Whether your roof has been damaged by rain, hail, or wind during a storm, deciding the best steps to fix the roof damage can be challenging. Even though the storm is over, the steps after can feel like a storm itself. Ideally, the damages are a quick fix. No matter the amount of damage your house has endured, following these six steps to make the process of getting your roof repaired after a storm as smooth as possible. With hail season on its way for those of us in Colorado and the other states in ‘Hail Alley,’ it is never a bad refresher.
6 Steps to Repair Storm-Damaged Roofs
- Check the Initial Damages
- Minimize Potential Further Property Damage
- Get an Estimate from a Licensed Roofing Contractor
- Contact Your Home Insurance Company
- Reach Out to a Public Insurance Adjuster
- Choose a Roofing Contractor to Fix the Damages
If you are already in need of a reputable roofing contractor to repair your roof, you may be able to skip to step six. Restoration Contractors is here to walk you through the home renovation and roof repair process in Arvada, Colorado. You can also find more about Restoration Contractors by scrolling down!
Here is a little more about the six steps to repairing your roof after it has been damaged from a storm.
Check for and Document the Damage
It is essential to check for damage after the storm has passed as soon as it is safe to do so. Strong winds, falling hail, and heavy rain can cause significant damage to your home. The shingles on your roof are the most commonly damaged area of your home, followed by windows. Strong winds can easily damage or altogether remove shingles from your roof, depending on what kind of storm it is. Hailstones are known for leaving dents or big marks on shingles and knocking them loose.
Heavy rains can cause a great deal of damage. Pay special attention to how your roof is draining. If the roof is not draining correctly, due to a clogged gutter, for instance, backlogged rainwater can go under your shingles. This forces moisture into your roof and could saturate the wood and other structural materials, leading to further damage.
When reviewing the storm damage, always walk a complete lap around the house. Document all damages, create a list, and take pictures to provide to a reputable insurance company.
Minimize Potential Further Damage
First and foremost, the potential for further property damage should be minimized for safety reasons. Beneficial to your future as well; it can definitely save you time and money in the long run. Having roof damage above your living space can escalate quickly. Be sure to move any furniture, decorations, and valuables out of that space. Place something to catch any leaking water underneath the damage, such as a garbage can or a bucket. If needed, you may place a tarp to cover large surface areas. Excess water can be absorbed by materials essential to the stability of your home, such as wood, insulation, or carpet. Controlling the water flow can help you prevent future issues such as mold.
Any branches or objects that are leaning or have landed inside the home should be removed so that they do not fall a second time. Staying vigilant and using these preventative measures can mitigate further damage. This will help keep your home safe during the repair process and keep your house as protected as possible down the line.
Get an Estimate from a Licensed Colorado Roofing Contractor
After minimizing property damage, you will want to schedule an inspection with reputable roofers. Having a professional assess the damage will be key for steps 4 and 5. It will also give you an idea of the damage as a whole. Chances are that you have done the best that you can, documenting and taking pictures of your roof’s damage. The professional roofing contractors at Restoration Contractors are here to catch the little things the first time, ensuring all essential details are there to have your roof properly prepared.
Once the damages are assessed, the contractors can give an estimate of the project cost. Many professional roofing contractors in Denver offer free inspections, including Roofing Contractors. It is always recommended that you have three to four inspections done. This gives you an opportunity to speak with different companies, hear different repair plans, and compare budget prices. Having these details is vital to deciding on which roofing contractor to hire for your storm-damaged roof repairs.
Contact Your Home Insurance Company
The amount of time you have to file an insurance claim can be fleeting. It is recommended to contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to determine insurance coverage. They may tell you it is more advantageous to contact a contractor directly. If the damage calls for your homeowner’s insurance, you can provide the documented damages you have captured from Step 1. You will be able to adequately submit photos and show examples of the damages you are explaining in your claim. Your estimates from the roofing contractors will also be used as evidence to support you. With this, you will be one step closer to getting the proper compensation for your roof repairs.
Reach Out to a Public Insurance Adjuster
Once the claim is filed and all of your documentation has been noted, it is time to reach out to a public insurance adjuster. The reason you want to reach out to a public adjuster is that they work for you and not the insurance company. Therefore, they are lending you their experience and education to maximize your claim. With the estimates that you have gotten from your roofing contractors, along with the adjuster’s inspection, you are better able to prove your need for compensation to your insurance company.
Repairing roof damage is imminent to survival. The stability and shelter a roof provides to your home or office should not be underestimated. You should seek to repair your roof as quickly as possible, and your insurance company should seek to ensure that it is possible for you and your family.
Choose a Roofing Contractor to Repair the Storm Damage
Our last step is to reach out to a trusted contractor. After large storms, I am sure you can imagine how business may spike for a roofing contractor and others in the storm damage repair alike. Be wary of any “storm chasers” you run into. These are often illegitimate companies trying to offer discounts and deals that are undeniably great rates. However, if the proposal seems too good to be true, do yourself a favor and do additional research on that company.
Above all, the final quality of workmanship matters just as much as the experience of working with a company. Repairing storm damage to your home is essential to your well-being. Hiring a trusted roofing contractor can assure you that the damages have been taken care of with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Some good ways to find a trusted contractor are to start by asking your neighbors, friends, family, and others in your community if they have experience with a professional roofing company in Arvada. From there, you can read reviews on different platforms to get a feel of any consistency within the company, how they communicate, and their ability to solve problems. You can also go directly to a company’s website to view their portfolio and read testimonials. The Better Business Bureau offers an unbiased grade and review of companies. Most importantly, ensure the professional roofing contractor in Arvada you hire is properly licensed and insured and offers warranty options.
Contact Your Professional Roofing Company in Arvada, Colorado
If you are experiencing roof damage from any type of storm in Arvada, CO, allow yourself to feel some relief. You now know and understand what needs to be done in order to have your roof repaired as soon as possible. One of the most trusted roofing contractors in the state, Restoration Contractors, is here to help you fill in the blanks.
We are proud of our A rating from the Better Business Bureau and being a preferred contractor by Owens Corning. Our team at Restoration Contractors has delivered quality and dependability with every project over the last 14 years. The details you need to be mindful of the most are the big things we pay attention to. At Restoration Contractors, we pride ourselves on providing some of the most intricate work in the Denver Metro area when it comes to roof repair and home renovations.
If you are ready to reach out to Restoration Contractors to repair your roof, follow this link. We are happy to answer any of your questions, walking with you through the repair process. Our expert team of roofing contractors in Arvada will revive your home after any storm damage.