ROOF STORM DAMAGE GUIDE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

Nobody has any control over the weather in their location, and neither can we determine how much damage will be caused by a storm. What may initially appear to be a gentle breeze may suddenly become a powerful windstorm.

This is why it's crucial that we have a strong, reliable roof over our heads. It aids in defending us against the worst weather situations. However, certain events may have a substantial effect on your roof.

You may learn more about various aspects of storm damage and what to do if your roof is damaged by reading the following advice.

STORM TYPES IN NEW JERSEY

Given the unpredictable weather in New Jersey, you must be ready to deal with these situations. To begin with, you should be aware of the kinds of storms that can harm your roof.

Stormy winds

We are all aware that February is a windy month in New Jersey. When the weather results in strong sustained winds over an extended period of 50–55 mph, the wind is categorized as a storm. The severity and wind velocity of these storms might vary.

Windstorm types in New Jersey

• Hurricanes (wind speed greater than 74 mph)

• Tropical Storms (wind speed more than 64 mph)

• Tornadoes

Wind Damage Symptoms in Your Home

Exterior services

Windstorms can seriously harm your home's exterior services, particularly the roof.

• Individual shingles might lift and blow off in high gusts.

• Flat roof cracks may result from it.

• can result in the fascia bending or blowing off.

• It may cause the chimney seal to crack, creating a pathway for leaks.

Storms with hail

Hail is ice balls or pellets that fall to the ground during a bad weather condition. A hailstorm lasts for roughly 15-20 minutes, which is very brief compared to the duration of other storm kinds. However, despite their fleeting appearance, these are one of the major reasons for damage to your roof.

Signs Of Hail Storms

The constant strikes have the potential to seriously harm gutters and roofs.

• Hailstones can dent your asphalt shingles when they enter your roof.

• On metal roofs, they can even leave dents.

• Granules can be moved by hail, which causes leaks.

• Storms with hail can also harm the roofing alley and the flashing.

Stormy Rains

Rain is one of the most frequent natural occurrences among all the other natural forces. A rainstorm consists of swift winds and copious amounts of rain. Unfortunately, rainstorms can damage your drainage system and muck up your roof.

Signs Of Storm Damage From Rain

All homes fear water damage from standing, especially those with wood roofs or shakes. Having standing water on your roof can result in a number of issues, like as

• Mold and mildew growth can be accelerated by rain.

• It may result in wood degradation and rot.

• causes severe gutter clogging by causing leaks and ongoing drainage problems.

You have now examined some of the storms that can cause the most damage in New Jersey. The next thing you should know is what to do if a storm has hit your neighborhood after learning about these types and the harm they can cause to your home.

What to do following a storm

Your roof has probably sustained some damage if a storm has recently passed through your neighborhood. Following a storm, you must follow these actions.

Check the roof's damage extent.

It's crucial to inspect your roof after a storm to determine its condition. It can be useful to walk around the exterior of your home and look for any obvious evidence of damage to your home to identify potential repair areas. To successfully see the damage to your roof, make sure you have a good view of it. On your smartphone, you can take images of the wounds.

Take a look around the rest of your home.

While your roof could appear to be untouched after a storm, other exterior features of your home could still sustain damage, including:

• Windows

• Gutter systems

• Sidings

In other words, in addition to checking the outside of your home, make sure to check the attic, as well as all the ceilings, light fixtures, and walls inside, for leaks. Use a flashlight or other tools to help you see clearly once more.

Do not ignore the following signs:

• Visible leakage

• The unusual smell coming from the attic area

• Stains on the ceiling

Sidings

Make Temporary Arrangements If Required

Assume the internal damage from the significant roof storm damage. In that situation, you will need to make a few interim repairs and modifications to prevent further damage until a professional arrives to perform storm damage restoration.

The following are possible:

• Put temporary protective material in place of your missing shingles.

• Take your valuables out of the vicinity of any direct leaks.

• Cover the openings with planks of wood.

Make Contact With An Expert Roofing Contractor

Make sure to get in touch with a qualified roofing contractor for an assessment if you want to restore your roof to its pre-storm state. This is essential because qualified professionals can spot roof problems that you might miss on your own.

Here are some additional advantages of hiring a qualified roofer to repair storm damage in New Jersey.

• can recognize and address potential problems

• They are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to restore storm damage.

• They are experts at repairing and replacing roof storm damage.

• can aid in filing insurance claims

Submit a storm damage insurance claim

You can determine the amount of the storm damage after taking the aforementioned mandatory actions. You should file an insurance claim if the damage is significant and you can't pay for it on your own. The majority of the storm damage is covered by the homeowner's insurance policy. To find out if your policy covers storm damage, contact the provider of your insurance.

Take images of your home before any damage occurs to aid in insurance claims. If something happens to your possessions, this will serve as your proof of loss. Take images and compare them to the earlier photos, for instance, if a storm or other severe weather affects your roof.

HOW TO AVOID ROOF STORM DAMAGE

You can see from the blog above that the process of repairing storm damage is not only expensive but also time-consuming. Following the adage that "prevention is better than cure," we will provide you with some prevention advice.

1. Inspect Your Roof Regularly

At least twice a year, your roof has to be inspected. You can find specific problems during the inspection that will ultimately cause the most damage. They may take the following forms:

• Unstable shingles

• Lack of shingles

• Sheathing for roofs and nails

You should be considerably more cautious during the examination if the roof on your home is more than 10 to 15 years old.

2. Maintain the drainage system

You should keep leaves, trash, and other things out of your gutter system. Your gutters may clog if you do not keep your yard free of debris. Instead of allowing the water to escape your property, clogged drains will force it to accumulate inside your walls, where it will cause water damage.

Keep A Close Eye On Your Environment

Note the trees that are in the area around your home. Branches that hang over your home or are dead or weak can be dangerous. Trimming your trees' deadwood will help to reduce this risk. This will assist you in avoiding expensive storm damage repairs.

Offering roof storm damage repair services is Northkit Roofing.

You probably already know that New Jersey has some of the worst weather if you reside there.

Even with all the precautions, we are unable to assess the extent of the storm damage to our property. Therefore, hiring the top roofing contractor in your area to examine storm damage is crucial.

Storm damage

Repair for Storm Damaged Roof

No matter how severely your roof has been damaged by a storm, our top-notch technicians can assist repair the damage and getting your roof back to its pre-storm state.

Assistance with Insurance Claims

Additionally, we provide claim-free assistance services. Additionally, you can acquire the insurance claim without too many issues because of our extensive experience in dealing with storm damage claims.

Therefore, there is only one name you can rely on, Northkit Roofing, whether your roof is damaged as a result of storms or any other natural force, such as snow, wind, or rain. On (973) 396-7416, give us a call for a free storm damage survey.