In the state of Ohio, weather can be severe all year. From thunderstorms, and high winds to hail, tornadoes and heavy winter snow, your roof certainly takes a beating. If your roof has been damaged by the severe weather in our state, you must take several steps to ensure your safety and your reimbursement for any roof replacement needs.
Assess the Exterior Damage
If you can, grab a ladder and check your roof. Look for loose or missing shingles, dents, cracks or other signs of damage. You should also check your gutters, siding and the rest of your property to ensure everything is safe and stable until someone can come provide a full inspection. Take notes or pictures of the damage as you go.
Check the Interior of Your Home
Storm damage isn’t limited to the outside of your home. In fact, even if everything looks good on the exterior, you could still have leaks or water damage inside. Check your attic and ceilings for any signs of leaks or water spots. Don’t forget to look inside light fixtures for pooling water.
Call Your Insurance Company
If you find damage during your assessment of the property, call your insurance company as soon as possible to handle insurance claims. Your agent can walk you through your specific policy and give you information about filing a claim. Generally, the company will perform an inspection of its own to determine the extent of the damage and determine how much it will pay for repairs or replacement.
Hire a Contractor
The final step is to hire a roofing contractor who works in Canton, Ohio and the nearby areas. However, don’t simply settle for the first roofing company you come across. Research the company to ensure it is licensed, insured and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. It also helps to read plenty of online reviews or ask for references. These steps will help to ensure that you find a reputable company that will do the job right the first time so you don’t need to pay out of pocket for more repairs.
Storms are inevitable in Ohio, but as long as you catch the damage early and hire a reputable roofing company to assist with the repairs, they should not leave any permanent signs of their strength.