How To Mitigate Roof Damage After a Storm

6/12/2022 (Permalink)

Apply a tarp over your roof after storm damage.

How to Prevent Roof Damage Following a Storm

After a severe storm causes roof damage to your home in Golden Gate, FL, you may need to file a claim with your insurance provider to help pay for repairs. However, your insurer will expect you to take various measures to mitigate your losses before approving your claim.

Apply a Tarp Over Storm Damage
Tarping your roof will prevent water from leaking into your home after hail, snow, rain, or wind lead to:

• Cracks, holes, and detachment of shingles
  
• Granule layer loss and consequently premature roof decay
  
• Soffit damage from moisture rotting underlying wood
  
• Fascia boards damage that compromises your roof's drainage system
  
  

An emergency storm repair service can secure a tarp or board up areas where water could enter your home to cause further damage.

Cover Skylights and Their Surrounding Roof Supports
Severe storms can impact your home's skylights. For example, strong winds and hail can crack the glass or compromise the roof flashing around them. You can address hail and wind damage by covering broken skylights with plywood boards or vinyl sheets from a hardware store. Nonporous plastic bags are also helpful if you cannot access other materials.

Inspect Gutters To Avoid Roof Damage
Severe wind can force your home's gutters out of alignment and prevent them from directing water flow away from your roof. In addition, ice blocking the gutters can lead to inadequate roof drainage. As a result, water can freeze in cracks and spaces between roof shingles, causing them to expand and contract as it melts and exacerbating the damage.
Strong winds can also deposit debris in your gutters so they bend and detach under the excessive weight, rendering them ineffective for directing water off your roof. It is essential to contact your insurer as soon as possible for instructions about initiating gutter repair and replacement to mitigate the damage.
A severe storm in Golden Gate, FL, can wreak havoc on your home, but addressing roof damage as soon as possible can help you avoid additional damage and costly repairs.