After severe weather hits Elkhorn, knowing how to assess storm damage protects your home and insurance claim. Learn what to look for and when to call professionals.
Storm Damage Roof Inspection: Protecting Your Home and Your Claim
Nebraska storms can cause significant roof damage in minutes. Knowing how to respond after severe weather protects your home from further damage and ensures you receive fair insurance compensation.
Royalty Roofing and Siding has helped thousands of homeowners navigate storm damage repairs and insurance claims. Here's what you need to know.
Immediate Safety First
Never climb on your roof to inspect damage, especially after a storm. Wet surfaces are slippery, and damaged areas may be structurally compromised. Leave roof access to trained professionals with proper safety equipment.
If you notice active water intrusion, place containers to catch water and move valuables away from affected areas. Document the leak location and contact a roofing professional immediately.
Ground-Level Inspection
You can safely assess visible damage from the ground using binoculars if needed. Look for missing or displaced shingles, visible holes or tears in roofing material, damaged or missing flashing around chimneys and vents, granules accumulated in gutters or at downspout discharge, dented or damaged gutters, and debris on the roof surface.
Signs of Hail Damage
Hail damage isn't always obvious from the ground. Check for dents on metal surfaces like gutters, downspouts, air conditioning units, and window frames. These indicators suggest hail significant enough to damage roofing materials.
On the roof itself, hail creates random patterns of granule loss exposing the black asphalt beneath. This differs from normal weathering which occurs uniformly. Professional inspection is essential for accurate hail damage assessment.
Document Everything
Take photos and video of all visible damage before any repairs are made. Include wide shots showing context and close-ups showing detail. Note the date, time, and weather conditions. This documentation supports your insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage to your insurance company promptly. Most policies require timely reporting. Get a claim number and ask about their inspection timeline. You have the right to choose your own contractor regardless of what the insurance company suggests.
Professional Inspection
Schedule a professional roof inspection as soon as possible after storm damage. Our project managers conduct thorough inspections that document all damage, even issues not visible from the ground. This complete assessment ensures your insurance claim covers all necessary repairs.
Working with Insurance
We have extensive experience with insurance claims and work with all major carriers. Our documentation meets insurance company requirements. When adjusters visit, we can meet them on-site to ensure all damage is properly identified and valued.
Temporary Repairs
If your roof has active leaks, temporary tarping may be necessary to prevent further damage. Most insurance policies cover temporary protective measures. Never attempt permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster inspects.
Avoiding Storm Chaser Scams
After major storms, out-of-town contractors go door-to-door offering quick repairs. Be cautious of contractors who demand large deposits, pressure you to sign immediately, offer to pay your deductible, or lack local references and permanent addresses. Choose established local contractors who will be here for warranty service.
We're Here to Help
Royalty Roofing and Siding provides free storm damage inspections throughout the Omaha metro area. We handle the insurance process so you can focus on your family. Contact us after any significant storm for a professional assessment.
Our Services
Royalty Roofing and Siding provides expert exterior services throughout the Omaha metro area. Explore our full range of services:
Serving Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna, Elkhorn, and surrounding Nebraska communities. Request your free estimate today!
