Storm damage recovery can be a complex and overwhelming process, but there are some things you can expect that may help make it a little easier. Here are five things to keep in mind as you work to recover from storm damage.
Damage assessment:
The first step in storm damage repair is to assess the extent of the damage. This may involve hiring a professional to evaluate the damage to your home or property, or it may involve conducting your own assessment. In either case, it’s important to be thorough and document any damage you find.
Filing a claim:
You’ll need to file a claim to get coverage for your damages if you have insurance. This can be a complex process, so it’s a good idea to work with an insurance professional who can help you navigate the process and ensure that you get the coverage you need.
As processing insurance claims can take a while, you should begin your claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it will be for your claim to get lost in a sea of similar claims from people trying to get money for damage caused by the same storm.
Cleanup and repair:
Once you’ve assessed the damage and filed your claim, you’ll need to begin cleaning up and repairing any damage caused by the storm.
Cleaning up and making storm damage repairs can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Still, taking care of it as quickly as possible is important to prevent further damage and get your home or property back to its pre-storm condition.
Before you can begin repairs, you’ll need to clean up any debris that was left behind by the storm.
Making temporary repairs:
In some cases, you may need to make temporary repairs to your home to protect it from further damage or to make it safe and livable. This could involve tarping a damaged roof, boarding up windows, or making other temporary fixes.
Be sure to prioritize making temporary repairs for the parts of your home most susceptible to the elements. For example, covering lost shingles and broken windows is far more important than patching lost siding.
Long-term repairs:
Once you’ve taken care of any immediate issues, you can begin the process of making long-term repairs to your home. This may involve replacing damaged materials, making structural repairs, or completing other work to restore your home to its pre-storm condition.
Depending on the extent of the damage suffered by your home, you may need to hire a contractor, inspector, or building engineer to determine whether the structural integrity of your home has been compromised. Most storms won’t cause this kind of damage, but it could be necessary, especially if a fallen tree damages your home.
Dealing with financial challenges:
Storm damage can be expensive and can take a toll on your finances. You may need to budget carefully to cover the costs of cleanup and repair, and you may need to seek financial assistance if you struggle to make ends meet.
There may also be non-profit organizations capable of offering help. For example, the Red Cross can help with temporary shelter and maybe even financial assistance. In addition, government organizations like FEMA are often authorized to assist people in a community afflicted with significant storm damage with financial aid and temporary housing.
Working with a professional:
You’ll likely need to work with a professional, such as a contractor or an insurance adjuster, to assess the damage and plan for repairs. They can help you understand the scope of the work that needs to be done and provide guidance on how to proceed.
Maintaining your mental health:
Finally, taking care of your mental health as you recover from storm damage is important. The process can be stressful and overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel anxious, sad, or frustrated. It’s important to talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you’re struggling and to take care of yourself during this difficult time.
What to do if your roof is damaged in a storm
If your roof sustains damage, you will want to discover how bad the damage is. Check the condition of the shingles and look for damage in the wood paneling below. Wind can blow shingles off your roof and cause no problems for the paneling below, but fallen debris like trees or large tree limbs have more destructive potential.
Try and determine whether your roof is still capable of keeping out moisture. If not, try to cover it the best that you can with tarps, heavy objects, or other tools that will help keep water from seeping into the paneling on your roof and leaving damage.
As soon as it is safe to do so, repair your roof. If the damage was only from shingles, make sure to replace any damaged shingles until your roof is completely covered. If the paneling under your shingles were damaged, you would need to remove and replace that panel and the shingles on top of it.
Does homeowners insurance cover a storm-damaged roof?
Typically, yes, your insurance will help you cover costs for repairing your roof and your home after a storm has damaged it.
Homeowners insurance usually protects your home from accidents that could not have been prevented. This can include external events such as a storm or internal events like flooding from a burst pipe or a stovetop fire.
Be sure you know what is covered in your homeowners’ insurance policy so that when disaster strikes, there is no uncertainty about what your insurance can help you with.
Total Flood & Fire Restoration — A Local Storm Damage Repair Company
If you are looking for a professional to assist you with your storm damage repair, be that on the outside or the inside, we are here to help.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you restore your home after the unthinkable happens. We are ready to help 24/7!
