When a tornado hits, it can leave your roof in bad shape, letting rain and debris inside. Rain and wind damage to a roof during tornado season is a frustrating issue, which is why it’s super important to know what to do right after the storm passes.
At Capital Roofing, we aim to provide high-quality, reliable roofing solutions. We understand that an unexpected tornado can cause stress around the condition of your roofing system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take once you spot tornado roof damage so you can get back to feeling safe and cozy within your home.
Is It Safe To Go Outside And Assess The Damage Instantly?
After a storm hits your home, your first thought might be to immediately go outside and check the condition of your home. But wait, inspecting your roof on your own can lead to safety risks. Before you rush to check your roof, look for gas leaks, downed power lines, and other structural damage.
It is never advised to directly climb your roof to assess its condition. Take proper precautions to avoid any safety risks, and use a ladder to properly assess the damage. It is best to consult an expert for inspection if you don’t have the right safety tools and experience.
Assess The Condition Of Your Roof Properly
If you’re able to safely get onto your roof, look around for missing shingles or other roofing materials, roof leaks, dents in roofing materials, or damage to the roof deck.
Document every form of damage you find by taking clear photos and detailed notes. If you miss marking a damaged spot, like a cracked shingle or dented vent, your insurance company may not account for it and pay for it to be repaired.
What Are The Common Affected Areas To Check After A Tornado?
Gutters, Windows, and Flashing
Look around and check that gutters haven’t been pulled away from the roofline. Assess the condition of window frames, torn screens, and the glass of the skylights. Check other roofing accessories like vents, flashing, and overhangs on your roof.
Interior Ceiling
While damage may not be immediately noticeable from the outside, if minor damage occurs, you may start to notice signs of leaks. Check the interior ceiling for stains and other signs of water damage. This may indicate that shingles or another smaller part of your roof is damaged and letting in leaks.
Roof Vents
Flying debris can crush vents or clog them, which can affect your indoor air quality. This type of damage can also indicate damage to other parts of the roofing system. A vent hit hard enough to dent or break would probably be accompanied by harm to nearby shingles, flashing, or the roof deck, all forms of hidden tornado roof damage that could lead to leaks.
So, when you’re mapping out storm damage for your contractor and insurance claim, give those vents a closer look. Make any note of the vents being damaged or blocked, as they may need replacement during your storm damage roof repair.
Structural Displacement
A tornado can easily disturb the foundation and structure of your home, causing the roof to sag. Assess the overall structure of your home. Look around for any signs of sagging or shifting, like tilted walls or sagging roofline, and note them down for your insurance claim company.
What Temporary Measures Can You Take To Protect Your Home From Further Damage?
Once you are done with documenting the tornado roof damage, secure the existing damage. Cover openings on the roof with tarps to prevent any leaks from occurring in your home. It’s best to hire a professional for this task as doing it yourself may lead to further damage to the roofing structure.
This temporary fix prevents further water damage and mold growth while you wait for your insurance claim to go through and professional tornado roof damage repair or replacement to take place.
Is It Important To Consult A Roofing Contractor?
Yes, it is important to call a professional roofing contractor if you face any kind of roofing emergency. Your contractor will help by safely and thoroughly inspecting the tornado roof damage, which will minimize the chance of any missed damage. A reputable contractor will temporarily fix the existing damage to prevent further problems or install a tarp to cover the damage and offer temporary protection while your insurance claim is processed or services can be scheduled.
When Should You Call An Insurance Company For Tornado Roof Damage?
Once you’re done inspecting your roof, consulting your contractor, and documenting the tornado roof damage, call your insurance company. Most policies require notifying them in a certain number of days (it can be anywhere from 1 week to 30 days). Delaying the process can complicate the claim process, so to avoid these glitches, call your insurance company as soon as your roofing contractor suggests.
Tips To Prevent Future Tornado Roof Damage
Here are some helpful tips that can minimize the risk of roof failure and tornado roof damage in the future:
- Strengthen Your Roofing Structure: Use hurricane straps or clips to secure rafters and ring-shank nails for a stronger roof deck.
- Use High-Quality Roofing Material: Low-quality materials can not withstand harsh weather conditions and can lead to repeated repair requirements. Using high-quality materials minimizes this risk of damage and ensures a durable roofing system.
- Upgrade Shingles: Invest in impact-resistant shingles to reduce the chance of damage from hail and debris.
- Maintain A Clean Roof: Regularly remove debris and ensure shingles lay flat to reduce wind resistance.
- Pre-Season Inspection: Have a professional inspect your roof before tornado season in order to find and address potential weak points.
- Smart Vents & Design: Install smart vents for pressure equalization and consider wind-resistant roof designs.
Also Read: 6 Reasons Why Roof Leaks In Heavy Rain (And How To Fix It)
Call Capital Roofing For Roof Replacement In Claremore, OK
If you are looking for a reliable partner for roof replacements and repair, then we are here to assist you! Our experts can efficiently deal with your tornado-damaged roof, offering repair and replacements in Claremore, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma.
With years of experience, we have handled many emergency cases and helped homeowners through the insurance claim process. We can offer tarping services, help with your insurance claim process, and take care of whatever repairs or replacements you need. For more information or to book a consultation, call us today at (918) 260-4075.
