When you live in Florida, specifically the Fort Lauderdale area, strong storms and hurricanes can take a toll on your home. In most situations, the roof is where the damage has the most impact. So, what steps should you take in the aftermath of a storm? In this guide, we will look at the type of damage that requires emergency repairs and the steps that you need to take immediately after a storm to make sure further damage does not occur.
What Requires Emergency Roof Repairs?
One of the first things that you should consider after heavy wind and storm damage is emergency repairs. Heavy winds can compromise your roof’s integrity. If you don’t address the issue immediately, the damage could become something far worse, like a massive leak or structural damage. You might also simply notice structural damage after a storm. This could be sagging ceilings or a place where part of your roof has already collapsed.
Heavy winds can also cause trees to fall and limbs to break. If this occurs, the debris from the trees could blow towards your house and damage the roof. If the wind is strong enough, it can uproot an entire tree, which can be a safety hazard for you and your family. If the tree falls on your home, damage is likely. In fact, a large enough tree is likely to penetrate the roof, causing damage that will need a speedy repair.
Heavy rains lead to major leaks on your roof. If you notice water dripping into your home or you see dark spots on your ceiling or walls, you need to contact a professional to manage the leak right away. If left alone for days, the leak will get worse. Too much damage can cause wood rot, mold, and structural damage to your home.
Assess the Damage
Once the storm is over, it’s time to assess all of the damage that occurred in your home. This does not mean getting up on the roof to see the damage up close. You don’t know if the damage to the roof is dangerous, and the roof is most likely slippery because of the moisture and wet debris. Stay safe by staying at ground level.
Also, before you step outside, make sure that you look for downed powerlines or trees from the heavy wind of the storm. They can be dangerous, so if you see them, remain inside until they can be professionally cleared away. Use binoculars to get a sense of the damage on your roof, and let the professionals take care of inspecting the roof up close. With binoculars, you will be able to see damaged or missing shingles or flashing, debris on the roof, and any other extensive damage.
When checking for damage, make sure you inspect the interior of your home as well. This damage is most often related to leaks, so if you see any signs of leaks, make a note of it so that you know exactly how bad the leak is and if it is getting worse. Also, look for sagging areas on the ceiling, as this could indicate structural damage that needs attention.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
Now that your initial damage assessment is complete, it’s time to call in a professional from our team at Action Roofing to do a professional inspection. We suggest doing these inspections after any major storm because there could easily be damage that needs a keen eye to notice. If damage is not taken care of immediately, the cost of repairs later will be much higher.
We have decades of experience repairing roofs after storms, so let us take care of it. We also have protections in place in case accidents occur during repairs. Get an estimate from a member of our team, and we’ll give you an approximate cost for the repairs and a timeframe for completing them.
If there’s an issue that needs attention right away, our team will perform a temporary fix to make sure that more damage does not occur. This could be placing tarps over leaks on the roof, removing debris, or placing buckets around to catch existing leaks. Make sure that you take steps to minimize damage if you can’t schedule repairs right away.
Make sure that you write down information about all of the damage found during the initial inspection so that you have details available when you contact the insurance company. Don’t wait too long to contact your insurance company because the period after a storm when they typically help with repairs may have a limit. Also, take pictures of the damage that you can see, as this may be valuable during the insurance claim process. It can even speed up the process because the adjuster already has proof of the damage.
Schedule Roofing Repairs
As soon as you get approval for your insurance claim, it’s time to schedule roof repairs. The sooner the repairs are complete, the less chance of underlying damage that needs more repairs. If water seeps through the roof, then mold and mildew could grow. Schedule repairs for any leaks, water damage, and structural damage. Our team at Action Roofing will take care of your roofing needs right away.
Consider Preventative Measures for the Future
If you live in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll need a durable roof made of materials that can stand up against high wind and heavy rain. Consider metal roofing options or impact-resistant shingles for additional protection. This will protect your roof from debris that gets blown around during a hurricane.
To minimize the chances that your roof is not ready for the next storm, scheduling regular maintenance is essential. This will help identify potential issues early, which can prolong the life of your roof. Regular maintenance will help keep your gutters clean so that water drainage goes where it should instead of pooling on the roof. It also ensures that the shingles are secure on the roof so that they don’t come off during the next big gust of wind.
Contact Action Roofing for a Roof Inspection
With almost 40 years of dealing with roofing emergencies in the Fort Lauderdale area, Action Roofing knows exactly what to expect after a storm. We will quickly inspect the roof to see what damage there is to manage. We can take pictures of the area that is out of your view so that you have images for your insurance claim. In fact, our team will work with your insurance company to make sure the cost of the repairs does not come out of your pocket. We will also help schedule repairs and reinforce your roof to make sure it’s stronger to withstand the next big storm that comes through the area.
We are one of the top roofing companies in the Fort Lauderdale area, so we know what it takes to keep your roof’s integrity strong. Contact Action Roofing to schedule maintenance services or to take care of your other roofing needs, particularly after storm damage.
