The Few and the Fearless: A Blog About Roofers

Although it may not be common for something to fall on your roof and punch a hole through the deck, it's always a possibility, especially when you have trees that could topple or drop a heavy limb on the roof. A heavy limb dropping on your roof could cause significant damage. Here are some suggestions for handling this problem if it happens to you.

Take Pictures And Call Your Insurance Agent

Take pictures as soon as it's safe to go outside so you can send them to your insurance agent and get the claims process for residential roof repairs started. Your agent might even advise you about the steps you need to take to begin the repairs. Ask about what your coverage entails since your insurance might possibly pay for hotel expenses if it isn't safe to stay in your home.

Call A Roofer For An Assessment

Call a roofer to check your roof to determine the extent of damage. You may need to call your power company to clear away power lines first if the lines were also brought down by the tree. If a tree or big limb is on the roof, you may need to call a tree removal company right away too.

A roofer can come as soon as it's safe and determine the amount of damage done and the type of repairs that are needed. The roofer may also put on a roof tarp or schedule the work to be done quickly so you can at least keep animals, insects, and rain out of your house while you wait on roof repairs.

Have Roof Repairs Done

If a limb crashes through the roof, there will be damage to the shingles, underlayment, and roof deck. The roof might need structural repairs depending on how the damage affected the roof. At the least, the damaged part of the roof needs to be removed so a new deck, underlayment, and shingles can be put on. As long as the damage is in an isolated area, roof repairs might be sufficient so you can avoid the expense of a new roof.

Prevent Future Problems

A storm with strong wind can hurl heavy objects against the roof, and that's out of your control. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of roof damage during a bad storm. If you have notice a storm is coming, remove things from your yard that could become projectiles.

Also, keep your trees trimmed and pruned so there are no heavy limbs or branches hanging over the roof. Maintain the health of the trees on your property too, so weak or sick trees aren't in danger of toppling and crashing on your house during a heavy rain or in strong wind.