After a storm sweeps through your neighborhood, you might worry about possible damage to your home. Even if you’re not familiar with what storm damage looks like, learning about your neighbors’ problems can increase your anxiety. To manage this, begin by reaching out to your insurance company for guidance. At the same time, arrange for a professional roof inspection with a trusted contractor. They will examine critical areas of your home’s roof, including missing shingles, damaged flashing, and bent gutters. The contractor will provide a detailed report and photographs to support any insurance claims, helping you stay informed and ready.
What Do Roofing Contractors Check For Damage From Storms?
A storm damage inspection is not the same as a traditional roof inspection. Contractors focus on distinct details such as hail marks, cracked shingles, and wind damage to your home’s exterior. They meticulously check for signs of severe impact and structural weaknesses caused by the storm. Unlike standard inspections, storm damage assessments are tailored to identify the specific aftermath of extreme weather. Understanding these nuances can help you better prepare for potential repairs and insurance claims. Here’s a deeper look at what contractors specifically search for during a storm damage inspection.
Damage To Ground-Level Objects
Contractors begin with a ground-level inspection to assess damage around your property. This initial step helps identify visible issues like broken siding or dented gutters. If they find wind or hail damage elsewhere, it suggests potential roof damage. Therefore, contractors conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure they document all damage accurately. This thorough approach helps provide a complete picture of the storm’s impact, aiding in repair planning and insurance claims.
Here’s a checklist of areas to inspect for hail and wind damage:
- Examine downspouts for dents, which can indicate hail damage. Dents in downspouts may suggest the impact was severe, potentially affecting your gutters. Inspecting these areas helps identify hidden storm damage and ensures comprehensive repairs.
- Inspect your garage door for strikes, dings, or any visible damage. These signs may indicate hail or wind impact, potentially compromising the door’s integrity. Addressing these issues promptly ensures your garage remains secure and functional.
- Check for wind-pulled or missing siding, which can reveal storm damage. Missing sections may indicate that high winds caused significant harm. Addressing these issues promptly helps protect your home’s exterior and prevent further damage.
- Examine window screens for holes, as these can indicate storm damage. Holes in screens might suggest flying debris or high winds. Promptly addressing these issues helps maintain your home’s security and prevents additional damage.
- Look for shingles scattered on the ground, as this often signals roof damage from a storm. Missing shingles can lead to leaks and further damage. Promptly addressing this issue helps protect your home from potential water damage.
How To Check For Storm Damage On A Roof
After examining the ground level, it’s essential to inspect the roof itself. Inspectors will check for hail, wind, or other storm damage on your gutters and shingles. This thorough inspection helps identify any issues and ensures your roof’s integrity is maintained.
Here’s what to anticipate:
Dents Or Dings To Your Gutters
Your roofing contractor will inspect your gutters for signs of damage, such as dings or dents from hail strikes. They will also check for granules in the gutters, which protect your shingles from leaks. Granule loss indicates potential roof damage, making this inspection critical for assessing overall roof health.
If hail causes granule loss, your shingles’ integrity is compromised and may need repair or replacement. Granule loss combined with hail and wind damage is a clear sign of storm damage. However, loose granules can also result from roof aging. If you have an older roof and notice this issue, it may be time for a replacement.
Condition Of Your Roof’s Shingles
Inspecting shingles is crucial, as a roofing contractor will assess their condition carefully. For wind damage, they will check for missing, lifted, cracked, or creased shingles. These issues suggest that the shingles have been compromised, increasing the risk of leaks and further damage.
For hail damage, contractors search for dings or dents that could harm the shingles. They also check for granule loss from repeated hail impacts. Any damage found will be documented with photos. These photos will be included in your insurance claim, providing proof that your roof has been compromised.
