Steps to Protect Your Roof & Siding from Storm Damage

Most homeowners and business owners dread the idea of roof damage from storms. However, they may not fully understand what they can do to prevent wind, rain, and hail storm roof damage. At Bryan Exteriors, we believe preventive maintenance can reduce your risk of storm damage and help you avoid the need for costly emergency roof repair services. Keep reading to find out what to do before and after a storm to prevent roof damage from storms.

Protecting Your Roof & Siding From Damage Before a Storm

If you live in an area that frequently has high winds, rain, snow and hail, and extreme temperatures, your roofing and siding materials may be at a higher risk of damage. Luckily, preparing for a storm before it hits can help you avoid the worst of the damage that typically could befall your roof or siding:

Schedule a roof inspection before the storm, or do your own visual inspection of your roof, siding, flashing, gutters and downspouts, and soffits and fascia.
Upgrade your roofing ventilation and install a fan or dehumidifier to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Repair any structural issues or damage before the storm.
Only use high-quality, weather-resistant roofing materials that are ideal for the climate in your region.
Repair any siding damage and/or re-seal your siding with a protective coating.
Install storm doors to protect your doors from wind, rain, and hail damage.
Put up window covers or install shutters to protect your windows from storm damage.
Review your insurance policy coverage and determine what types of storm damage are covered.
Take photos and/or video of your home’s exterior to document its condition before the storm.

Inspecting Your Roof & Siding for Damage After a Storm

What you do after a storm can greatly impact your storm damage payout from your insurance company. If you follow our tips for inspecting and assessing storm damage to your roof, siding, and home exteriors, you will be better prepared to submit your insurance claim and begin repairs:

Check your roof for missing shingles or other missing roofing materials.
Check your chimney for structural issues or signs of damage.
Assess the level of debris on your roof, in your gutters, drains, and downspouts.
Check your siding for signs of cracks, water damage, and dimpling.
Go into your attic or crawlspace and check for signs of water damage, excess humidity or condensation, cracks, and other damage.
Look at the trees and bushes around your property and make sure they are structurally sound.
Walk around the entire exterior of your home, looking from top to bottom and side to side to check for damage.
Walk around every interior room of your home, including closets, crawl spaces, basements, and attics, to check for signs of damage.
Look for damage to nearby power lines and utility boxes.
Document any problems with videos, photographs, and written descriptions.
Call your insurance company to file a claim.

Signs You Need Storm Damage Roof Repair Services

If a storm came upon your area quickly and unexpectedly or if you were out of town when a storm hit, you may not have been able to fully prepare for the storm. Being aware of the signs of storm damage will ensure you schedule timely roofing repair, siding repair, gutter repair, and window and door services before any damage gets worse or more expensive:

Missing or damaged shingles or other roofing materials
Damaged flashing, soffits, or fascia
Water damage, mold or mildew, pooling water around your foundation, and excess humidity or condensation on walls or windows
Sagging or damaged rain gutters or downspouts
Build up of organic matter and debris on your roof or in your gutters, downspouts, or drains
Water spots on your walls or ceilings or sagging floors or ceilings
A crooked chimney
Damage to roofing ventilation
Broken siding or missing pieces from your siding
Discolored roofing or siding

Filing a Roofing Insurance Claim for Storm Damage

Some roofing and exterior remodeling companies will help you navigate the stressful and complicated process of filing a roofing insurance claim for storm damage. All insurance companies are different, and it’s important to understand your policy and know what is and isn’t covered. Here are some tips for filing a storm damage claim with your insurance company:

Review your policy and note what is covered and what you are filing for.
Have your documents, photos, videos, and policy information on hand.
Call your insurance company to file the claim.
Ask any questions you have.
Find out if there are restrictions on what roofing company can do your repairs.
Write down your claim number and your insurance adjuster or claims specialist’s name, phone number, and email address.
Submit all necessary documentation.
Meet with the insurance adjuster and other storm damage remediation experts.
Find out the terms for filing an appeal if your claim is denied.

Why Choose Bryan Exteriors

At Bryan Exteriors, we have decades of experience in the construction, roofing, and exterior remodeling industry. We want to help you bring your vision of your dream home to life by providing high-quality home improvement services. Our goal is to enhance the beauty, comfort, and value of your home and help you avoid common roofing and siding issues that could end up causing major problems. We use the highest quality materials, make sure the job gets done right the first time, and treat our customers with honesty and integrity. We value customer service and want to exceed your expectations. We specialize in residential and commercial roofing services, as well as home siding services, window and door services, rain gutter services, exterior painting services, and interior remodeling services.

Schedule a Storm Damage Roof Inspection

Whether you want to protect your roof before a storm or assess the damage after a storm, our team at Bryan Exteriors can help. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a storm damage roof inspection in the Des Moines, IA, area. We will help you protect your roof from damage or work with you and your insurance company to provide efficient roofing repair after storm damage.