What Homeowners Should Know About Roof Storm Damage and Insurance

Roof storm damage can be stressful for homeowners. Understanding how to document damage and communicate with your insurance company can help you stay organized during the repair process. That’s why it’s not uncommon for homeowners to make a few mistakes, some of which can reduce your insurance payout.

Here are a few steps homeowners can take after discovering roof storm damage.

Immediately Take Pictures of Storm Damage 

As soon as it’s safe to go outside, take photos of the roof damage from ground level. These photos will serve as proof your roof was damaged by an extreme weather event, not due to any neglect on the homeowner’s part.

Try to Mitigate Damage

Take the necessary measures to prevent roof damage from affecting other parts of your home. For instance, if a pipe is leaking, you need to turn off the valve to keep your interior from getting soaked. If there’s a hole in your roof, cover it with a plastic tarp to prevent water from getting inside. But don’t attempt to fix roof damage no matter how minor it may seem as this can make it more difficult to accurately document the damage. Remember: it’s best to let qualified professionals handle the roof repair work.

Examine Signs of Roof Damage 

Once your insurer receives and processes all the necessary requirements, they’ll send an insurance adjuster who’ll assess the roof damage to determine your insurance payout. Insurance adjusters often have busy schedules so there’s a chance they might miss something. If you have examined your home for signs of damage before the adjuster arrived, documenting visible damage can help ensure you have a complete record of your roof’s condition following the storm.

Here’s a tip: you don’t need to climb onto your roof to examine roof damage. You can inspect your attic instead. Since it’s directly below your roof, the attic is where the first signs of moisture damage usually appear.

Need a Roof Inspection After a Storm? 

New View Roofing offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including roof inspections, storm damage assessments, roof repairs, and roof replacement services. To schedule a free inspection, call us at (469) 232-7220 or you can also fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Dallas, TX, as well as the surrounding communities.