What To Do in a Roofing Disaster/Emergency
How To Handle A Roofing Emergency
In Houston, TX
Six Proven Strategies To Keep Your Home And Family Safe
Houston, TX, is no stranger to severe weather, so you need to know how to handle a roofing emergency. From high winds and hurricanes to flooding and hail, roofing companies in Houston have seen it all. The city receives hail on more than 180 days per year, starting as early as February and continuing into the summer when it starts tapering off.
The hurricane season in the Gulf tends to last longer than in other parts of the country. You need to stay vigilant and prepare for severe weather throughout the summer and early fall months.
While most of these storms are relatively mild, there is always the potential for severe weather that can cause damage to your home, particularly your roof. If you find yourself experiencing a roofing disaster or emergency, don’t panic. You can do a few things to help mitigate the damage and get your roof back in tip-top shape.
1. Find The Extent Of Damage
The first step is to assess the damage and find out how extensive it is. Trying to repair the damage yourself can make things worse and put you at risk of injury. A complete and thorough assessment by experienced roofing companies in Houston is always the best course of action.
2. Document The Damage
Once you’ve assessed the damage, take pictures or videos of the affected areas. This documentation will be crucial when filing an insurance claim. Make sure to include close-ups and wide shots so that the adjuster can see the full extent of the damage. A roofing specialist can do this for you.
If possible, take measurements of the damaged area. This information will also help when filing your claim.
3. Remove Debris
After a storm, you’ll likely find debris scattered around your property. Leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris can block your gutters and cause further damage. Removing them as soon as possible is essential, as they can cause additional damage to your roof.
In addition, secure your property if your roof has been damaged. Cover any holes or openings with a tarp or plywood to prevent water and animals from entering your home and causing additional damage. If some large branches or trees have fallen on your roof, do not try to remove them yourself. Leave this job to professionals with the proper equipment.
Call Your Insurance Company
You’ll likely need to file an insurance claim if the damage is extensive. Once you have had a roofer assess your home, you can call your insurance company and let them know what happened. They’ll send out an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much your policy will cover.
Some insurance companies will recommend you use a specific roofing contractor, while others will give you a list of approved vendors. Either way, it is your choice who performs the work. Be sure to research and choose roofing companies that work with insurance providers and have experience repairing or replacing roofs damaged by severe weather.
Get Your Roof Repaired Or Replaced
Once you’ve filed your insurance claim, it’s time to get your roof repaired or replaced. If the damage is minor, your roofing company may be able to make the repairs quickly and have you back up and running in no time.
However, if the damage is more significant, you may need to have your roof replaced. This process can take a bit longer, but it’s crucial to ensure your roof is adequately repaired or replaced to avoid further damage down the road.
Keep An Eye On Future Storms
After your roof has been repaired or replaced, it’s important to keep an eye on future storms. Per National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predictions, we may see up to 6 major hurricanes per year, which are categorized as Category 3 or higher storms with winds over 111 miles per hour.
Before the weather strikes, take steps to protect your property by covering windows and doors with plywood or hurricane shutters, removing loose items from your yard, and more.
Choose Houston Roofing & Construction For The
Fastest Emergency Response In Houston, TX
With hundreds of 5-star reviews and a 50-year roofing warranty, you can trust Houston Roofing & Construction to get the job done right. Our technicians are RCAT certified, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau as a mark of our commitment to customer satisfaction.
We also work with all insurance companies to ensure your claim is processed quickly and efficiently. And if you need financing options that fit your budget, we’ve got those too.
Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection for your Houston, TX, home.