Storm Damage Checklist: Manage Your Roof Damage Like A Pro

A severe storm can significantly damage your home. If you’ve experienced thunder conditions, you know the damage it can do. Fallen trees, power outages, and even roof damage are all typical results of bad weather. If you are not prepared, the damages can quickly become overwhelming.

Storm season is upon us, and with it, the potential for roof damage. If a storm strikes your home, it’s essential to take action quickly to minimize further damage. A professional storm damage checklist can help you manage the situation like a pro. 

Iron City Construction LLC will provide a comprehensive list of things to do when your roof is damaged in a storm. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to repairing your roof quickly and efficiently!

Don’t Be an Amateur – Use This Professional Storm Damage Checklist!

If your home got damaged in a storm, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible. This storm damage checklist will help you manage the situation like a professional roofing contractor!

1. Check for Visible Damage

The first step after a storm pass is to check for any visible damage to your roof. Suppose you see any missing or damaged shingles, broken gutters, or other damage. In that case, you must call a roofing contractor as soon as possible. They will assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.

Also, read our blog on a roof’s problem areas and how to inspect them.

2. Look for Debris on the Roof

After a storm passes through, it’s not uncommon for there to be debris on your roofs, such as branches, leaves, and other items blown by the wind. Removing this debris as soon as possible is essential so it doesn’t cause further damage or block your gutters and downspouts, which could lead to flooding inside your home.

3. Check for Missing or Damaged Shingle

The first thing you’ll want to do is check for shingle damage. Look for missing, cracked, or curled shingles. If you see any damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible, as damaged shingles can lead to leaks.

4. Inspect Your Gutters

It’s also essential to inspect your gutters for debris and damage. Debris in your gutters can clog them, leading to water damage. Additionally, damaged gutters can also lead to water damage as they may no longer be able to direct water away from your home properly.

Suppose you see any bent sections, holes, or other damage. In that case, it’s vital to have them fixed as soon as possible so they can continue to work properly to protect your home from water damage.

5. Check for Shingle Granules in the Gutters

If your roof has asphalt shingles, it’s essential to check your gutters for any granules that may have come loose during the storm. These granules help protect your shingles from UV rays and help them last longer, so if you see a lot of them in your gutters, it could indicate that your shingles are damaged and need to be replaced.

6. Check for Roof Leaks

If you see any signs of a roof leak, it’s essential to have it repaired immediately. Roof leaks can cause severe damage to your home if left unrepaired.

7. Inspect Your Attic

After you’ve inspected the exterior of your roof, it’s time to look at the interior by inspecting your attic. Look for any signs of water damage, such as stains on the ceiling or walls. Additionally, check for any leaks around ductwork, pipes, or electrical wiring.

8. Check for Animal Damage

Animals can cause severe damage to your roof if they can get inside. Therefore, it’s essential to check for any signs of animal damage, such as holes in the roof or chewing marks on shingles or other roofing materials.

9. Inspect Your Flashings

Flashings are metal strips used to seal gaps and joints in your roof. They are typically used to seal your roof’s chimneys, skylights, and other openings. Inspecting flashings for cracks or holes is crucial as they can let water enter your home.

If these flashings are damaged or missing after a storm, it could lead to severe water damage inside your home, so inspect them and ensure they are still intact.

10. Check Your Ventilation System

Your roof ventilation system ensures that hot air and moisture can escape your attic. It is responsible for helping regulate the temperature in your attic and preventing moisture build-up, so it’s essential to ensure it’s in good working condition after a storm. Suppose your ventilation system is not working properly. In that case, it can lead to severe problems, such as mold and mildew growth or ice dams forming on your roof during winter.

You must check the vents on your roof and ensure no debris is blocking them. You should also look inside your attic to ensure no water leaks through the vents.

11. Remove Debris

After you’ve inspected your roof for damage, removing any debris that may have accumulated during the storm is essential. It includes branches, leaves, and other materials that could cause further damage to your roof if left unchecked.

12. Make Repairs

Once you’ve removed all the debris from your roof, it’s time to start making repairs. If there are any missing or damaged shingles, they will need to be replaced as soon as possible. If there are any cracks in your tiles, they can be repaired with a sealant. If there is more extensive damage, you may need to hire a professional roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs.

13. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Cleaning out your gutters and downspouts after a storm is also essential. It will help prevent water from pooling on your roof and causing further damage.

14. Check for Internal Damage

In addition to checking your roof for external damage, it’s also essential to check for internal damage. It includes water stains on ceilings or walls, peeling paint, and other signs of water damage. If you find any interior damage, it must be repaired quickly enough to prevent further damage to your home.

Check out the National Storm Damage Center’s website to learn how to find damage after a storm.

15. Document the Damages

Once you’ve assessed the damages, you must document everything to file an insurance claim. Be sure to take enough pictures as evidence and keep all receipts for repairs.

16. File an Insurance Claim

If your insurance policy covers the damages, the next step is to file a claim. It can be done online or over the phone with your insurance company. Be sure to have all the necessary documentation ready when you file the claim so it can be processed as quickly as possible.

Need a Roofing Contractor in Pinellas County? No Problem!

If you need a storm damage inspection for our home in Pinellas County, please contact Iron City Construction LLC. We are a full-service roofing company that offers free consultation and a wide range of services, from repairs to replacements. With ten years of experience in the industry, we know how to get the roofing job done right—the first time.

Contact us today for your free estimate!