The southeastern United States knows all about hurricane damage and preparations. But in the heat of the moment, as you’re looking at a damaged house, it can be easy to forget a lot of the practical advice you’ve gotten and just start trying to fix things yourself immediately. Rarely, if ever, is this a good idea! Do you know what to actually do for roof damage after a hurricane?

Hurricanes can completely devastate your roof, leaving your home and belongings vulnerable to further damage. But don’t lose your cool as you deal with this new situation. Here are the steps to take immediately after you discover a damaged roof.

Hurricane season isn’t over yet! Here’s what to keep in mind if you come home to a damaged roof. Share on X

Get Temporary Repairs Done ASAP

Your first order of business should be keeping the damage from spreading any further. Perform a little temporary roof repair. If you can find the leak on the interior of your roof and it’s a manageable size, cover it with a tarp or other waterproof material temporarily. Don’t let any more water get into your house.

Unfortunately, hurricane damage can frequently result in leaks large enough that a simple tarp cover isn’t going to do much good. Call your local roofing contractor and see how quickly they can patch your roof to keep damage from spreading further. While actual repairs may have to wait, they can at least provide a temporary solution.

File Your Insurance Claim Immediately

Don’t wait to file an insurance claim! After a disaster, your insurance company will be flooded with requests and claims. Get yours in quickly to avoid waiting too long for professional repairs. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner your life can go back to normal.

Pro Tip: Your roofing contractors will work with your insurance company and be your advocate to make sure you get the most value from your claim. Let the professionals handle the insurance negotiations.

Choose a Trustworthy Houston Roofing Company

After a natural disaster, out-of-town companies known as storm chasers will show up and offer free or allegedly discounted inspection and repair services. Don’t let them near your roof! These companies will vanish once the job is done, leaving you to deal with any problems that may arise later. These contractors tend to charge exorbitant prices for subpar work and leave before dealing with any fallout. Don’t let this happen to you! Stick with a local, trustworthy company with an incentive to give you the best job possible.

Dealing with Roof Damage After a Hurricane

Hurricane season isn’t over until the end of November 2019. With just over a month to go, it’s still possible that an unexpected storm could cause extensive damage to your roof. Don’t let it take you by surprise! If you stay on top of things and have your roof inspected and repaired quickly, life can get back to normal soon.

Connect with us for more insights on maintaining your roof and dealing with hurricane damage.