Storm Damage Roofing Repairs in Philadelphia: What to Do First
Mother Nature can cause damage even to the best of structures, which is why it’s important to have insurance plans in place. More than 1 million power outages occurred after the recent storms hit the Eastern US, with the winds sending trees into roofs and displacing the shingles. The previous summer was just as unforgiving, sending more than 200 trees into the houses of Philly residents.
Storm damage is inevitable, whether it’s due to wear and tear or the wind plucking the shingles straight off. What’s important is knowing exactly what to do when this happens. This article will serve as your guide, so you can perform damage control as early as possible.
The First Steps to Take After a Storm
Roughly 94% of the homes in Philly are insured, and since storm damage is generally covered by insurance, professionals at Umbrella Roof suggest you take timely action. Here’s what you should do first:
Ensure Safety Before Everything
Before anything else, make sure to take safety into account. Wait until the storm has passed before doing a visual check of the roof. Check if the power lines are down, or if any fallen trees are threatening your safety. Turn off the electricity if the roof damage led to major leaks.
Conduct a Ground Inspection
Now that the risk to your safety is low, conduct a ground-level inspection. Check for missing or loose shingles, as well as detached or bent flashing. Minor dents or wet spots can lead to leaks in the long run, so make sure to record everything.
Document Everything
Insurance claims need as much proof as you can give them. Once the storm has passed, make sure to take high-resolution pictures of the damage. Include close shots and wide-angle shots of the exterior; timestamp them, if possible.
Go for Emergency Mitigations
If the leaks are active because the rain or snow never stops, go for emergency mitigation first. Roof tarping, moisture ventilation, and temporary seals can keep excess water from coming through, which can increase the damage. Depending on the size of the damage, you may want to have a pro handle this, too.
Call Your Insurance Provider
When the damage is significant, it’s best to call the insurance provider as early as possible. Delaying it can give them the excuse to deny your request, saying it did not happen. While there’s no problem if you contact them after a few days have passed, you shouldn’t allow weeks to pass. This is relevant because many homeowners contact their insurance company after the major repairs, when this should be done before.
What to Avoid Doing Post-Storm
Just like there are some things you should do after a storm in Philly, there are also some things that you should specifically avoid. These can include the following:
- Do DIY Repairs: Sticking some tarp over a hole you can reach is one thing, but doing the repairs yourself can be dangerous. Plus, if you have insurance, these little “projects” can affect your claim, unless you have a licensed professional doing the repairs.
- Delay Repairs: Those scattered loose shingles might not be an emergency today, but they put the entire roof at risk during the next storm. This can lead to more expensive repairs.
- Ignore the Interior: The roof might look fine on the outside, but signs such as leaks or spots in the ceiling can suggest there’s hidden damage. Don’t ignore doing an interior check after a storm.
To be safe, it’s best to contact the roofing contractors immediately after a big storm. This can prevent unpleasant situations.
The Bottom Line
Early action is recommended when dealing with a storm in Philly, so don’t dawdle. After the storm has passed and you made sure everyone is safe, document any potential damage to your roof. Your insurance company should be able to handle the potential repairs.
