Metal roof
Many homeowners evacuated as Hurricane IDA rampages across the southeastern United States and heads north. Flooding, high winds, and torrential rain caused millions of dollars in property damage and displaced thousands of people. The northeast experienced heavy rain and flooding, and sadly there was no time to evacuate. Louisiana is once again reeling from weeks of power outages in many parishes. Unfortunately, a winter storm hit Texas in February, leaving many residents without power. These disasters have been devastating for homeowners across the country.
As the nation sorts through the destruction of Ida, how do you prepare your home for such a disaster? And, if you have been affected, how can you try to get back to normal?
Natural disasters can wreak havoc on your entire home, especially your roof. Several clips of homes and buildings in Louisiana with peeling roofs went viral. Protecting your home from natural disasters must be a priority when your roof is damaged.
What to do before a storm
Unfortunately, when a storm hits, you can't do much to prepare your roof. The best thing to do is remove debris from gutters and possible sources of debris in the yard. Trimming trees to prevent them from falling on your house is also a good course of action. After preparing the roof, you must trust the quality of the installation and materials. Some materials are better at dealing with bad weather than others. For example, a metal roof can handle winds of more than 100 MPH, and the asphalt may blow away immediately. In the end, installation matters most. A properly installed roof is better than an improperly installed roof.
What to do after the storm
Homeowners may find damage to their roofs when they return after the weather has settled and it is safe to do so. Caution is the best course of action when dealing with a damaged roof. The roof may leak, making it unsafe to walk on, and the damage is less obvious. While missing shingles, holes in the roof, or torn roofs may be obvious, smaller penetrations, structural damage, and leaks are more difficult to spot. The services of a roof inspector can provide you with the information you need for repairs, replacements, and insurance. But before you turn to an inspector, check your home from the ground.
Finding a qualified inspector is critical to making sure your roof is safe for you and your family. Don't just hire people who want to get on the roof. Do your research and choose a licensed inspector with a good review, someone you can trust. Their inspections should be thorough and detailed. You don't want any damage to go unnoticed. After the inspection is complete, listen to their suggestions and act accordingly. Your roof is not cheap, so repair or replace it as needed. Multiple opinions can also help, so you can get a fair picture of the damage.
When to replace or repair the roof
For repairs and replacements, thoroughly review your contractor. Read reviews, check out licensed contractors, and ask around. Replacing or repairing the roof is critical, so choose the right person. You don't want your roof to leak months after it's finished, so find someone with a good track record. Build relationships before the storm hits and check out post-storm rooftops on their list. Otherwise, you may have to wait weeks or even months to finish your work when things settle down.
When choosing a contractor, watch out for "storm chasers" who follow natural disasters and prey on homeowners in need at attractive low prices. These people may promise a great roof, but they are in the business of selling you a terrible roof and then ignoring your calls five years later when it fails. Instead, trust a local contractor with a history of work rather than someone who offers a deal that seems too good to be true. Especially if you live in an area vulnerable to severe weather, find someone who can make repairs for you when you need them.
This is an additional article on weatherproofing and wind resistance for roofs.
No matter what you face in the coming months, we want you and your family to stay safe. If your roof is damaged, have it repaired or replaced by a quality contractor and consider using materials that are more suitable for severe weather, such as metal.
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