Tennessee is no stranger to severe weather. In fact, it’s part of the southeast area of the United States dubbed “Dixie Alley”, an area that has seen a drastic increase in dangerous and damaging tornadoes over the last four decades. When a severe storm inevitably passes through, do you know what to do?
Assess the Situation
Once the storm has passed, you’ll want to get outside and take a look around for signs of damage. Some of these signs will be more obvious than others. Remember, though: SAFETY FIRST. Severe storms are called severe for a reason and can cause numerous dangerous situations like flooding and downed electrical lines. Do not go near dangerous areas in order to assess your home.
Direct Damage
The most obvious signs of storm damage will be direct damage to the roof. Some of the things to look for are:
- Missing or Damaged Shingles
- Damaged Gutters
- Damaged Soffit and Fascia
- Damaged Vents and Flashing
- Missing or Damaged Siding
- Excessive Granules in Downspout
Accessory Structures
Sometimes it can be hard to tell just from looking at your roof if it was damaged, but damage to other nearby structures like fences, decks, and sheds will give your a clue as to whether the storm was severe enough to cause damage to your home.
Neighbors’ Homes
Like accessory structures, your neighbors’ homes can give you an idea of what might be going on with your own roof. If you can’t see onto your roof to determine if it incurred damage in the storm, take a peek at the surrounding homes. If they have obvious roof damage it’s very likely that you do as well.
Debris
A sure sign that winds were high enough to cause damage to your roof is debris strewn across the yard. Winds that can send patio furniture tumbling and branches falling are strong enough to cause roof damage.
Review the Damage
After you’ve done a general assessment of the damage, you’ll want to review the information and catalogue it. Take pictures and make notes about what kind of damage you saw because you will likely need it later in the process.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once you’ve determined that your roof in Franklin has been damaged by a storm, it’s time to call your insurance provider. Presumably, you’ll want the repair or replacement of the roof to be paid for by your insurance if at all possible. This is part of what makes the previous step so important. Keeping meticulous records of the damages and expenditures associated with the damages is integral to ensuring that you’re appropriately compensated for those damaged by your insurance provider.
Clean Up
Once the pictures have been taken and your insurance company is aware of the damage you can start to do general cleaning. It’s important to avoid causing further damage, though, so don’t bite off more than you can chew. That said, it’s also not necessary for your roof and home to remain a mess through the process. As always, though – SAFETY FIRST!
Hire Your Trusted Franklin Roofing Contractor
The repair and replacement of a roof following a severe storm that involves an insurance claim requires specific knowledge and processes to be done correctly. Force Roofing Systems will guide you and help you navigate what can seem like an overwhelming process, ensuring you’re getting the most out of your insurance policy. As the premier roofing contractor in Franklin, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle any storms that come our way.
