceptible to further damage. For instance, rocks or tree branches can cause punctures that allow water to seep through and cause water damage to the attic and interior of the home. Debris impact can also damage shingles, such as breaking or cracking them, which can cause water leaks and harm to your roof deck.
After the Storm…
If you think you may need a roof replacement after a storm, follow the three steps below to ensure you handle the process correctly.
1. Get an Inspection
Let’s face it, performing a roof damage inspection isn’t a DIY project like your pillow embroidery. As we mentioned earlier in this article–don’t go on your roof to attempt an inspection. When you have roof damage from a storm, you must get a professional to inspect the damage.
So aside from protecting your own safety, we’ve listed a few other reasons below for hiring an expert to do the inspecting.
They Can Identify Potential Issues
A proper inspection of your roof won’t only find present issues but it’ll also find potential issues that could cause further damage if not left untreated. Storm damage to a roof can be hard to identify, and if it’s not repaired promptly, it can worsen over time. This can lead to more extensive damage (which is more money out of your pocket).
Getting an inspection done by a pro, however, can:
- Help determine the extent of the damage
- Identify any weak spots or potential problems
- Provide a thorough assessment of the roof’s condition
This will all help you make an informed decision about the necessary repairs or replacement of your roof.
They Have the Right Knowledge
A professional inspector will have the necessary knowledge to accurately assess the damage and provide you with a detailed report and recommendations for repair or replacement. They’ll make sure that whether you need a repair or a replacement, the result is a roof that’s safe, functional, and able to protect your home and family from future weather events.
They Can Find Hidden Damage
If you’re a candidate for a roof replacement after a storm, you may have structural damage that isn’t visible to your untrained eye. Sometimes, damages caused by hail or fallen tree limbs can result in such “invisible damage”. But taking the precautionary step to get a pro to inspect your roof can prevent any hidden damages from being overlooked. It also ensures that any necessary repairs are addressed promptly.
Likewise, insurance providers don’t always cover damages that result from negligence. Thus, it’s better to err on the side of caution and have an expert conduct your inspection.
2. Hire a Reliable Contractor
Hiring a trusted roofing contractor is crucial when it comes to a repair or a roof replacement after a storm. A reliable and experienced contractor will have the tools, and expertise required to provide a detailed estimate and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
A reputable roofing contractor will also use high-quality materials and follow proper installation procedures to ensure that the roof is durable, safe, and able to withstand future weather events. They will also provide warranties and guarantees for their work, which means that if any issues arise in the future, they will be responsible for fixing them.
Overall, hiring a trusted roofing contractor is crucial to ensure that your roof is repaired or replaced properly and that your home is protected from future storms. It’s important to do research and choose a contractor who has a proven track record of providing high-quality services, using reputable materials, and providing excellent customer service.
3. Call your Insurance Provider
In many cases, storm damage is covered by homeowners’ insurance policies, which means that you may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your roof. Thus, calling your insurance provider is a critical step in replacing your roof after it has been damaged from a storm because it can help you understand:
- What your policy covers
- What steps you need to take to file a claim
- What financial support you’re entitled to
Your insurance provider will tell you how much a roof replacement will cost and they’ll go over every detail in the roof replacement contract with you.
What Happens When You Speak with Your Insurance Provider?
When you call your insurance provider, they’ll ask you for details about the damage to your roof, such as the type and extent of the damage, the date it occurred, and whether any other parts of your home were affected. Then, they’ll guide you through the claims process. This includes providing you with a claim number and scheduling an appointment for an adjuster to assess the damage.
An adjuster will visit your home and assess the damage to your roof. They will then provide you with an estimate of the cost to repair or replace the roof and advise you on what steps to take next. Your insurance provider will also inform you of any deductibles or out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for and provide guidance on how to proceed with the repairs or replacement.
Roof Replacement after a Storm: A Final Word
At the end of the day, the key to a successful roof replacement after a storm is to take action quickly and be proactive in sourcing a reputable roofing contractor. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights on how to navigate the process of getting a roof replaced or repaired after it has suffered the effects of a storm.
Remember–don’t be afraid to ask questions and get multiple quotes from your roofing contractor. And when it comes to dealing with your insurance provider, know that patience is a virtue and that their role is to help you get the financial support you need.
By taking the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a stronger, more resilient roof that can weather any storm that comes your way. Now, go forth and conquer those roof repairs!
