Roofing Maintenance Blog

Did Wind Damage Your Home? How to Care for Your Roof

Mother Nature took a swipe at Colorado in early January, particularly in and around Colorado Springs. Hurricane force winds toppled trees and ripped roofs from houses. The unusual storm, which preceded a blizzard by a week, left a trail of destruction that closed roads and schools.

Thankfully, no one was hurt, but now what? If the storm touched down on your roof, you have your work cut out for you. Scott McIntyre, owner of Total Roofing in Colorado Springs says these steps should be your top priority:

1. Make sure it’s safe. If a tree branch fell on your roof, or if a branch or limb overhangs it, there’s potential for serious damage. You’ll want to call a roofing company or a tree trimmer right away and have the offending flora removed. Depending on the severity of the hazard, you might need to evacuate until the foreign body is gone.
2. Inspect your attic for leaks or water damage. If you see any new wet spots, that’s a sign that water has infiltrated your roof and it needs to be repaired ASAP.
3. Check for missing shingles and flashing around your chimney and exhaust pipes. Pay particular attention to the valleys and edges where the roof meets the walls. Check also the gutters and fascia for damage.
4. Document any damage. Write down whatever you find. This will be important when dealing with your insurance company or FEMA, and it helps avoid any confusion with your roofing contractor.
5. Contact your insurance company. They will come out and assess the damage and help you determine whether you should file a claim. Professional roofing companies know how to work with insurance providers to minimize the cost to you.
6. Visit FEMA.gov. You might be eligible for federal assistance, depending on the extent of the damage. The information you need is on their website. But remember, if you qualify for a FEMA loan, it still has to be paid back.
7. Get the right contractor for the job. If the wind has damaged your roof, you’ll need a roofer who’s licensed, bonded and brings years of experience. Total Roofing, voted best roofing contractor in the Front Range the past two years, handles roof repairs like this all the time. They even work with your insurance company to ensure a seamless experience for you.
8. Don’t wait any longer! Roof damage is a real danger, and it can get suddenly worse if not addressed as soon as possible. A small patch job is a lot less expensive than replacing a roof and cleaning up massive water damage inside your house.

To schedule a roof inspection or for more information, visit Total Roofing's website or call (719) 591-4947 or 1-800-ROOF-PRO today.