Published June 28, 2022. Updated July 14, 2023.
Severe weather can cause major damage to roofs. From ice and hail damage to wind and tropical storm damage, if you live in the Charleston, SC, area, your roof could become the victim of severe weather.
When this happens, it's crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure your roof is properly assessed and repaired. Homeowners in the area should follow these seven steps when realizing their home's roof sustained storm damage.
1. Ensure Your Safety
When storms damage a home, they can create many health and safety hazards. So, before jumping into the assessment of your property, you must ensure the area is safe.
Be on the lookout for:
-
-
Downed Power Lines
-
Broken Gas Lines
-
Broken Glass
-
Nails and Splinters
-
Other Dangerous Debris
-
If you see any of these hazards, do not attempt to get on your roof to assess the damage. Find out how long it will take local crews to repair downed power lines or damaged gas lines and find a safe place to stay until that's done.
You can also reach out to professional roofing contractors if the damage is severe. Local roofing companies have the experience to apply temporary fixes (like roof patching or tarps) to protect your home until it's safe to conduct a more in-depth assessment for emergency roof repair.
2. Look for Signs of Damage
When the area is safe, it's time to begin assessing the impact of the storm.
Look for visible damage to your roof and signs that indicate the storm was strong enough to damage the roof, even if you can't see the damage yourself.
Some of the things you'll want to look for are:
-
-
Lifting, Bent, and Broken Shingles
-
Missing Shingles
-
Holes in the Roof
-
Damaged Gutters and Siding
-
Fallen Branches and Limbs
-
Damaged Exterior Structures Like Fences and Decks
-
Displaced Outdoor Furniture
-
When noticing these signs of storm damage, document what you see to help you file a successful insurance claim.
3. Take Photos
Assuming you'll want to file an insurance claim, taking pictures of your observations is a good idea. Many homeowners can avoid significant repair costs after a storm by utilizing homeowner's insurance policies.
However, if the storm was particularly bad, your provider may delay sending someone to inspect your property due to the high volume of affected customers in Charleston. Pictures will help verify the extent of the damage right after it occurred.
4. Make an Inventory
In addition to photographs, homeowners should create a corresponding list to inventory your observations.
Make note of any of the obvious damage you see, as well as the signs that the storm was strong enough to cause damage that isn't as obvious.
Another good thing to take note of is the storm's weather report from your local Charleston news station. Record the reported wind speeds and anything notable, like reported hail or tornado sightings. This information helps verify that your roof's damage (like hail damage) resulted from the recent storm.
5. Call Your Insurance Provider
Call your insurance provider promptly to begin the insurance claim process and avoid delays as much as possible. A timely response is important in preventing further damage to both the roof and the interior of your home.
Your insurance provider will send an adjuster to your home to inspect your roof and assess the damage. They will then determine whether or not your policy covers the damage to your roof.
Be prepared when you call your provider by having the following readily accessible:
-
-
Your Policy Number
-
Your Contact Information
-
A Description of the Damage
-
Questions You Have Regarding Your Coverage
-
If you've never filed a claim before, it can be easier with the best local roofers Charleston, SC, offers to walk you through the process. Experienced roofers can help you assess your roof's condition and document damage, especially if the issues are significant and it isn't safe for you to be on the roof to take photos.
6. Start Cleanup
Now that you've filed your claim and taken pictures to record the damage, you can start minor cleaning. There's no need to leave your property a complete mess while waiting for the insurance and repairs.
Feel free to clean up debris like limbs and branches. You can also put back any furniture or unsecured objects that may have been blown about in the storm.
7. Hire the Best Roof Repair Charleston, SC, Offers
When it's time to repair your storm-damaged roof, you'll want to hire a trusted, local Charleston roofing company like Roofing USA to conduct a free inspection, coordinate with your insurance company, and begin repairing or replacing your roof.
Roofing USA has the local knowledge to understand the appropriate repairs needed for your roof as well as serving insurance claim customers. We can streamline the process for you and restore your roof as soon as possible.
Trust the Best Charleston Roofers When Dealing With Storm Damage
The structural integrity of your home and the safety of your family and everything inside your house depends on the quality of work from your roofing contractors. When dealing with the stress and emotions of storm damage (significant or minor), working with experienced roofers to deal with insurance adjusters and provide a better roofing experience can boost your peace of mind throughout the process.
In the Charleston, Bluffton/Hilton Head, and Columbia areas of South Carolina, trust Roofing USA for emergency roof repair and storm-related damage. Whether you need a new roof or roofing repair, we're here to help you protect the things that matter most to you!
