High winds, such as those often found in tropical storms, can cause damage to your roof. This damage can range from minor leaks that go unnoticed to catastrophic failure of the entire roof if severe enough. If you suspect your roof has sustained some storm damage, it is important that you inspect it as soon as possible to protect yourself and your property. A roofing professional can always help you with the inspection.
Inspecting your roof for wind damage is not difficult. However, it does require that you know how to safely navigate the areas of your roof which may have been damaged. In some cases, the damage may be located in an area that requires extreme caution when moving around on your roof.
Before you begin inspecting your roof for damage, ensure that you have all of the necessary safety equipment available. You will need a sturdy ladder and a pair of rubber-soled shoes to get started. It is also recommended that you have a family member or friend help spot you as you inspect the more dangerous areas of your roof for damage.
Tips for Inspecting the Roof after a strong Wind
If you have recently experienced high winds, contact your roofing or home insurance agent as soon as possible to schedule an inspection. Your agent will be able to walk you through the process of inspecting your roof for damage.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance company to inform them about any wind damage to your home or property. Before having any repairs done to your home, always contact your insurance company first to make sure that you are covered for wind damage and follow their instructions before filing a claim.
Check for missing shingles or flashing
Check to see if any shingles are missing from your roof or have been damaged. If you find that any are missing or damaged, contact your roofer as soon as possible to schedule repairs.
Look for loose gutters and flashing
Inspect your gutters and flashing to ensure they are still tightly attached to the roof. If you notice any loose flashing or gutter pieces, contact a roofer to repair them before rain causes further damage to your home.
Request a meeting with a qualified insurance adjuster to inspect the damage
Only a qualified insurance adjuster can determine if your policy will pay for repairs, or if it has been voided due to age of the roof or other factors.
Check your attic for water leaks
Water stains on the underside of the roof deck indicate a leaky roof. Also look for water stains on the walls and ceiling of the top floor of your home. This may indicate the presence of a leak caused by wind-driven rain penetrating through holes in the roof deck or around openings such as plumbing vents or skylights.
Conclusion
Most of the time, high winds won’t do much damage to your roof. However, it’s important to take a few precautions to protect your home and personal property in the event of high winds. Through inspection, you will assess the extent of damage and decide whether a new commercial metal roofing salt lake city ut is needed or just minor repairs.
