If you live in a northern state or a coastal region prone to extreme weather, then your home’s roof will come under constant assault from Mother Nature. And that’s in addition to the normal wear and tear experienced by residential roofing materials like asphalt shingles, which need to be replaced every 17 years on average. And unfortunately, just because you don’t see any visible damage, that doesn’t mean storm damage hasn’t compromised the integrity of your roof. So if you’re looking for roof repair tips, here’s the single most important thing you can do after a storm:
The best residential and commercial roofing contractors will provide a free inspection of your home’s exterior after a severe storm.
But remember: Beware of shady door-to-door “contractors” who show up on your doorstep after a big storm. The Better Business Bureau calls these con-men “storm chasers,” and they have a tendency to prey on elderly homeowners in particular. They’ll offer to inspect your home for free, and surprise, they always find damage.
Fortunately, established roofing contractors in your region might provide legitimate free inspections that can help save your home from catastrophic damage. So if you suspect a recent storm event damaged your roof, do your research to locate a licensed and insured roofer to provide a home inspection ASAP.
If they determine that roof repair is necessary, they can help you file the necessary claims and paperwork with your insurance company, saving you the cost of replacing a roof on your own. It’s one of the most important roof repair tips you’ll ever learn. So the faster you do your research and book an inspection, the faster you can get the roof repair costs covered by your insurance provider. And the longer you wait, the higher the risk of severe water damage draining away your rainy day fund. Because by the time you wait to notice an obvious leak, water could have already leaked into your home, causing costly water damage and mold to spread throughout your home.
Even many DIY-types know relatively little about advanced roof repair tips. But regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensuring the exterior of your home lasts as long as it’s supposed to.