Emergency ServiceShould I Replace My Roof After a Storm?
After a storm, you may not be able to tell the extent of the damage done to your roof or if there is any damage at all. Damage to your roof can compromise the integrity and structure of your home, putting all inhabitants at risk. If you live in an area frequented by inclement weather, you may be tempted to have the roof replaced before the next storm hits.
Should you replace your roof after a storm? When it comes to knowing whether or not you need to replace your roof after a storm, the first step you should take is to contact a local roofing company. The roofer can inspect your roof to see the damage’s extent and diagnose the type of damage you have. From there, the roofer can advise you whether you need roof repairs or a whole new roof.
Don’t wait until the middle of the storm season to call your roofer; a weak roof can lead to more damage if you get hit by a storm again. Call a Tulsa roof replacement company immediately if you think your roof has been damaged in a storm. To learn more about the process of replacing your roof, keep reading.
How to Tell If Your Roof Has Been Damaged by a Storm
Sometimes, there are obvious signs that a storm has damaged your roof. Other times, you may not be able to see any visible signs of damage. Either way, having a roofer inspect your roof after a bad storm is a good idea. Most roofers provide free roof inspections if you live in an area susceptible to severe weather.
Here are some obvious signs that your roof has probably been damaged in a storm:
Roof Shingles in Your Yard
If you leave your house after a storm and see roof shingles in your yard, call a roofer; your house has suffered from severe wind damage. If your roof is missing shingles, that means your roof is unprotected from the elements. Shingles help water run off your roof and move away from the home. Without them, your roof is now susceptible to water damage.
Roof Shingles Out of Place on Your Roof
Another visible sign that your roof has received damage is if you look up at your roof and see shingles turned up or out of place. This damage is usually caused by wind; the wind can blow underneath the shingle and cause it to lift. This damage will allow water to get into the home.
Hail Damage to House Siding and Gutters
If you’ve just had a hailstorm and walked outside to find the siding of your house and the gutters damaged, chances are your roof is damaged as well. While hail damage to a roof can be more difficult to see and diagnose, hail impaction can cause shingles to crack. Through these small cracks, water can drip into the home.
Water Leaks in the Home
Unfortunately, the only reason many people notice their roof is damaged is by water leaks in their attic or ceiling. A water leak can appear on the ceiling as a stain. If the flow of water is significant, water can even form a bubble in the drywall that may drip or explode. If you notice water stains on your ceiling, call a roofer immediately to come and inspect your roof.
Call A Roofer If You Think You Have Storm Damage
If your area has just gone through a severe storm, it’s a good idea to call a roofer to come out and assess any damage that may have been done. Some things may make your roof more susceptible to damage like the age of the roof, the quality of the original roof, and even sun exposure. Direct sunlight for long periods may weaken shingles and other roofing materials.
If you live in an area known for inclement weather, most roofers will provide free roof inspections. Here is what you can expect from a roofing inspection:
The Roofer Will Climb Up on the Roof to Inspect Damage
The first thing your roofer will do when inspecting your roof is to climb up to assess the damage. There may be some points of your roof that is not visible from the ground, or there could be damage that can’t be seen from far away. By going up on the roof, the roofer will be able to review the roof thoroughly.
The Roofer Will Mark the Damage and Take Pictures for Proof
As the roofer discovers damage on your roof, they may circle the damage using chalk. The smaller the area of damage, the chances are a full roof replacement can be avoided. Are there areas where shingles just need to be replaced or were the foundational layer of the roof damaged? The roofer may also take pictures of the damage so they can show you when they get back down to the ground level.
The Roofer Will Help You Come Up with a Plan for Repairs
If your roof is damaged and you need repairs or a replacement, the roofer can advise you on the best course of action to take. In some areas, severe weather is frequent, and you’ll have to act fast. In other areas, you may not be under as much of a time crunch. Your roofer will be able to give you good advice when it comes to fixing your roof.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?
Hearing that you need to replace your roof can make you feel a pit of despair. You immediately think about how much money it will cost you. Luckily, most homeowner’s insurance will help to cover repairs or replacements needed due to storm damage. Without help from insurance, it may cost you $5,000 – $8,000 to replace your roof.
There are some things to keep in mind when replacing your roof.
Can You Prove That the Roof Damage Is Storm Damage?
For your homeowner’s insurance to help cover the costs of replacing your roof, you must prove that the damage to your roof is storm damage. The reason for this is your insurance will not help to repair a roof that has been neglected. So, how do you prove that the damage came from a storm?
Any time there is a severe weather threat in the forecast, be sure to capture pictures of your home and your roof before the storm hits. This way, you have a picture and a date to prove that the damage was caused by a storm. Be sure to include after pictures as well so the insurance company understands the extent of the damage.
A Quality Roofer Will Save You Money in the Long Run
When it comes to home projects, some people will just hire the cheapest contractor they can find. Unfortunately, cheap doesn’t always mean skilled. If you are looking to have a quality roof installed that can withstand storms and protect your household, it may be worth it to spend a little extra on a reputable roofing contractor.
Before you hire a roofing contractor, take time to read reviews left about their services. Sometimes, reviews are the best way to get first-hand knowledge about a company. Another thing you can do is ask for references. If the contractor is willing to give you references, it means that people are willing to back them up as reputable contractors.
Keep the Weather in Mind
In Tulsa, there may be weeks where there’s just one big storm after another. If your roof has previously received damage that has yet to be fixed, it weakens your roof against the next storm. A weak roof can do little to protect you from wind and rain.
To avoid a catastrophe, attempt to complete your roofing repairs before the next storm. Many roofers provide emergency repair or a temporary roof tarp to protect your home before the roof can be repaired. Before storm season, find a roofer you trust to be your contact in the case of an emergency. This will save you time compared to being caught off guard and having to quickly find a roofer.
You can find a timeline for replacing a roof here.
Your roof is an important part of your home. It’s important to take care of your roof to protect your family and your belongings. Green Country Roofing provides storm damage roofing repair and roof replacement to the Tulsa metropolitan area. Contact us when you need a high-quality roof services in Tulsa.
