What to do when a tree falls on your roof
North Carolina has its fair share of blustering winds, severe thunderstorms, micro bursts, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Not a year goes by without at least one of these events occurring somewhere in the Raleigh-Durham Metro area or coastal plains. That’s why it’s important to know what to do when a tree falls on your home or your roof sustains storm damage from flying debris or tree branches. This article offers you things to consider before you call a roofing contractor.
Do a quick inspection of your roof and home
When the storm is over, do a quick inspection of your home’s exterior and interior. If you heard a loud thump during the night, then a heavy branch may have damaged your roof. However, roofs can withstand heavy impact, so the damage may be minimal.
Sometimes, inside the home, you’ll see cracked ceilings and walls. The damage on the outside will be obvious, however, there may be smaller puncture holes that can go undetected which could lead to leaking, so it’s a good idea to get a professional roofer to check it out to be on the safe side. No one wants to go for months without knowing there’s a leak in their attic, only later on to find mold and water damage.
If the damage is obvious and significant, you may have to look for a place to stay until your roof can be repaired. Staying in an unsound structure can be dangerous for you and your family.
Remember, your home has electrical wiring, gas lines, and plumbing. These can all be compromised when a tree caves in your home and can lead to a very dangerous situation. It may be advisable to call your fire department to inspect the home for the safety of you and your neighbors.
Research a roofer before hiring them
Just when you think It will never happen to me… It does. Raleigh is noted for its stately oak trees, but when they fall it can cause massive damage to homes and cars. Before you file your roofing insurance claim or call a roofing company to repair your roof, thoroughly research the roofing company.
Check out the roofing company’s reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, and other consumer sites. If you don’t see any reviews for the company or contractor, then you’ll know that the roofer is new. You’ll want to do further research to make sure he or she is fully licensed, insured, and experienced. In fact, you should do this for all roofing contractors you’re considering, not just the new ones. It’s totally okay to ask the roofing contractor for references to contact.
After you’ve found leaks…
When you do find signs of leaks or water damage, the extent of the moisture damage will determine if you need a brand new roof. If it’s a small leak, then a repair may be all you need. When a roof leaks, you’ll notice brown stains and paint peeling.
Please call a roofing contractor like TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling if you see this in your home because it’s best to catch it early when repairs can fix it. Replacing a roof is quite a bit more expensive than repairs, so you’ll want to act fast when you see these signs of roof leakage before it becomes serious damage to the roofing layer which almost always means roof replacement is the only option. Now that you know what to look for and how these factors impact the roofing contractor’s suggestion to repair or replace your roof, you’ll be able to make a better informed decision about what to do with your roof damage. TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling has many years of experience repairing residential and commercial roofs. Please contact us today for a quote at (919) 589-7290 or visit us online at www.trublueroofingnc.com.
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For more information about how to spot mold growing on your roof or mistakes to avoid when filing a roofing insurance claim, check out our articles
