According to the Utah Division of Emergency Management, earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding are the most common natural disasters in Utah. However, in recent years, landslides, windstorms, pandemics, droughts, and smoke have been troubling residents. Combine these disasters with snowstorms, thunderstorms, and ice to complete a full package of keeping Salt Lake City residents on their toes! What can a responsible homeowner do when storms damage a roof?
Be Safe
First and foremost, make sure you and your family are safe. This is of top priority. This goes for any type of natural disaster, whether large or small. If damage has occurred, stay away from downed power lines, never use an electrical device if there is excessive floodwater present, and use caution around damaged buildings. Always take an assessment of the area thoroughly before exiting the home.
If you are able, contact Salt Lake City Emergency Management at bereadyslc@slcgov.com for additional safety tips and emergency information.
Assess the Damage to Your Roof
Regardless of how sturdy a roofing system is, it just can’t compete with some of the major storms that present themselves. Take as many pictures as you can of your roof when conditions are appropriate. If you are able, get a video as well. It is better to have more pictures and videos than not enough.
Make Temporary Fixes
Is there water leaking into your kitchen from holes in the roof? If your home is not flooded, place five-gallon buckets, pails, or pots under the dripping water to collect it and eliminate more damage by leaking water. If there is minimal shingle damage, then a tarp can possibly be placed over the area until it can be repaired properly.
Contact Your Local Roofing Contractor
Always trust a local company to assist you with repairs after a storm. Avoid placing your trust, and money, in fly-by-night, storm-chasing roofing companies. Unfortunately, they tend to prey on the devastated, and don’t deliver product material and service as a local contractor will. If anything goes wrong with the roof after the installation, the storm chasers have already left town and can’t be reached. A local roofing company in Salt Lake City can quickly come and assess the situation and resolve any complications.
Be sure to contact Rocky Mountain Exteriors in Salt Lake City when you need some assistance with assessing the damage to your roof. We have worked with thousands of roofs in various weather conditions, so you can rest assured we’ve got your back. We will be on time, reliable, and ready to assist in any way we can to help you get a solid strong roof back on your home.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Make sure to call your insurance agent, and not the company itself. Most likely, you have a good working relationship with the agent, and they should be able to guide you through the ins and outs of your policy. Some companies cover more than others, know what your policy involves.
Call us today to discuss the damage done to your roof in the latest storm or natural disaster. We will give a thorough inspection and speak with you clearly about our findings. We are here to help! Give us a call today, and gain back peace of mind.