Storm damage can cause serious risks to your home, especially when it comes to your roof. Quick action is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure your safety. Here are some helpful tips for handling emergency roof repairs after a storm:
Ensure Your Safety First
Stay Inside: Do not attempt to go onto your roof immediately after a storm. Wait until the weather has cleared and it is safe to inspect the damage.
Avoid Electrical Hazards: If your roof has been compromised and there’s water leakage, stay away from any electrical outlets or appliances to avoid electrocution risks.
Check for Structural Damage: Before stepping outside, check for downed power lines, fallen branches, or structural damage around your home that may pose a danger.
Assess the Damage
Look for Leaks: Inside your home, check for any water stains, ceiling damage, or wet spots. If you notice water dripping, place a bucket or container underneath to catch the water and prevent further damage.
Check the Roof from a Safe Distance: Use binoculars or a camera to safely inspect the roof for obvious damage, such as missing shingles, large dents, or holes. Avoid climbing onto the roof unless you're trained to do so.
Take Photos: Document the damage with photos to help with your insurance claim and any repair work. Clear, detailed images will assist in the assessment and claims process.
Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage
Use a Tarp: If your roof has large holes or missing shingles, cover the area with a tarp to prevent rainwater from entering. Make sure the tarp is securely fastened, and use nails or heavy-duty tape to hold it in place. A tarp can be a temporary solution until professional repairs are done.
Seal Small Leaks: If you notice small leaks or gaps in your roof, you can temporarily seal them with waterproof roofing tape or roofing cement to stop the water from seeping in.
Contact a Professional Roofer
Call an Expert: If you’ve noticed significant storm damage or if you're unable to safely assess the situation, it’s time to contact a professional roofing company like JMC Construction & Carpentry Inc. Our expert team can provide an immediate inspection and take care of the necessary emergency repairs.
Insurance Assistance: If your roof damage is extensive, we can assist you with the insurance claims process to help cover the cost of repairs.
Avoid DIY Repairs (If Unsafe)
Leave Major Repairs to the Experts: While some minor repairs can be done temporarily by homeowners, it’s best to leave serious repairs to licensed and experienced professionals. Climbing on a damaged roof can be dangerous, and improper repairs can lead to more costly issues down the line.
Prevent Future Damage
Schedule a Roof Inspection: After the storm, schedule a professional roof inspection to identify any long-term issues that might have been caused by the storm or that could worsen over time. Regular inspections can help catch minor issues before they become major problems.
Consider Upgrading Your Roof: If your roof has suffered significant damage, it might be time to consider an upgrade with more durable materials that can withstand severe weather in the future.
CHIMNEY REPAIR TIPS
Chimney repairs are essential to maintain the safety and efficiency of your home’s heating system. Over time, chimneys can develop damage due to wear and tear, weather conditions, or even poor maintenance. Here are some helpful tips for repairing your chimney:
Inspect for Damage After a Storm
Look for Cracks or Leaks: After a storm, inspect your chimney for cracks, missing mortar, or water leaks. Storms can cause significant damage to masonry and chimneys, which may lead to larger structural issues if not addressed.
Check the Chimney Cap: Ensure the chimney cap is intact and properly secured. A missing or damaged chimney cap can allow rain, debris, or animals into the chimney, leading to potential blockages and water damage.
Clean and Remove Debris
Chimney Cleaning: Regular chimney cleaning is essential to prevent buildup of creosote, a highly flammable substance that can lead to chimney fires. Hire a professional chimney sweep or follow proper cleaning methods to ensure the chimney flue is clear.
Clear Blockages: If you notice anything obstructing the chimney, such as bird nests or leaves, make sure to remove it immediately. Blockages can prevent proper ventilation and cause dangerous smoke backflow into your home.
Repair Cracks and Damage to the Mortar
Use Chimney Mortar: Small cracks in the mortar between bricks or stones can be sealed with specialized chimney mortar. This will prevent further damage and improve the chimney’s efficiency.
