Whether storms thrill you or terrify you, the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is storm damage and a big mess the next day. If you’ve recently been impacted by a thunderstorm with intense wind or hail, you may be looking at your roof covered in debris, not sure where to turn next.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about storm damage cleanup and repairs, including:
- Who to contact 📲
- Response time to expect ⌚
- Damage your contractor will look for 👀
- How and when to file an insurance claim 📃
Who to Call for Storm Damage Restoration
After a major storm, it’s highly likely that your roof sustained damage. And since your roof is the first line of defense your home has against water damage and pests, you should focus your energy on your roof first.
Call around to different roofing companies in your area and ask if they handle storm damage repair.
Keep in mind that after a big storm, there may be many roofing contractors knocking on your door and offering their service. Some of these contractors can be legit and offer fantastic service. However, others fall into the category of “storm chasers.”
You definitely want to avoid storm chasers because these people are out to make quick, easy money and scam homeowners in the process. If someone knocks on your door and demands cash up front, offers a “free roof” with insurance, or can’t provide local licensure— don’t work with them.
How to find a reliable roofing contractor:
- Look up companies online and see if they have a professional website
- Read online reviews
- Confirm they have a local address and/or phone number
- Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations
- Ask them to prove that they’re licensed and insured
- Schedule a free inspection to see how detailed they are
Response Time to Expect
If a severe storm has affected many property owners in your area, it’s safe to assume that the phones of local roofing contractors are probably ringing off the hook. Roofing companies may be spread more thin than normal after a major storm, so it’s always best to call around as soon after the storm as possible.
The sooner you can talk to a roofing company, the sooner they can get you on their books and get out to your property. Plus, the longer you wait to set up an appointment, you could be risking further damage to your home.
When working with a professional, reliable roofing company, you can expect a contractor to come inspect your roof within a week or two. From there, they will schedule the cleanup and repairs to be completed within a week or two after that. The actual roofing service should only take 1-2 days to complete.
What Your Contractor Will Look For
Even if you can see some signs of storm damage from the ground, such as scattered debris or missing shingles, a professional roofing contractor has the trained eye to look for more hard-to-notice damage.
Your roofing contractor will look for signs of storm damage that include:
- Missing shingles
- Holes or punctures in the roof
- Cracked or broken shingles
- Shingle granules in the gutters (an indication that your shingles are deteriorating)
- Moss or algae growth (indicates moisture retention)
- Exposed nails
- Mold growth in the attic
- Structural damage
- Water spots on the attic ceiling
- Dents from hail
- Shingles lifting from wind
- Damaged flashing
Depending on what your roofer discovers, they’ll write up a detailed report and cost estimate outlining your roof damage and the repairs (or total replacement) you need.
On the day of your scheduled service, the roofing team will restore your roof and also clean up after themselves. Your roof will be back in top condition, and your property will have all debris and loose nails cleaned up.
When and How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim
If you have storm damage and you’re covered by homeowners insurance, you need to file a claim as soon as possible. Waiting too long to submit a storm damage insurance claim could result in your claim being denied.
For most policies, you have up to one year after the storm occurred to file a claim. But it’s always best to start the insurance claim process as soon as you can.
Here’s what you need to do to file a storm damage insurance claim:
- Take photos or videos of storm damage to your home
- Write down a list of all the damaged items
- Find your insurance policy and review your coverage
- Call your insurance company and start the claims process
- Work with your insurance adjuster to get repairs scheduled
It’s important to address roof damage promptly to keep your home protected. So, you should schedule repairs with your preferred roofing contractor whether or not your claim gets approved.
Common Questions Homeowners Have After Storm Damage
Dealing with storm damage and insurance claims can be confusing and stressful, especially if you’ve never done it before! At the end of the day, working with a highly-rated local roofing company will make the storm damage cleanup process as smooth as possible. But it’s understandable that you’d want to have a solid understanding of everything before beginning the process.
We’ve answered many questions that homeowners have about storm damage here:
Q: What is storm damage?
A: Storm damage refers to any type of property damage that’s been caused by severe weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, hail, or even hurricanes. Storm damage most commonly affects roofing and siding, although it can also impact vehicles, landscaping, and other aspects of your property.
Q: How do I know if I have storm damage?
A: If your home is located in an area that’s been affected by a storm, it’s always best to have a professional roofing contractor come out and inspect your property for damage. They will be able to spot any damage that you may not be able to see from the ground.
Q: How much does it cost to repair storm damage?
A: The cost of storm damage repairs will vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repairs that need to be made. However, if you file a homeowners insurance claim and it gets approved, you’ll likely get a portion of the costs covered.
Q: I think my home has storm damage; what should I do?
A: If you think your home has storm damage, the first step is to call a professional roofing contractor. They will be able to inspect your property and confirm whether or not storm damage has occurred. From there, they can document your damage and walk you through how to file a claim.
Q: How long does it take to repair storm damage?
A: The time it takes to repair storm damage will vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repairs that need to be made. However, most storm damage repairs can be completed within a few days to a week.
Q: What does homeowners insurance cover?
A: Homeowners insurance typically covers “Acts of God,” meaning any damage outside of your control, such as:
- Wind damage
- Hail damage
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
However, it’s always best to review your policy to see what type of coverage you have. Keep in mind that flood and earthquake insurance require separate policies.
Q: What do I need to do to file a storm damage insurance claim?
A: To file a storm damage insurance claim, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary documentation, such as photos or videos of the damage, a list of damaged items, and your insurance policy. Once you have all of that, you can start the claims process by contacting your insurance company.
Q: Do I need a roofing contractor to file a storm damage insurance claim?
A: While you don’t necessarily need a roofing contractor to file a storm damage insurance claim, they can be a valuable resource. A roofing contractor can help you by providing written documentation of your damage, as well as photos of the damage they found.
Q: How do I choose a roofing contractor for storm damage repairs?
A: When choosing a roofing contractor for storm damage repairs, it’s important to choose someone who is experienced and reputable. You can ask friends or family for recommendations or read online reviews.
It’s also a good idea to get two or three estimates from different contractors before making a final decision. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible price (and high-quality service) for the repairs.
Scro’s Is Your Local Storm Damage Restoration Partner
If you live in North Carolina and have been affected by storm damage, look no further than the 5-star team at Scro’s Roofing. We’re the most referred roofing company in the Triangle area for a reason, and we look forward to lending a helping hand.
Our storm damage repair team will promptly assess your situation and even provide a temporary tarp if needed. Once it’s time for repairs, our team cleans up your roof, so it’s back to top condition.Reach out today for a free storm damage inspection!