Damage To Roof Flashing And Roof Vents
A thorough roof inspection includes checking various components beyond just the shingles. Roof flashing and vents are common areas showing storm damage. Made of metal, these components reveal signs of hail strikes more clearly. Your contractor will inspect flashing and other metal parts for dents and dings. If hail is strong enough to dent the metal, your roof likely has damage in other areas as well.
How Do Roofing Contractors Record Storm-related Damage?
To file a substantial insurance claim, the insurance company requires clear evidence of storm damage. A roofing contractor will take detailed images during the inspection to document this damage. These photos will include ground-level issues, missing shingles, granule loss, hail marks, and other signs of storm damage. The contractor will also mark the damaged areas on the roof, providing a clear view of the damage’s extent. These documented images will be submitted to your insurance company to support and prove your claim.
Marking the damaged areas on the roof helps the insurance company understand the extent of the damage. All these photos will be submitted to your insurance company to substantiate your claim. While homeowners can take their own photos, it’s not required. For a storm damage inspection, simply find a contractor and start the insurance claim process.
What Happens After Your Storm Damage Roof Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, the roofing contractor will review the damage with you and suggest if you should file an insurance claim. If no storm damage is found, they will guide you on the next steps to address any issues. If storm damage is detected, they will share the damage photos and advise you to contact your homeowner’s insurance.
Roofing contractors assist with the inspection and documentation, but initiating the homeowner’s insurance claim is your responsibility. If storm damage is confirmed, make sure to call your insurance company to start the claim process. Once you have submitted your claim, it is then up to the insurance company to approve or deny it. Although your contractor can provide valuable support throughout the process, they do not have the authority to approve the claim themselves.
Filing A Storm Damage Claim
Now that you understand what is inspected during a storm damage roof inspection, how contractors document the damage, and what follows the inspection, you are better prepared for the next steps. If no storm damage is found, no claim will be filed. However, if damage is discovered, the next step is to begin the insurance claim process. Therefore, since filing a claim can be complex, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible beforehand. Additionally, to ensure a smooth process, it’s wise to have all necessary documentation ready before starting
Conclusion:
After a storm hits, understanding the inspection process can help you manage potential damage to your property. Start by reaching out to your insurance company and arranging a professional roof inspection. Contractors will examine your roof and document any damage with detailed photos, including issues like missing shingles and granule loss. This documentation is vital for filing a claim. If storm damage is found, your contractor will guide you through the next steps and advise contacting your insurance company. While contractors can support you, initiating and managing the insurance claim is your responsibility. Being informed and prepared helps ensure a smooth claims process and effective repairs.
FAQs:
- What is the purpose of a storm damage roof inspection?
A storm damage roof inspection aims to assess and document any damage caused by storms, such as hail or wind. The inspection helps identify issues that need repair and supports insurance claims by providing detailed evidence of the damage. - What areas of the roof are inspected during the process?
Inspectors examine various roof components, including shingles, gutters, flashing, and vents. They look for signs of damage like missing or cracked shingles, dents, granule loss, and any metal damage to ensure a comprehensive assessment. - How does the contractor document the damage?
The contractor documents damage using detailed photographs and notes. They capture images of the affected areas, such as missing shingles, granule loss, and damaged flashing. Additionally, they document other signs of damage to ensure a thorough assessment. Moreover, these visuals are crucial for substantiating the insurance claim and providing a clear record of the damage. Furthermore, by doing so, they help create a comprehensive and detailed case for the claim. - Will the contractor provide a report after the inspection?
Yes, the contractor will provide a detailed report summarizing their findings. This report contains pictures, damage descriptions, and repair suggestions. It is crucial for filing an insurance claim and understanding the extent of the damage. - What should I do after the inspection is complete?
After the inspection, review the contractor’s report and photos. If storm damage is confirmed, then you should promptly contact your insurance company in order to start the claims process. The contractor can guide you on the next steps; however, you’ll still need to manage the claim with your insurer. Additionally, as you navigate this process, it’s important to maintain clear communication with both parties to ensure a smooth resolution.
