Storms can quickly damage your roof, causing water to leak into your home. Bill West Roofing helps Greater Kansas City homeowners repair storm damage quickly. Find out what steps to take after storms hit. These steps protect your family and home from additional damage.
What Happens When Storm Damage Goes Unnoticed?
Minor roof issues can lead to serious problems. Water first seeps through small cracks, causing unnoticed damage to your home. Repairing it later costs more money.
Animals Find Holes And Take Residence
Rodents and birds find gaps and enter your attic, building nests there. Rodents often chew wires and cause additional damage. Removing them can be costly.
Water Seeps In, Causing Mold and Interior Damage
When your roof leaks, wet insulation loses its ability to conserve energy, driving up monthly heating bills as unwanted cold air seeps in during winter and hot air enters in summer. You’ll see water stains appearing on your walls, paint peeling, and your ceiling starting to sag. Mold develops quickly in damp, dark areas and can spread throughout your home, causing your family to breathe in harmful air. Addressing these issues can easily cost thousands, or even more.
Wooden Parts Start To Rot, Leading to Structural Problems
When wooden parts of your roof begin to rot, it weakens the entire structure and makes it unsafe. This rot can cause your roof deck to become soft and weak, or even lead to support beams bending or cracking. In such cases, the entire roof might require a full replacement, which could cost much more than simple repairs.
What Are The Steps Homeowners Should Take After A Storm?
For your safety, never climb onto your roof, especially after a storm. Assessing the situation from the ground after the storm has fully passed. Always watch for fallen power lines, and call 911 immediately if you see any other danger signs.
Inspect and Document
Use binoculars to safely inspect damage closely. Take photos and videos from all angles. Capture wide shots of the roof and ground level, then take close-ups of each problem. (Date stamps on photos are helpful for insurance claims.)
Write down your findings in notes. Detail exactly where you see each issue, including the time and date you notice it. Keep all your notes in one secure location. This approach will help when speaking with your insurer or adjuster.
Check For Missing Shingles First
Assess your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Check gutters for small roof granules, which protect your shingles from sun damage. Finding these granules indicates your roof has sustained damage.
Stop Water From Damaging The Home
Place buckets under leaks inside your home immediately. Move furniture away from damp spots. Open windows to improve air circulation. This step helps prevent mold from forming in moist areas. Don’t try to fix major problems alone. Hire a roofer to cover holes with tarps.
Call Your Insurance Company Fast
If possible, call your insurance company on the same day. Inform them about the storm and the damage. Ask what your policy covers for roof repairs. Obtain a claim number for your records.
Meet With The Insurance Adjuster Together
When your insurance adjuster visits, meet with them and point out every issue you find on your roof. If possible, have your roofer there as well. Two qualified pros can spot more damage than one.
Find A Good Local Roofer
Locate a local roofer in your area. Avoid hiring fly-by-nighters who knock on your door. Verify that your roofer has proper licensure and insurance documents. Ask neighbors for a trusted roofer they recommend.
Secure Multiple Written Estimates
If necessary, get written estimates from several roofing companies. Compare their assessments of the required repairs, making sure each is clearly explained. Then, choose the company with the best local reputation.
Keep All Receipts For Everything
Preserve receipts for any emergency repairs you do. Your insurance might reimburse you for them. Don’t overspend on temporary fixes, though. Wait until the real repairs start. Follow your roofer’s advice.
Where To Hire A Storm Damage Roof Repair Contractor In Kansas City
Because local roofers best understand Kansas City’s weather patterns, they know which materials perform well during storms here. Bill West Roofing has been repairing or replacing roofs in this area for many years, helping homeowners get insurance claims approved, and we fix roofs right the first time.
Contact Bill West Roofing today to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate.
