You’ve probably heard it said that an ounce of prevention is worth an ounce of cure. The saying is true when it comes to roofing, for sure.
The best thing you can do to keep you, your loved ones, and your belongings safe during a storm is . . . all the things you do to prepare and protect before the storm hits. Batteries, gas, food staples, cash, evacuation plan—Floridians know the drill. But too many people forget about their roof, which is the first line of defense for your home.
It’s wise to have a regular preventative maintenance plan, where a professional, licensed service team conducts a meticulous inspection of your roof and supplies photographic documentation of its current condition. Each service visit should include clearing debris from the roofing system, collecting and disposing of material from gutters, and completing roof repairs as required.
This ounce of prevention will be worth it when a severe storm batters your neighborhood. But strong winds and rain, lightning and flying debris can still wreak havoc on your roofing—even with the best-laid plans.
Read on to learn what to do about your roof after the skies clear.
Common Roof Damage Caused by Storms
It’s common for a severe storm to cause roof damage of some kind, ranging from small dents or cracks to parts of the roof being entirely ripped off and blown away.
In Florida, where tropical storms and hurricanes are almost guaranteed, residents need to know what to do when something goes wrong. Even one of our summer storms can damage a roof in the following ways:
- Hail can cause dents, cracks, and movement to shingles. Round-shaped marks on the roof are a telltale sign.
- High winds can rip apart your roofing. Keep an eye out for creased or torn shingles, or loose granules from the shingles.
- Heavy rainfall can be hazardous enough to make the whole structure collapse.
- Standing water can create holes in your roof and weaken the adhesive between shingles. Make sure you have an efficient drainage system to prevent this from happening.
What to Do After the Sky Clears
First, be careful. Most people are a bit restless after being cooped up inside and want to leave the house and carry on with their normal lives immediately as soon as the sun starts to shine. Just remember that power lines might be down, loose tree limbs might be dangling dangerously overhead, ready to fall at any moment, and parts of your roof might be damaged and posing a threat to your safety.
Carefully walk around and see what you can see. If there’s water getting inside your house, you know there’s a leak. If you can see the sky from inside your house, you know part of your roof is gone. That’s when it’s easy to realize you need a pro, and now.
But you might not be able to see the roof damage that was caused, only discovering it later when the inevitable happens. It’s a good idea after a severe storm to call a reputable roofing company to come out and perform a full inspection. They will spot things you might miss and be able to suggest, price, and execute solutions.
Clean, Repair, or Replace Roofing
Storm damage should be addressed as soon as possible. Make sure you hire a licensed professional who knows what to look for, and how to fix it. You don’t want a temporary patch. You want quality craftsmanship that will weather the next storm that comes your way.
After a professional roofer has estimated the cost of repairs or replacement, you might need to get your insurance company involved as well—to cover the costs of repairs, pay to house you while the roof of your home is being repaired, or to pay lost wages if you’ve been forced to close your business until the roof is replaced. It’s helpful to have a trusted roofer on your side as you navigate the insurance process.
Affordable Quality Roof Repair
No matter the repair need, Sentinel Roofing offers reliable roofing solutions and unbeatable customer service to help keep your residential home or commercial building in top shape. Whether it’s to repair a leak or replace part of your roof that was damaged during a storm, our team will be there ASAP to help meet the need.
If you have concerns about the health and safety of your roof, rely on Sentinel to inspect it. We will detail each potential repair, prioritizing needs based on urgency, and supply you with an accurate price and time estimate for each fix.
For answers to questions, more information, or to request an estimate or service call, contact us today.