Owning a home in Florida can be an exciting and fun proposition, but it can also a major responsibility, one that needs careful attention and a willing steward. As a Florida Roofing Contractor in Jacksonville Beach, we here at Sunrise Roofing understand a homeowner’s job is to keep their house in a safe condition. This is no more apparent than during and after inclement weather has struck. Year-round proper maintenance can help protect your home, but sometimes we can do everything right and still during a storm sustain roof damage.
After the storm passes and the conditions are safe, one should check the outside of their home for any damage it may have sustained from high winds, hail, water, and or fallen debris. It is very important to do this before you contact your insurance company so you can collect documentation for your claim.
At Sunrise Roofing we believe in the use of a Storm Damage Checklist for identifying steps that need to be taken after a storm has passed.
SAFETY FIRST WHEN MAKING AN INSPECTION
After a storm you need to inspect your home and roof inside and out, from top to bottom. We suggest you do so with extreme caution, and as safely as possible. Keep an eye out for slippery patches of water, tile damage, exposed electrical lines, broken glass, debris and any other hazards that might be present. We always assume that any downed power lines are live and dangerous. Please stay away from these and alert the utility company as soon as you encounter one. If you smell gas or suspect a leak in a gas line, shut off the main line, open up all of the windows, and immediately go outside. Notify the gas company asap and do not return into your home until they tell you it is safe to do so.
CHECKING FOR WIND DAMAGE
A roof on a Florida home is very susceptible to damage after being exposed to high winds. The underlying structure of your homes roof may also have been compromised, so it is important to identify issues as soon as possible. Without remediation, you could sustain additional damage from rain. A thorough inspection of your roof should take place for any visible damage. This can include damaged, bent, curled, lifted, torn, or cracked shingles, broken tiles or even bent metal joints, which left unattended could cause water damage. If this type of damage has been incurred, additional issues like mold, mildew, or even roof collapse could ensue.
HAIL DAMAGE
Hail can cause a lot of damage to your roof, facia and siding. After a suspected hailstorm, you may see loose granules from shingles and a lot of dents or marks in shingles, broken tile or indentations in metal and siding. The problem is sometimes more than cosmetic, however. The granules on asphalt shingles help protect your roof against sun and water damage, so it is important to repair shingles in a timely manner.
MAKE SURE TO DOCUMENT ANY DAMAGE
If you discover damage has occurred to your roof, take pictures before doing any cleanup or repairs. This will put you in the best position to recover full compensation for your losses from your homeowners insurance policy.
STANDING WATER
After a heavy rain, standing water on any flat roofs could cause major problems for your home. Also, clogged gutters backed up with rainwater can flow underneath shingles, down siding etc. That moisture left alone, can penetrate the roof deck damaging the under structure and even get into your home’s interior. If you find standing water, avoid stepping in it until you are sure the substructure is secure. Water damage can lead to mold growth, and can threatens your family’s health as well as your home.
REMOVE DEBRIS
After any severe weather, it is common to see debris on roofs and the ground. This usually includes both small branches and sometimes heavy tree limbs. No matter the size, tree debris can cause major damage to your roof. Because roof debris can compromise the structural integrity of your roof, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. You can do this yourself if it is safe, or call a professional roofer, but remember to take pictures for your insurance company before removal.
CONTACT SUNRISE ROOFING AND YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Once you have inspected the damage and documented as much as you can, contact Sunrise Roofing for a preliminary estimate of the damage and cost. This way you will have a gauge to decide if your insurance company is being fair with your claim. When you file, provide them with the pictures you took and any receipts from temporary living expenses you might have incurred. Hopefully, your insurance provider will work with you to get things repaired and right again, but the process may take some time.
Repairing roof storm damage is easier and safer when done by a trustworthy professional like Sunrise Roofing. We have over 25 years as a General Contractor and Roofing Contractor. Give us a call at 904-323-1929 for a free estimate
If roof repairs are not completed in a timely and proper manner, your home could sustain additional damage.
