Storms can cause severe damage to the roof that shouldn’t be left for granted. For this reason, it’s important to have some idea of what to do — and, more importantly, what not to do — should your roof suffer some damage after a storm. In today’s post, Ritco Group, Inc. shares some dos and don’ts of dealing with storm damage.
- Do document the damage. Once you have made sure that your family is safe, your next step is to document the damage. Do not try to fix anything at this point — your insurance provider will ask to see the extent of the damage so they can have an accurate estimate of the repair costs. Take as many photos and video clips of the damage as you can, both interior and exterior. If you have a remote-controlled drone, use it to take a closer look at and record videos of the roof.
- Don’t wait to call your insurance company. Notify your insurance provider as soon as you can. Chances are, you share the same insurance provider as your neighbors, and the sooner you call, the sooner you get an insurance adjuster on your case. Your insurance provider will also want the damage “preserved” to better assess the repair costs.
- Do have your roofer inspect your roof. Your insurance adjuster will require an estimate of the repair costs from your insurance provider, so notify your roofer about the damage right after you’ve made an appointment with your insurance provider.
- Don’t repair the roof yourself. Apart from the great risk of injury, you could be invalidating your insurance claim if you attempt to fix the roof yourself. If the damaged roof makes it impossible for you and your family to stay in your home, it may be more practical to stay with relatives or at a nearby motel or hotel. Also, keep your receipts in case your insurance covers some of the expenses.
If you need a roofer that you can trust for storm repairs, call Ritco Group, Inc. at (931) 381-0175. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Brentwood and Murfreesboro, TN.