What to Do After Storm Damage in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is no stranger to storms. Over the years, the area was hit by storms that bring severe wind gusts and causes widespread damage to properties. From water damage to wind and structural damage, Cincinnati experiences it all.
If you are a homeowner in the area, for sure you are already very familiar with this. You probably even have your fair share of bad experiences as well. It is not easy at all, which is why being prepared is a must.
What should you do after a storm? What if your roof has been damaged? Should you call a roofing contractor right away? Or should you take care of everything yourself? Well, read on here to find out.
Inspect Your Roof
The first step after a storm is to inspect your roof for any signs of damage. Do the following:
● Check for Safety Hazards Around Your Home
This includes checking for loose or damaged branches and power lines, as well as checking for gas leaks or other hazards.
If you notice any of these, contact the appropriate authorities immediately. Do not handle the problem on your own and put yourself in a dangerous situation. Safety should always be your priority. Go back inside your house and wait for the authorities to arrive.
● Check for Leaks
Look for signs of water damage, such as water stains on the ceiling or any water that may be pooling on the floor. This may be caused by missing or damaged shingles, damaged flashing, and even standing water on the roof or gutters.
● Check for Structural Damage
This includes checking for any cracks or damage to the walls, or any other signs of structural damage. This may not be evident to the naked eye right away so it’s important to do your due diligence and inspect even the hard-to-reach areas.
Remember, if you indeed notice any damage or issues on your roof, make sure to take photographs and document the damage for insurance purposes.
It’s also best to have your roof professionally inspected to ensure all issues are identified and assessed.
Call Your Insurance Provider
Do not forget to call your insurance provider as well. Tell them your situation and ask for instructions. They will be able to provide you with detailed information on the claim process, including what documentation and information are required to file a claim.
Make Temporary Repairs
It is also important to make temporary repairs to minimize further damage to your property. This can include the following:
● Cover leaks
This may involve covering leaks with a tarp or plastic sheeting to prevent water from entering your home. You can do this on your own but if you’re not knowledgeable enough, then it’s best to just call a professional and let them handle the job.
Or you can also try to direct water away by placing a bucket directly from the area that has been leaking. This will prevent the water from further damaging your home’s interiors.
● Remove Debris
Remove any debris from your roof, gutters, and around your home. This includes branches, leaves, and other debris that may have accumulated.
Removing the debris will prevent more damage to your property and will make it easier for a professional to make the necessary repairs later on.
● Secure Loose Shingles
Don’t forget to also secure any loose shingles as they can cause more damage to your roof and create a safety hazard. It’s best to have professionals handle this as they are more trained and knowledgeable.
Call a Professional
Regardless of whether or not you’ve made temporary fixes on your roof, it is important to call a professional roofing contractor right away. They will have the knowledge and experience to identify any potential problems with your roof and make the necessary repairs.
They will also be able to provide you with a detailed estimate and help you navigate the insurance claim process so you’ll have a higher chance of getting approved the soonest time possible. They can even assist you with what paperwork you should prepare and submit.
File Your Insurance Claim
Once all your documents and paperwork are ready and compiled, submit them to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Time is of the essence as most companies have a time frame of until when are you allowed to file. So make sure to check with your company beforehand.
Most likely, your insurance provider will send an adjuster to verify the veracity of your claims. If everything goes well and your claim is approved, you can now contact your roofing contractor to have permanent repairs made to your roof.
Our Recommendation
In conclusion, after a storm, it is important to inspect and assess your roof for any signs of damage. You should also contact your insurance provider, make temporary repairs, call a professional roofing contractor, and file an insurance claim as soon as possible.
However, we highly recommended involving the roofing contractor from the start. Instead of doing the inspection and making temporary fixes on your own, let the professionals handle all of that. They will be able to assist you and ensure the process will go smoothly and efficiently.
Contact Assist Restoration. They are the best roofing contractor in Cincinnati that specializes in storm damage repairs. They can deliver timely and efficient roof repair services, and help you navigate the insurance claim process. From start to finish, they’ve got you covered!