Compelling Money Saving Reasons to Inspect your Roof After Storm

Storms and hurricanes cause a lot of damage to buildings and residential structures. While it is easier to spot major structural damages in the property, homeowners may miss out on the small problem areas. Ignoring these minor repair requirements cause a long-term monetary loss and also lead to safety concerns for those living in the house. A roof inspection post-storm is always a step towards securing the structure and life of family members. Even if there's no need for major roof repair, a thorough inspection provides monetary advantages to the home owners.

Roof inspection and monetary gains

1. If you spot a minute damage that might make the home vulnerable to leakage, get it repaired immediately to prevent any major damage in the future. The money spent on minor repair would always be less than what you might need to shell out for a major repair.
2. The sooner you inspect the roof after a storm, the easier it gets to collect the evidence required to claim the insurance. The signs of damage are prominent after a storm, and makes it easier to convince the insurance company that the damage was caused due to storm. Some companies have a fixed time limit within which homeowners can claim for storm insurance.
3. One of the reasons homeowners often do not consider inspecting the roof is that roofing companies offer free roof inspection to clients. Even is the roof has not suffered from any damage, there is no harm in asking a roofing expert to inspect the structure, if the service is free. Inspecting the roof gives peace of mind to homeowners that their family is safe under the roof.

Why you need an inspection expert?

Missing shingles are clear signs of a damaged roof, but there are a few things that only experts can notice. Many roofs look fine from the ground, but there are chances of them having total damage after the storm. The roof may have significant damage, even if not a single shingle is damaged. The two main reasons to go to an expert for inspection are:

1. Homeowners might not be familiar with different types of roofing materials, which makes it difficult for them to distinguish between a damage from the storm from normal wear and tear. Non-professionals may find it to figure out if cracking, shingle rash blistering, and granule loss is because of aging or storm damage.
2. A sealing strip is present between the shingles. Strong storm winds may lift the shingles, break the strip. The shingles might settle back on the roof and look normal, but it would be difficult for a homeowner to find out if the strip is missing. The roof may not show any signs of damage such as leakage for a year or two. Calling an expert is always safe on a homeowner's part to avoid expensive repairs in the future.

Taking a prompt action post-storm prevents the structure from a massive damage and could be economical on a homeowner’s pocket. All that they need to do is, call an experienced and reputable company to do the job.

Summary

Storms might cause damage to structures, but it is not always possible for homeowners to spot even minor loss to the property. The blog talks about advantages of a roof inspection and why you a professional to do the job?

3 Questions to ask When Finalizing a Roofing Contractor

It is important to take steps to maintain and repair your roofing system and get roof insurance. The exposure of the roof to the elements makes it susceptible to wear and tear. The wear and tear gets aggravated if you fail to implement a realistic maintenance regime. You will always get better results if you find a reliable provider of end-to-end roofing services to help with maintenance and filing a roof insurance claim if any damage occurs. Without such due diligence during the selection process, there is no telling the quality of roofer you will land. Getting answers to the following questions can help ensure that you opt for a legit and capable roofer that you can count on for such an important job.

1.Does the Contractor have Insurance?

Homeowners, realty investors and property managers should ensure that the contractor of their choice has appropriate cover in place such as workmen’s compensation. If the opposite is true, chances are you may have to foot the roofer’s medical expenses if their employees sustain injuries due to accidents sustained while maintaining your roof. Further, a contractor should also have liability insurance to protect you against financial losses due to damage caused by the roofer.

2.Are There any Subcontractors?

It is not uncommon for roofers to use sub-contractors to outsource some of their work load. The arrangement works fine for all the three parties involved: the property owner, the contractor, and the sub-contractor. Ask as many questions as possible to gauge the expertise and professionalism of any subcontractors and also make an effort to allay any fears and doubts they may harbor. Establish if they are insured and the actual extent of the cover. Many cities/states require roofing contractors to hold a valid license. Ensure that the roofer has a valid license, and conforms to criteria set by the regulating body.

3.Any Warranties on Offer?

Most roofers usually offer a one year warranty on the projects that they execute, however, some may extend this period. In most cases manufacturers cover the roofing materials while the roofer covers the work done. It is imperative for homeowners to know the extent of these warranties to make sure they receive reasonable warranties.

Conclusion

The cost of replacing a roof can run into thousands of dollars, which is why maintenance should be one of your priorities as a homeowner, property investor, or manager. Homeowners stand to benefit immensely from seeking the services of professional roofers with a reputation for getting the job done on time and within set budgets. The contractor you choose must conform with industry standards and be well-versed with roofing issues. Doing so will help you avoid high maintenance, repair, and replacement costs. Your roofer must also be in a position to help you get the right roof insurance and file a roof damage insurance claim if the need arises.