A roll of thunder, a blinding bolt of lightning – you know a storm is on the way. As the weather begins to warm in St. Louis, storms become more common – which could wind up spelling trouble for your roof. One minute your roof is in tip-top shape, and the next, hail, high winds, or even fallen trees bring catastrophe, leaving you with a mess. Storm damage can give any homeowner a headache, but following these easy steps can help you get your roof back in action.
Assess the Damage
Once the storm has rolled through and it’s safe to be outside, step out and check your roof and exterior for any possible damage. If you feel uncomfortable with climbing up to the roof to hunt for damage, make an appointment with a professional, who will know if your roof came out of the storm unscathed.
Know What to Look For
Storm damage isn’t always easy to find. If you don’t mind inspecting the roof yourself, you’ll need to know what to keep an eye out for. Of course, obvious signs like damaged or missing shingles, broken or damaged flashing, and loose or peeling sealant should be on your radar. However, a professional will be able to spot seemingly hidden signs of damage. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that homeowners have professionals inspect their roof every spring and every fall to ensure it’s in top condition.
Document the Damage
If you find any roof damage, whip out your smartphone or camera and document the evidence. Photos or videos of the damage will help you in filing a claim with your insurance company and can help move the process along more smoothly.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you’d like to file a claim with your insurance company, you do have some time. You do not need to succumb to pressure from pushy roofing sales people. You can have from 1-2 years to file the claim (depending on your carrier). Also, keep in mind that your coverage may vary and your deductible may be more than you realize. When in doubt, call up your agent and find out what your insurance policy covers!
Get Repairs Done Quickly
Once you’ve finished filing the claim, you’ll want to have a professional roofer take care of any damages that occurred. This will help minimize the chances of any additional harm falling to your structure, especially if leaks are involved. Let Ferguson Roofing help repair the damage done to your roof, gutters, siding, windows, soffit and fascia! We offer a temporary repair program to help protect the interior of your home while your claim is being processed. If your claim is approved, your insurance company will cover this service!
If a storm damages your home’s exterior, don’t panic – it can be repaired and replaced! Before another storm comes through the area, make sure to call Ferguson Roofing to schedule a free inspection and analysis. We will help you find out if you need to file a claim while abiding by the appropriate social distancing regulations. Schedule your appointment with us by calling (314) 521-6917 in Missouri or (618) 212-1912 in Illinois.