Storm damage can affect any home, no matter your location. You should always know what to do in case of time-sensitive damage, such as storm damage to your roof. That’s where we, at JTR Roofing, come in. We’re here to help you through the steps of dealing with storm damage in the Lake Elmo area.
What should you do if there’s been a storm and you suspect that there’s been damage to your roof? Step one is to check for damage. But, if there’s been a storm, you need to make sure you’re staying safe while checking! Before you go out to look, the best way to keep yourself safe from the start is to check the news to confirm that it’s safe to be outside in your area.
Here are a few other tips to keep you safe:
- Watch out for hazards (broken glass, nails, other sharp objects)
- Always stay at least 10 feet away from downed power lines (and contact the police as well as your utility company so they can deal with the problem)
- Avoid standing water
- Avoid checking for damage after dark if possible
If you’ve confirmed that you have storm damage, the next step is to assess/photograph the damage. Photographs are necessary when filing a claim and can help the insurance adjuster assess the damage.
Your roof is the most susceptible part of your house to storm damage, so focus on that. Be sure to check for these common signs of damage, and take clear photos of them:
- Leaks in your roof or ceiling
- Shingles that are missing, broken or dented
- Holes in your roof
- Split seams
- Dents on vents or gutters
Once you’ve taken photos of the damage, the next thing you should do is contact your homeowner’s insurance. If you have insurance, filing a claim with them can get you compensation to assist in paying for any necessary repairs. If the damages are bad enough to warrant staying in a hotel or finding a temporary living situation, be sure to keep all receipts to include in the insurance claim! If you need help navigating the insurance claims process, consider reaching out to a public insurance adjuster.
You’ve checked for and photographed damages, and contacted your insurance – now what? Now it’s time to get down to business and find the contractor that’s right for you! Here at JTR Roofing we pride ourselves on being a locally owned and operated business that area residents trust for their storm damage repair needs.
You can contact us at 651-777-7394 or fill out our form for a free estimate. We will then schedule your repairs! This leads you to your last step – sit back and relax, enjoying the peace of mind that comes with hiring a great, local, residential roofing contractor like JTR Roofing!
