We are approaching the height of the stormy season in Alabama. Brace yourself in these coming weeks and months for a few intense tropical storms, heavy rains, and severe thunderstorms. Those storms can be damaging and you may need emergency roofing repairs in Mobile, AL following those events.
We know it can be a stressful experience, so we've outlined the exact steps you need to take for your emergency repairs.
What to Do When You Need Emergency Roofing Repairs in Mobile, AL
Follow our helpful steps to minimize your storm damage and start your emergency repairs once the storm passes.
What You Can Do During the Storm
During intense weather, it's important to prioritize your own safety. Be sure to follow the guidance and advice of your local emergency weather service to keep you and your family safe during bad storms.
When safe, there are some steps you can take to avoid and reduce storm damage during a weather event.
1. Switch Your Power Off
For a moment, let's assume a tropical storm has caused a large tree branch to fall on your roof. That branch may inflict a hole or two in your roof, which is the last thing you want for your property. Those holes can allow water to seep into your home, which can lead to:
- Internal structural damage
- Personal property damage
- Harmful mold or mildew growths in your home
- Electrical fires
If your home has been damaged during the storm, be sure to turn off your power to avoid any chance of an electrical fire.
2. Be Proactive About Water Damage
As mentioned, water will find its way into your home through any roof leaks or holes in your system. That water can cause significant damage that can have high restoration costs. For instance, structural water damage repairs cost on average between $1,500 to $10,000 (Fixr).
You can likely file an insurance claim for your home restorations, but your homeowner's insurance won't cover everything. If possible, try to mitigate the water damage during the storm. Here are a few ideas to help you out:
- Use buckets to catch water from any leaks
- Move your belongings to dry areas
- Cover your furnishings
What You Can Do After the Storm
Has the sky finally cleared? If so, it's time to get started on your emergency roofing repairs in Mobile, AL.
3. Contact A Professional Roofer
Storm damage can only be properly and legally repaired by a roofing professional. Compile a list of roofing companies in your area and take some time to compare your options. It's important to look for a roofing contractor with:
- Years of experience with storm damage repairs
- A great local reputation in the Mobile Bay area
- Company values that stress professionalism, communication, and transparency
- An ample supply of the roofing materials you want for your home (e.g., metal roofing, tile roofing, GAF shingles, etc.)
The best roofers in Mobile, AL will offer free roof inspections, so you can get the answers you need without worrying about the cost. If possible, make sure you get multiple estimates from several contractors to make the best decision for your home and budget.
4. Thoroughly Document the Damage
Your home insurance policy likely covers storm-related repairs and restorations. As such, it's a good idea to file a claim once the storm has passed. You can give your claim a better chance of approval by documenting the damage thoroughly.
Be sure to take plenty of photos (and videos) of the storm damage on your property. Those time-stamped documents will greatly strengthen your claim. Don't forget to ask your roofing contractor for a few photos/documents too.
5. File Your Roof Insurance Claim
Most insurers will require you to file a storm damage insurance claim within one year of the storm (Insurance.com). You have time to file your claim, but it's better to submit it sooner rather than later.
Make sure you include as much detail as possible in your claim. After you submit it, your insurer will send an insurance adjuster to your property. We recommend having your roofer present for that inspection so they can voice concerns with the adjusters' findings and advocate on your behalf.
6. Protect Your Home with Temporary Repairs
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a roofing company can deliver emergency repairs the same day you call. In addition, your adjuster's inspection may delay your repairs as well.
To avoid further property damage in the short term, you may want to do a few temporary roof repairs. Consider:
- Covering the damaged area(s) with a plastic tarp or two
- Applying an adhesive to any roof shingles that may be curling, buckling, or loose
- Using a little bit of roofing cement to reseal cracked joints and/or your flashing
Remember: any temporary repairs should be minimal, easy to remove, and leave no mark on your property. Keep track of the temporary repairs that you make and remember to keep your receipts too.
7. Schedule Your Emergency Roof Repairs
Has your claim been approved? If so, you can finally schedule your roofing repairs.
Whether you have a shingle roof or a metal roof, it's important to get your emergency roof repairs scheduled ASAP. This way, you can be fully prepared for the rest of the storm season in Alabama.
Contact Your Trusted Expert for Roofing Repairs in Mobile, AL
At Ethos Roofing & Restoration, there is no type of roofing issue that is too small or too complex for our crew.
Do you need emergency roof repair services? Or are you ready to upgrade your home with a roof replacement? Whatever your needs, we can deliver the quality roof services that you're looking for.
Contact Ethos today to book your FREE inspection and get started on your emergency roofing repairs in Mobile, AL.