Storms and hail can leave your home with serious roof damage. Shingles may fly off, leaks may form, and water can get inside your house. These problems can get worse fast if you don’t take action. That’s where a roofing company can help. These experts know exactly what to look for, how to fix it, and how to work with your insurance company. In this article, we’ll explore how a roofing company can guide you through the entire process, from inspection to repairs, and even help you prepare for future storms.
Understanding the Damage a Storm Can Do to Your Roof
Storms don’t just bring rain and wind. They can also bring hail, flying debris, and falling tree branches. Even a short storm can cause long-lasting roof damage. Some damage is easy to see, like missing shingles or a fallen tree. But other damage can be hidden, like small cracks, dents, or leaks that grow over time. That’s why it’s so important to have a professional look at your roof after a big storm.
A roofing company has trained workers who know where to look and what signs to check for. They can spot the things you might miss. For example, hail can bruise shingles and break the protective layer, even if the shingle looks okay from the ground. If those spots aren’t fixed, water can get in and cause mold, rot, or even damage your ceiling and walls inside the house.
If your home has gutters, flashing, or skylights, a roofing company will check those too. Hail and wind can loosen or damage these parts, causing leaks and letting water in from different areas. These checks are part of a full roof inspection.
Why You Should Call a Roofing Company Right After the Storm
It’s important to act fast after a storm. If you wait too long, your roof problems can get worse. What starts as a small leak can turn into major water damage. Mold can grow in hidden places, like the attic or inside the walls. And the longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs can become.
That’s why calling a roofing company quickly is the best move. Most companies offer emergency inspections or next-day service after storms. Some even offer 24/7 service during storm season. They can come out to check your roof and give you a report of any damage they find.
This early inspection is also important for your insurance. Many insurance companies have time limits on how long you have to file a claim after a storm. If you wait too long, they might deny your claim. A roofing company can help you stay within those limits by giving you a full damage report that you can send to your insurance company.
Also, be careful about hiring random people who knock on your door after a storm. These “storm chasers” may not be real roofing professionals. They might do a poor job or even take your money and disappear. Always hire a trusted local roofing company with a good reputation.
What to Expect During a Roof Inspection
When a roofing company comes to inspect your roof after a storm, they’ll do more than just look around. First, they’ll talk with you about what you noticed. Did you hear loud hail? Did you see any water inside your home? This helps them know what to look for.
Next, they’ll get on your roof safely using proper tools and gear. They’ll look for damage such as:
- Missing, cracked, or dented shingles
- Soft spots that might mean water has soaked the wood underneath
- Holes or tears in the flashing around vents and chimneys
- Hail dents that might not be visible from the ground
- Clogged or broken gutters from debris
If they find damage, the roofing company will take photos and write a report. They may even show you the photos so you can see the damage for yourself. This helps you understand what needs to be fixed and how bad the damage is.
In some cases, the roof may not be safe to walk on. If that happens, the roofing company can use a drone to take photos or video of the damage. This is a safe and modern way to do roof inspections without putting anyone at risk.
Working With Insurance Companies for Roof Repairs
Dealing with your insurance company can be one of the hardest parts of storm damage. That’s why having a roofing company on your side can be a huge help. Many roofing companies have experience working with homeowners’ insurance. They can walk you through the process step by step.
Here’s how it usually works:
- Inspection and Report: The roofing company gives you a detailed report showing the damage.
- Filing a Claim: You send this report to your insurance company to file your claim.
- Insurance Adjuster Visit: The insurance company sends out their own inspector (called an adjuster).
- Meeting the Adjuster: Your roofing company can meet the adjuster to show them the damage.
- Approval and Estimate: The insurance company approves your claim and gives you an estimate for repairs.
- Repair Work Begins: Once the claim is approved, the roofing company can start the repair.
Having your roofing company talk to the adjuster can make a big difference. Sometimes, adjusters miss damage or don’t understand roofing problems. But when a skilled roofer is there to explain everything, your claim has a better chance of being approved for the full amount.
Also, some roofing companies work directly with your insurance to handle payments, so you don’t have to pay everything out of pocket first. This makes things easier and less stressful during a tough time.
How a Roofing Company Repairs or Replaces Your Damaged Roof
Once your insurance claim is approved, it’s time to fix the damage. The roofing company will help you decide whether to repair the roof or replace it entirely. If the damage is small and limited to one area, repairs might be enough. But if the damage is spread across the roof or the shingles are old, a full replacement may be a better choice.
Here’s what happens during roof repair or replacement:
- Setup: The roofing company protects your yard, driveway, and garden with tarps and boards.
- Removal: They take off damaged shingles, flashing, and underlayment.
- Inspection: They check the wood underneath for mold, rot, or soft spots.
- Repairs: Damaged wood is replaced, and new underlayment and shingles are installed.
- Cleanup: The team cleans up nails, debris, and tools when the job is done.
Many roofing companies offer roofing systems with better storm protection. They might recommend impact-resistant shingles or stronger underlayment to help prevent future damage.
Some also offer warranties on their work, which means they’ll fix any future problems for free during the warranty period. Ask your roofing company what kind of warranties they offer and how long they last.
How to Prepare Your Roof for the Next Storm
After your roof is fixed, you may be wondering how to protect it in the future. A good roofing company can help you get your roof storm-ready. This means adding special features or doing regular checkups to make sure everything stays strong.
Here are some tips that roofing companies may suggest:
- Install impact-resistant shingles that are built to handle hail and strong winds.
- Use stronger flashing and sealants around vents and chimneys.
- Clean your gutters before every storm season to prevent water overflow.
- Trim nearby trees so branches don’t fall on your roof during high winds.
- Schedule yearly roof inspections, even if there hasn’t been a storm, to catch small issues early.
Roofing companies can also help you create a roof maintenance plan. This plan includes regular inspections, minor repairs, and prep before big storms. That way, your roof stays in good shape year-round, and you’re ready if another storm comes.
Conclusion
Storms and hail can cause serious damage to your roof, sometimes without you even knowing. That’s why calling a professional roofing company after a storm is one of the smartest things you can do. From spotting hidden damage and helping with insurance claims to doing expert repairs and preventing future problems, a roofing company is your trusted partner in protecting your home.
Don’t wait for leaks or mold to appear before taking action. If your area just had a big storm or hail event, reach out to a roofing company today. They’ll help you keep your home safe, dry, and strong for years to come.
