Sustaining damage to your roof is no small matter. A damaged roof can cause a host of problems for your home, including water damage, mold growth, and structural instability. If you’re located in Indianapolis and have experienced roof damage, here are the top steps to mitigate the damage and get your home back in tip-top shape.
Assess the Damage
Before making any moves, it’s vital to assess the extent of the damage. Is it a single missing shingle, or does a large portion of your roof need to be repaired or replaced? Make sure to take photos for your insurance company as well.
Document the Damage with Photos and Videos
Start documenting the damage with photos and videos. This will be helpful not only for your insurance company but also for any contractors you hire to make repairs. Make sure to take pictures or videos of your home’s exterior and interior, and zoom in so that any detail is visible.
Make a List of All the Damaged Items
As you take photos and videos of the damage, list all the damaged items you see. This will help you keep track of everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Be sure to include structural damage (e.g., a hole in the roof) and cosmetic damage (e.g., chipped paint).
Call Your Insurance Company
If you have homeowners insurance, you need to call your insurance company and notify them of the damage. Your insurance company will then send an adjuster to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether or not you are covered.
It’s important to note that most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by severe weather, so if a tornado or hailstorm damages your roof, you may be out of luck.
When calling your insurance company about roof damage, there are a few essential factors to consider.
The Age of Your Roof: Depending on the age of your roof, your insurance company may determine that repairing or replacing it is not worth the cost. Most standard policies only cover damage to roofs less than 20 years old.
The Cause of the Damage: As previously mentioned, most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by severe weather events. Additionally, if the damage was caused by neglect or poor maintenance on the homeowner’s part, it may not be covered by insurance.
Your Deductible: Before filing a claim with your insurance company, make sure you’re aware of your deductible and whether or not it will be worth it to file a claim (if you have a high deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket).
Find a Qualified Roofer
Once you’ve determined that your roof damage is covered by insurance, it’s time to find a qualified roofing contractor to make the repairs. When selecting a roofer, be sure to choose one that is licensed, insured, and experienced in repairing roofs like yours.
For example, if you have a tile roof, you’ll want to select a roofing contractor with experience working with tile roofs. We at Trojan Roofing have significant years of experience with roof repair and replacement in the Indianapolis area.
Schedule the Repairs
Once you’ve selected a qualified roofing contractor, it’s time to schedule the repairs. Be sure to schedule the repairs at a time that is convenient for you and will minimize disruptions to your daily routine. In most cases, roofing contractors like us at Trojan Roofing can complete repairs within one or two days.
Inspect the Repairs
After your roof has been repaired, you must inspect the work done. By doing this, you can verify that the repairs were made correctly and that there are no potential problems that could arise in the future.
If you can, climb up on your roof and look around. If you are not comfortable doing this, ask the roofing contractor to perform a final inspection before they leave.
Why Should I Inspect the Repairs?
It is crucial to inspect the repairs for a few reasons. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the work was actually done and that it was done correctly. You also want to check for any hidden issues that could cause problems down the road.
By inspecting the repairs yourself or having the contractor check them, you can rest assured knowing that your roof is in good shape.
How Can I Inspect the Repairs?
If you can, climb up on your roof and look around. If you have any concerns about what you see or aren’t comfortable inspecting the repairs, ask the roofing contractor to come back and look. They will be able to tell you if everything looks good or if any issues need to be addressed.
Sustaining damage to your roof can be a stressful experience, but by following these simple steps, you can get your home back in good condition in no time flat. Be sure to call your insurance company immediately after sustaining damage so they can send an adjuster to assess the situation. From there, our team at Trojan Roofing can help you make the necessary repairs.
Trojan Roofing: Top Roofing Services Provider in Indianapolis
We have years of experience and expertise in roof repair for all types of roofs in Indianapolis. A 100% satisfaction guarantee backs our services, so you can trust that we’ll get the job done right. Contact us today for a free estimate on roof repair. Don’t wait – take action now to protect your home and its roof.