After a major storm blows through, it’s important to take into account any damage caused by wind, rain, hail, or other flying debris. If there is indeed damage to the roof and it is in need of immediate, emergency repair, your insurance may cover it. You’ll need to document the damage and file your roofing claim in a timely manner.
Some damage may be obvious, such as a fallen tree on the roof or a leak in your upstairs bedroom. However, other storm damage may be less noticeable to the untrained eye, like hail that dents roof shingles and causes them to crack but still appear to be whole. As expert hail damage roofing contractors, we know these small cracks cause roof leaks to appear later. That’s why we recommend always having a professional take a look.
That said, you might want to know what you can do in the meantime, so here are some tips to help you decide whether you need a roof replacement after a storm.
How to Inspect Your Roof After a Storm
Begin with a ground-level inspection. You should be able to see from far away whether it appears as though your roof may be damaged. If trees obscure your line of sight, unfortunately, this may not be possible.
Next, go to your attic. From inside the attic, you should be able to tell whether water was able to penetrate your roof. This is always a sign that something is in need of repair. Water damage is expensive and can get worse quickly, so it must be addressed immediately.
If you've identified damage during your ground-level inspection or during your attic inspection, climbing up to the roof is the best way to determine the severity of the issue. This can be dangerous!
If you aren't confident in your ability to work with a ladder safely and effectively, it's better to call the professionals at Midwest Exteriors MN for a proper and more thorough roof inspection.
Temporary Roofing Reduces Additional Damage
If the weather is still bad, but workers can get started making repairs, the roofing company can install temporary roof coverings to keep as much water out of the premises as possible while the roof replacement is being completed.
Most emergency roof replacement jobs can be finished in one or two days!
Assessing Whether Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced
Once you've established that storm damage is there, you must determine whether it must be fully replaced. If your roof is already 15 to 20 years old, you may want to replace it rather than repair it. An older roof will need to be replaced regardless, which means any repairs will just be an additional expense. Plus, the older a roof gets, the more extensive the repairs will be.
Likewise, if the roof damage occurs over a large area of the roof, repairing it is going to be expensive compared to the cost of replacing it altogether. A roof replacement improves the value of your property, and if you sell it at any time within the next few years, it will be considered a major selling point.
On the other hand, if the roof only has a few shingles missing or a small amount of damage and the roof is not leaking, then a simple repair may be possible. Either way, your insurance company may be able to handle at least a portion of the related expenses.
Dealing With Insurance Claims
Talk to a professional at Midwest Exteriors MN immediately after you call your insurance agent. We have experience helping our clients deal with insurance claims and will work with you and your insurance adjuster.
Having an expert opinion from your roofing contractor that supports your claim also helps ensure that you get sufficient funds for the necessary replacement costs to make the repairs and eventual replacements.
Our quality reconstruction work ensures that you will not lose property value in your home or commercial property due to storm damage.
How to Spot a Quality Roofing Contractor
Midwest Exteriors MN is ready to help anyone in the Twin Cities metro area with emergency storm damage repair. We serve both residential and commercial properties from our headquarters in Lake Elmo, Minnesota – please don’t hesitate to call us or fill out our free estimate form for any storm damage service.
While different roofing companies are skilled in different areas and with different roofing materials, there remain a few constant factors that are solid indicators that your potential partner is the real deal!
They’re People-Friendly
Of course, you probably won’t be chit-chatting constantly with your roofing company as they work. But a jovial, positive attitude is essential – you’re paying these people to give you a stress-free roofing experience, not to ruin your day!
A friendly, positive attitude when interacting with you is also a good indicator of how they approach their work: with optimism, passion, and joy. Of course, those characteristics will certainly lead to a job well done.
They Look Out for Their Workers (and You!)
Face it: None of us are at our best when we’re forced to perform in detrimental environments, like when it’s too hot or too cold or the surroundings are otherwise unsafe. While your roofing contractor should make every effort to get the job done on time, if extenuating circumstances make it unsafe to go to work, they should work with you, the client, to ensure everyone is on the same page and then reschedule.
Demonstrating care to all parties involved shows that your roofing contractor truly values the quality and timeliness of the finished product.
They’re Big On Open Communication
The world of roofing is wide and complicated. Your roofing contractor’s job is to simplify it for you so you can make the best decisions for your budget, lifestyle, and tastes. During consultations with your roofing contractor, you should feel that they’ve educated you enough to ask questions, refuse options, and generally feel good about what roofing style you’ve landed on.
Expect no less than crystal-clear communication!
Work With the Experts at Midwest Exteriors MN
Our telephone number is 651-346-9477, and we suggest saving it in your contact list for emergencies. A bad storm that causes lots of damage can happen at any time, so it is best to be prepared.
Avoid the temptation to get up on a roof to survey the damage, especially if the storm continues. That is very dangerous. Call Midwest Exteriors MN instead, and we will come right over to assess the damage for you and give you a free estimate that you can use for your insurance company. We have dealt with every kind of storm damage that you can imagine, including damage caused by high winds, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail, lightning, freezing, ice dams, and more.
If you live anywhere in Minnesota near the Twin Cities, Midwest Exteriors MN is the company to call at 651-346-9477! Or get a free estimate online for any storm damage repairs.