No matter what time of year it is, it’s normal to want your home to be safe, warm, and cozy. Seasonal storms are intense and cause a lot of wear to any outdoor section of your home (but especially your roof). Whether it’s heavy rain, wind, or hail damage, it’s essential to have a roofing emergency action plan in place!
Making a Roof Emergency Action Plan
Ideally, you’ll have a roof emergency action plan written before an emergency occurs. It doesn’t take long to set up an emergency plan and will benefit you if a strong storm damages any part of your roof. You will thank yourself for being prepared and ready to face whatever nature throws at you.
Roofs are built to protect and keep the weather outside, but even the most durable roof can begin to leak without proper care. Planning and caring for your roof will reduce structural damage. Here are four things to keep in mind for an emergency plan to reduce stress and keep yourself well protected from the elements, both before and after a storm.
Before the Storm
1. Regular Repairs and Inspections
The most crucial step in a roof emergency action plan is keeping your roof in good condition before a storm happens. A well-kept roof is more likely to withstand intense weather and keep your family safe. Take care of your roof, and it’ll take care of you.
If you’ve just bought a house or have never repaired your roof, schedule an inspection with a roofing expert. They will be able to tell you the age and condition of your roof. From there, you can make repairs to have a solid baseline for roof maintenance.
You can learn how to repair your roof yourself, but it’s easier and safer to set up an appointment with your local roofing company. Roofers make it their job to come through and prep your house for weather, so you can relax during storms. Regular inspections paired with any necessary repairs will help you get ready for storms.
2. Build Up Relationships
There are a few contacts you will need to have pre-loaded into your phone for a roofing crisis. Your local roofing company is one. If you’ve already contacted them for an initial consultation, regular inspections, or repairs, save their number! You’ve established a working relationship. They will be able to help you in case of a roofing emergency.
The second number to have on hand is your insurance agency. It’s vital to know your policy so you can quickly file claims for incidents.
Knowing the numbers of your home insurance agency and your local roofing expert will bring you peace of mind when damages need to be reported and fixed.
After The Storm
3. Damage Assessment
Once the storm is over, it’s vital to walk around your property and visually inspect everything. Keep away from any downed power lines or electrical wires – even though the storm is over, they can still be dangerous.
Examine the siding and roof of your house for any debris or storm damage. Even the most well-prepared house can sustain damage in an extreme storm, but your previous plans might have prevented any lasting damage.
Some damage is apparent, such as a fallen tree or missing shingles. Other damage is only discovered when the inside of your house begins to leak. Ensure you don’t get any wet surprises by checking your inside ceiling for dark, damp, or soft spots, especially when shingles are missing on the outside.
4. Repairs and Claims
If storm damage is found, it’s time to use the network of relationships and phone numbers you’ve had prepared since before the weather. Call your local roofing company for an official inspection. They will help determine the actual level of damage and how long it will take to fix it!
You can also claim any damages under your home insurance policy by calling your insurer and reporting the incident. Insurance can be tricky sometimes—here’s a helpful guide on what insurance policies generally cover (which should not replace advice from your insurance agent).
A roof emergency action plan is essential so you can remain safe and cozy inside your house. It’s beneficial when you know a local roofer before storm damage happens, and Midwest Roofing, Siding, and Windows can help you! Contact the Twin Cities experts on all things exterior and roofing and sleep in peace throughout the storm.