Severe weather can cause major damage to roofs. From hail and ice damage to wind and tropical storm damage if you live in Charleston your roof could become the victim of severe weather. When this happens you need to follow the correct steps to ensure your roof is properly assessed and repaired.
1. Ensure Safety
When storms damage a home they can create many health and safety hazards. Before jumping into the assessment of your property you need to make sure the area is safe. Be on the lookout for:
- Downed Power Lines
- Broken Gas Lines
- Broken Glass
- Nails and Splinters
- Other Dangerous Debris
2. Look for Signs of Damage
If the area is safe, it’s time to begin assessing the impact of the storm. Look for both visible damages to your roof as well as 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
3. Take Photos
Assuming you’ll want to file an insurance claim it’s a good idea to take pictures of your observations. If the storm was particularly bad there may be a delay in your provider sending someone to inspect your property due to the high volume of affected customers in Charleston, and pictures will help verify the extent of the damage right after it occurred. 
4. Make an Inventory
In addition to photographs you’ll want to make a corresponding list to inventory your observations. Make note of any of the obvious damage that you see as well as the signs the storm was strong enough to cause damage. Another good thing to take note of is the weather report from your local Charleston news station. Record the reported wind speeds and anything notable like reported hail or tornado sightings.
5. Call Your Insurance Provider
Call your insurance provider promptly to being the insurance claim process and avoid any delays as much as possible. A timely response is important in preventing further damage to both the roof and the interior of your home. You insurance provider will send a property adjuster to your home to inspect your roof and assess the damage. They will then determine whether or not the damage to your roof is covered by your policy. 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
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 you wait on the insurance and repairs. Feel free to clean up debris like limbs and branches as well as put back any furniture or unsecured objects that may have been blown about in the storm. 
7. Hire a Local Charleston Roofer
When it comes time to repair your storm-damaged roof you’ll want to hire a trusted, local Charleston roofing company like Roofing USA to perform their own inspection, coordinate with your insurance company, and begin the repair or replacement of your roof. Roofing USA has the local knowledge to understand the appropriate repairs needed for your roof as well as the ins and outs of servicing insurance claim customers, so we can streamline the process for you and get your roof back to normal as soon as possible.