Prevent Future Storm Damage to Your Roof With These Easy Steps

Congratulations: you survived the storm and your roof is hanging in there…mostly. Taking these next steps will help you prevent further storm-related damage and get a better assessment of how extensive the damage is.

Drain standing water

The longer water is allowed to sit inside your home, the more likely it is to seep through your walls and cause water damage.

Depending on the amount of standing water you have after a storm, you can drain it yourself using a boat bilge pump or a shop vacuum rated for water. Be extremely careful around water near electrical outlets, and wear waterproof boots or wading gear that reaches above the waterline.

Dry out wet areas

Now it’s time to remove the moisture completely. Open doors and windows to offer evaporating vapor a path for escape, and use powerful fans to speed the drying process in wet areas.

Moisture that remains in your home can lead to mold growth, costing greater money down the road in mold remediation and restored drywall, etc. So don’t rush this step.

Remove debris

If the storm has deposited branches, leaves, and other debris on your roof, make sure to remove them. This helps uncover potential repair spots on your roof and get you closer to a sense of normalcy.

Large branches and downed trees shouldn’t be tackled alone, though. Hiring an arborist or licensed tree removal company will ensure that risk is minimized with the correct equipment and rigging.

Use a tarp

It’s an old standby, but a good one. Traps are designed to resist water and will buy you time to file a claim and get repairs booked while your roof remains exposed to the elements.

Installing tarps so that they prevent additional water damage is something your local roofing contractor can easily do for you.

“I think I’ve got it covered.”

Taking these steps after a storm will help reduce the risk of more roof damage and protect your home while you file your storm damage claim. Meanwhile, our team can get started assessing and documenting the damage for you. Just contact us to schedule a roof inspection from Ideal Roofing Inc.