Repointing: If the mortar between bricks is deteriorating, repointing (replacing the old mortar) may be necessary. This is a skilled job that should be handled by a professional chimney repair expert.
Check for Chimney Leaks
Waterproofing: Water damage is one of the most common causes of chimney deterioration. If you notice signs of water leakage or rust stains around the chimney, it’s essential to have the chimney waterproofed.
Install Flashing: Flashing, the material around the base of the chimney where it meets the roof, can be a common area for leaks. Ensure that the flashing is sealed and in good condition to prevent water from seeping into the chimney structure.
Fix or Replace the Chimney Crown
Chimney Crown Condition: The chimney crown is the topmost part of the chimney, and it helps to prevent water from entering the flue. If the crown is cracked or damaged, water can seep into the chimney, causing damage to the interior. Seal cracks and apply a waterproof coating to protect it.
Consider a Chimney Crown Repair: If the damage is severe, the crown may need to be completely replaced. A proper chimney crown will help prevent further water damage.
Address Structural Issues Promptly
Watch for Leaning or Tilting: If you notice your chimney is leaning or tilting, it may indicate a structural problem. This could be due to foundation issues or extreme weather. Structural issues require immediate attention from a professional to avoid potential collapse.
Professional Assessment: If you notice significant cracks, leaning, or other signs of structural damage, contact a chimney repair professional immediately for an inspection and to discuss the necessary repairs.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID AFTER STORM DAMAGE
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Storm Damage
When a storm causes damage to your home, it’s important to act quickly and carefully to prevent further issues. However, many homeowners make mistakes in the aftermath that can make the situation worse or lead to unnecessary costs. Here are common errors to avoid after a storm:
Delaying the Inspection and Repairs
Why It’s a Mistake: Postponing repairs or inspections can lead to further damage. Water leaks, for instance, can weaken your structure, cause mold growth, and compromise insulation.
What to Do Instead: Contact a professional for a thorough inspection as soon as possible to assess the damage and prevent further complications.
Attempting DIY Repairs Without Proper Knowledge
Why It’s a Mistake: While small fixes may seem easy, DIY repairs can often lead to incomplete or unsafe fixes, especially when dealing with roofing, structural damage, or electrical issues.
What to Do Instead: Leave complex repairs to professionals who have the proper training and equipment to handle storm damage safely and effectively.
Not Documenting the Damage Properly
Why It’s a Mistake: Failing to take photos or videos of the damage can result in difficulties when filing an insurance claim. Without proper documentation, you may not receive the full compensation for repairs.
What to Do Instead: Take clear photos and videos of all damage from different angles before you make any temporary repairs or clean-up.
Not Contacting Your Insurance Company Immediately
Why It’s a Mistake: Many homeowners wait too long to notify their insurance company, which can lead to delays in claims processing or even denied claims.
What to Do Instead: Contact your insurance provider right away to start the claims process and get guidance on how to proceed with repairs.
Ignoring Safety Hazards
Why It’s a Mistake: After a storm, there can be dangerous debris, downed power lines, or weakened structural elements. Ignoring these hazards can put you and your family at risk of injury.
What to Do Instead: Stay inside until it is safe to go out. Avoid touching electrical wires, and be cautious of falling debris or compromised walls.
Not Hiring a Professional for Storm Damage
Why It’s a Mistake: Some homeowners may try to handle storm damage without professional help, especially if the damage seems minor. However, many storm-related problems, such as water leaks or roof damage, can worsen over time if not properly repaired.
What to Do Instead: Hire a qualified contractor or restoration expert with experience in storm damage repair to ensure that your home is fully restored to its pre-storm condition.
Overlooking the Need for Temporary Repairs
Why It’s a Mistake: If your roof or windows are severely damaged, neglecting temporary repairs can lead to more water damage and exposure to the elements. Waiting for permanent repairs might result in mold growth or further deterioration of materials.
What to Do Instead: If it’s safe, apply temporary fixes, such as covering holes with a tarp or boarding up windows, to minimize exposure to weather until permanent repairs can be made.
