Rainstorms, hail and strong winds can cause extensive damage to your roofing system and home. When this happens, your property ends up not only looking worse, but it’s also more susceptible to water damage, diminishing its overall value. You need to act quickly to prevent more significant problems, even if all you want to do is get your life back on track after the storm. Yes, picking up the pieces can be difficult to do, but you’ll find storm damage restoration to be much easier when you have an expert team to work with to help get your roof and home back into prime condition.
PART 1: Types of Storm Damage Storm damage is probably the biggest, not to mention costliest, challenge you’ll face when you own a home. Severe weather can cause destruction in numerous ways, but the most significant you should watch out for are problems in your roofing system. It’s your main protection against the elements, so when it’s not at its best, you may find damage spreading to other parts of your home. The key to combating these issues is by adopting a proactive homeownership lifestyle. This means knowing how weather can adversely affect your abode, which will help you figure out how to prepare your home for future weather challenges.
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T Y P E S O F S TO R M DA M AG E According to studies, the United States experiences as many as 100,000 thunderstorms every year. In these, about 10% can become severe. To prepare your home, you need to be aware of the types of damage severe storms can cause, such as: Wind – The strong winds produced by intense storms can cause a myriad of problems around your home. They can lift your roofing shingles and cause breaches, gaps and breakage. Flying debris can also corrupt your roof and siding, creating holes and cracks in them. These make way for moisture to seep through, hurting your roofing system and foundation. Impact – Fallen trees and branches are some of the most obvious signs of impact damage. Strong winds caused them to fall and beat up your property.
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Haile – Pellets of ice can leave black spots on your roof. When you notice a dark area on your system, it means hail was able to knock out your roofing granules, which serve as your shingles’ defense against the elements. These can lead to other significant issues, including leaks and cracks. Chipped and broken siding are also signs of hail damage. Water – Put simply, water damage affects your entire home. It can weaken your structural integrity and pose certain health issues due to the existence of mold. Flooding, mold and mildew growth, and water stains are some of the signs for which to watch out. At the first sight of these problems, be sure to contact an expert roofer immediately. Storm damage can lead to more than just a few missing shingles, so the sooner you have it addressed by a professional, the better.
Some homeowners attempt to fix storm damage on their own, but did you know that hiring a roofer for the job can bring you tons of benefits over time? Learn why you should hire an expert roofer in Part 2 of this ebook.
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PART 2: Why Hire a Trusted Roofer? There’s nothing wrong with being confident in your DIY skills when it comes to performing home upgrades, but some things are better left to the experts, including your roof. While it might seem easy to climb a ladder and nail down a few shingles after they got hit by a storm, the smartest decision you could make is to have an expert roofer perform the repairs for you. Why? Roofing projects done by someone with no professional training tend to be a quick fix, instead of a lasting repair. As a result, you just might be dealing with the problem again in a couple of months, costing you more in the long run.
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R I S K S O F D I Y S TO R M DA M AG E R E PA I R Accidents – Did you know that, each year, thousands of people are rushed to hospitals due to ladder-related injuries? Most homeowners aren’t specifically trained in proper safety measures, which increases chances of something untoward happening. You can avoid this by working with a roof repair expert. Not only are they equipped with the necessary equipment, but they are also sufficiently trained to carry out repairs safely while up on your roof, preventing accidents from occurring. Poor Work Quality – The average homeowner doesn’t have access to specialized tools, high-quality materials and reliable expertise that will allow them to successfully complete roofing repairs. This isn’t the case with an expert roofer, who can guarantee your roofing system is not only fixed, but comes out better than before.
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Slow Turnaround Time – Between researching for the right products and figuring how to complete an entire roofing project, an inexperienced homeowner can take much longer to complete roofing repairs than what a skilled contractor will require. Expert roofers perform repairs regularly and are trained to execute them quickly, and they can also perform emergency repairs, especially during a storm, This means you don’t have to wait a full day or two before getting your roofing issues fixed and risking bigger problems. Budget Overspending – When you’re not sure of how to complete a project, chances are you will overspend your budget, whether you failed to buy the right shingles or had to repeat the process to get it right. Work with a pro, and you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of going over budget because your storm damage repair was properly planned.
After a storm, it’s best to check your entire roofing system for issues. In Part 3 of this ebook, we’ll explore the importance of a roof inspection, so stay tuned!
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PART 3: After the Storm The Value of a Roof Inspection The roof on your home is more than merely your first line of defense against harsh weather conditions - it’s also an important aesthetic component as well as a primary factor in improving the energy efficiency of your property. With this in mind, it’s in your best interest as a homeowner to preserve your roof’s integrity, which a roofing inspection can help you achieve. But, when is it appropriate to perform this project? A lot of homeowners invest in professional inspections at least twice annually as a rule of thumb. However, you may also have heard that it’s smart to have one scheduled after a particularly severe storm, especially if high winds and hail are involved.
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Here are some of the benefits of getting a roof inspection right after a storm: Spot Issues and Act on Them Right Away. A post-storm inspection can help you catch small issues early, allowing you to prevent them from worsening and causing bigger problems, which will cost you more to fix. Even just a small leak can turn into a nightmare when left to develop further. A professional roofer can spot these issues and perform the necessary repairs, getting your roof back into shape in no time. Handle Insurance Claims. After a storm, many homeowners tend to file for insurance claims to help them deal with restoration work. However, to successfully file for a claim, getting a professional inspection is important. This evaluation will provide your insurance company with the documentation they need to not just approve your claim, but ensure you are rightfully compensated.
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Get a Complete, Professional Assessment. It’s easy to spot obvious storm damage issues like a missing shingle or a water stain on the ceiling. However, there are some that are difficult to find unless you know precisely what to look for and where to look. For example, underlayment damage and a rotting decking can be difficult to spot, but an expert roofer can easily zero in on them and propose a solution to prevent more problems. During the inspection, your roofer will evaluate every aspect of your roofing system, leaving no stone unturned to make sure all issues are identified and addressed. Expert roofers will also be able to provide you with estimates so you know what to expect should you need repairs.
Getting professional storm damage repairs is extremely helpful in maintaining your home. Dealing with the aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming, but you’ll have an easier time when you have the right professional beside you every step of the way. Remember: being proactive is always the key to enjoying a safer, healthier roof and home for years to come.
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EXTERIOR BUILDING SOLUTIONS 8100 Watson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119
(314) 729-7663 www.exteriorbuildingsolutions.com