Storms can hit any area even in the summer. Some are not particularly strong and alarming but there are those that come with strong winds and heavy rain that can cause damage to your home. Roof and siding contractors have these quick pieces of advice for when a storm is approaching:
What to Do Before a Storm
Clear your surroundings of tree limbs and trim the trees that are too close to your home to prevent them from flying around or falling, causing damage to your siding, windows and roof.
Make sure your fence is secure enough to withstand strong winds.
Secure any outdoor furniture, bicycles, toys and garden tools. You might want to keep your outdoor furniture indoors in the meantime, if possible.
It’s a good idea to install storm windows and storm doors. Talk to a window and door contractor about the cost and the time it takes to install them.
Prepare an emergency kit. It’s advisable to have a bag for each person in your household with basic needs in them, just in case you have to evacuate in a hurry. Keep flashlights handy.
Before Calling Your Insurer After the Storm
After the storm, when it’s safe to go out, it’s time to inspect your property for damage. Your first instinct should be to check on each member of your household to make sure they’re fine. Then, before calling your home insurance agent, here’s what you should do:
- Do a preliminary inspection of your home. Make sure to wear shoes to protect your feet in case there’s broken glass. Grab a pair of binoculars if you have some.
- Don’t climb on your roof. Don’t even use a ladder for inspecting the roof. Stay on the ground and use your binoculars to inspect for missing shingles, debris, or other signs of damage.
- Don’t move anything just yet, even if you want to clear your home of debris like broken glass. Get your phone or camera and take plenty of pictures for documentation. It’s also a good idea to get a notebook and list down anything that’s damaged or missing. Be as detailed as possible. You may need those pictures and that list for your insurance claims.
- Call your contractor if your roof is leaking. They will check the source of the leak and make a temporary repair, such as applying a tarp over the roof’s leaky parts. They’ll give you a time and date for their return to fix the roof properly.
- Check your gutters for leaks, as well. See if the water is flowing freely through the downspouts. If not, you can call a pro to clear any clogs.
- Check your doors and windows. Call a window or door replacement contractor if you spot any damage.
- Avoid wasting your time with “contractors” you don’t know. Always stick with contractors you do know or who are at least local.
- When your contractors have given you a rough estimate of how much it would cost to repair or replace any damaged components of your home, that’s the time to call your insurer. They will send an insurance adjuster to inspect your home.
Polk Contracting Inc is a GAF Weather Stopper® roofer. We can inspect your home after a storm and give you advice regarding the insurance claims process. Call us today at (410) 994-2801. You can also set up your free estimate by filling out this form. We can help you in Abingdon and Bel Air, MD. We serve clients in Harford County and surrounding areas
