4 Steps to Take after a Storm Damages Your Roof in Gaithersburg

From high winds and thunderstorms to severe snow and ice storm damage can seem inevitable for Gaithersburg residents.  Do you know what steps to take if a storm damages your roof? Following these four steps can help you navigate what can seem like an overwhelming process.

1. Self-Assess

The first step in navigating a storm damage loss to your roof is to perform a simple, self-assessment of your property.  As you’re assessing things, take notes and pictures, especially if you plan to file an insurance claim.

Check for Safety

Safety should always be the number one priority after a storm.  Severe weather can cause numerous hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas lines, fallen trees and limbs, and dangerous debris like broken glass and nails.

Look for Damage

The most obvious step of your assessment is going to be looking for visible damage to your roof.  Some of the things you’ll want to look for are:

• Missing Shingles
• Bent or Broken Shingles
• Lifting Shingles
• Obvious Dents and Holes
• Damaged Flashing, Fascia, and Gutters

Signs of Severe Weather

In addition to the physical and readily visible damage you see, it’s a good idea to take note of any signs of severe weather that had the potential to cause damage to your home.  Signs that a severe storm passed through can be:

• Fallen trees and tree limbs
• Damaged structures like fences and sheds
• Displaced items like trash cans and patio furniture
• Reports from local news sources of high winds or hail in Gaithersburg

2. Schedule an Inspection

Even if you can’t see damage yourself, if you’ve determined that the conditions in Gaithersburg were right for storm damage to your roof, schedule and inspection with a professional roofing contractor.  A qualified roofing expert like BRAX Roofing will perform a thorough inspection of your property looking at both the interior and exterior of the roof.  Your roofing contractor has the knowledge and skills to accurately assess any damage and help you move forward with the repair process.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

You don’t need to wait for your inspection to be done before calling your insurance provider, nor do you need to wait to schedule the inspection after you speak to the insurance company.  Time is of the essence when it comes to storm damage, so these two steps should be taken care of as quickly as possible.  Your insurance company will likely send out an adjuster to perform their own inspection, although some companies will use the inspection report provided by your contractor.  When you contact your provider you’ll want to be prepared with necessary information such as:

• Your Name and Address
• Your Policy Number
• Description of the Damage
• Any Questions You Have About Your Policy

4. Hire a Local, Reputable Roofing Contractor

Your final step in handling your storm damage loss is hiring a local, reputable roofing contractor in Gaithersburg like BRAX Roofing to repair the damage or replace your roof if needed.  We can help you navigate the process, even communicating directly with your insurance provide to streamline things and make sure nothing is missed.

If your roof has sustained damage from a recent storm in Gaithersburg, call BRAX Roofing, today, to schedule your free estimate!