Roofs exist to protect people and property from the elements. They do an excellent job until damaged by a storm or prolonged exposure to the weather. When they break down, you need to remediate the damage as soon as possible.
After discovering roof damage, take the following steps to correct the situation.
Safety First
For obvious reasons, climbing on your roof presents dangers. Inexperienced homeowners often suffer broken legs and other injuries falling from their roof or off a ladder while attempting to make repairs, so always put safety first.
To stay safe, stay grounded. Never climb your roof during a storm; a lightning strike can be fatal, and the downpour can easily cause you to slip. Also, poor visibility may result in missteps. Even after the sun comes out, verify the roof is dry before attempting any repairs. Water can take hours or even days to dry after torrential rain.
Ladder safety is always paramount. Shifting ladders cause falls and emergency room visits on a regular basis. Don’t be a victim. Use ladder safety techniques.
Always use a sturdy ladder built for the height you wish to scale. Before climbing, ensure the ladder is on firm ground and securely attached to the roof. Even when this is the case, ladders can shift, causing you to fall, so always have someone holding the ladder at the bottom. They will keep it steady so you can climb without the risk of a rung falling out from beneath your feet.
Finally, use protective gear while working on your roof. It’s easy to lose your balance on slanted roofs, and you could roof off. Wear rubber-soled shoes built for roofing work that is in good condition. They provide a stronger grip and are non-slip. Safety goggles and work gloves are also necessary.
Assess the Damage
With a safety plan in mind, assess the damage. Start by inspecting the inside of the home for signs of destruction, such as leaks, water stains, and damp patches in the ceiling or walls.
Inspect the outside of the roof for visible issues, such as missing, curled, or broken shingles. Also, roof damage may encompass punctures or other noticeable breakage.
Temporary Fixes
Some roof repairs require time to address, so that you may need a temporary fix as a stopgap. For instance, a heavy-duty tarp can cover damaged areas and prevent further damage or leaks should it rain. To securely cover the affected area, stretch the tarp over the impact zone and secure it with 2x4s. Verify that the tarp is taut.
If you have damaged shingles, sliding a piece of aluminum flashing under the adjacent shingle prevents leaks temporarily. Use roofing sealants for small holes or cracks.
Clearing Debris
Debris left on the roof can result in further damage and block roof access, so carefully remove branches, leaves, and other obstructions. Additionally, check on the condition of the gutters. Weather events that damage the roof often result in obstructions in the gutters and clogged downspouts. Make sure to clear these so water can flow freely off the roof, preventing additional damage.
Document for Insurance
Assuming you carry homeowner’s insurance, you will want to document the damages for your claim. Taking clear photos before starting repairs is critical. You want to document the condition of the roof immediately after the event. Also, if you purchase any materials for emergency repairs, such as sealants, keep the recipes as evidence of the expense. Many insurance policies have provisions for reimbursing these expenses.
How to Mitigate Water Damage During a Storm
During a torrential storm, you may be unable to prevent damage to the outside of your home, but you can mitigate water damage to the interior. Check for leaks and place buckets to catch the water. Even a tiny amount of water damage can cause thousands of dollars in damage, so be sure to detect even small leaks.
Dry out wet areas as soon as possible. The faster you act, the better the hope of preventing mold growth. Dry the wet areas as much as possible with towels or a mop, and use fans and dehumidifiers to reduce dampness thoroughly.
Inspect the ceiling for water stains. You can treat these with water and bleach and then repaint the area.
Reach Out to a Home Improvement Company
Once you have taken the steps necessary to mitigate the damage, you will probably need to contact a roofing contractor to make permanent repairs. Roofers are available to inspect the damage and provide a quote. Most repairs are relatively inexpensive, provided you take action quickly. If roof damage remains uncorrected, it can worsen over time, leaving you with a much larger repair bill.
Excel Home Improvement in Romulus provides roofing services for your home including roof repair and maintenance as well as new roof installation. If your roof is damaged or you see signs of it failing, call us to schedule a roof inspection so that we can promptly address the issue.
Our home improvement services stand above others in the industry due to our customer care, quality work and vast experience in home improvement services. We provide gutter installation services as well as install and repair home siding. Is your roof secure? Call us to be sure!