Storms can happen unexpectedly and can seemingly pick and choose what homes to impact and which to pass over. When the storm hits your home, it is important to know what to do and the steps you need to take to get the damage taken care of. This is especially true for the roof of your home. Getting roofing contractor in Lincoln Park Michigan out to make repairs is important but there are some other steps you’ll certainly want to take. We’ll take a closer look at some of the things you should do if your home has been impacted by recent storms.
Steps to Take After Experiencing Storm Damage to Your Roofing in Lincoln Park Michigan
When your roof fails and is damaged by storms it can put your entire home at risk. As water comes through a roof leak into the home it can damage all sorts of items. Not just the home components but also the home furnishings as well. If your home has a small roof leak try to move items that can be damaged by water away from the roof leak. You can also place buckets or large pots to trap water coming in. If devices are already drenched in water and still connected to electrical circuits make sure to disconnect the power or trip circuit breakers to avoid getting shocked. Here are some of the steps you should take if your roof has been damaged by a storm:
Stay Safe
It is important to remember that your safety, and the safety of those living in the home needs to be the top priority. There is no point in trying to safe your home if you lose your life or those you care about in the process. Until the storm is over and everything is deemed safe, you should follow any evacuation orders and listen to the recommendations of the experts.
Walk Around
Once you have the all clear that the storm is over and you are safe to inspect your property, you should do a walk through of the property. This includes first walking around the outside of your house, looking for pieces missing or debris. You should take note of things, including taking pictures. You should then walk around your home’s interior, looking around your windows and in your attic and basement for any signs of moisture getting in.
Document What’s Wrong
You need to make sure that you are both taking pictures and notes on all the damage, especially if there was any already existing damage to your home. Make sure to get as many angles as possible, and write detailed notes allowing for the most information possible. This will need to be used with your insurance company, and it is important for them to have an accurate idea of what the house looked like after the storm. Having time stamped pictures are also very helpful to prove that the dates and times are right after the storm.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You will then need to contact your insurance company to file a claim for the damage done by the storm. Most companies have websites with an option to file a claim online, or you can call your agent for help. It is important to provide them with the dates, times and documentation on your damage and file your claim quickly. The longer you wait after the storm, the more time will go by before work can begin to fix your home. Remember that an insurance adjuster will also need to come out to assess the damage, so the damage you show cannot be too different to what you document.
File for Help
If your home has been part of a more intense storm like a natural disaster, you may also need to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. They are a government program designed to aid in disaster response, including help with housing and food immediately after the storm. They can also assist you with funds to rebuild and replace your belongings. This includes helping you with the filing of insurance documents, even if the damage was not a total loss.
Call A Contractor
If your home has been damaged by a storm getting a contractor out to make repairs is a must. Many of the top contractors including Downriver Roofers also offer emergency roof repair services in which a temporary barrier is placed until more permanent solution can be made. Call them today at 734-548-9919 for a free quote!
