No one can control the weather event in their area, and neither can we predict the extent of storm damage. What may seem like a soothing breeze can drastically turn into a devastatingly strong windstorm.
This is why having a solid and sturdy roof over our heads is essential. It helps in protecting us from the harshest of weather conditions. But certain circumstances can leave a significant impact on your roof.
The following guide will help you gain more insights on various aspects of storm damage and what you need to do if your roof is damaged.
Types Of Storms In New Jersey
You must be prepared to face these conditions as New Jersey has volatile weather. But even before you do this, you should have an idea of the type of storms that can damage your roof.
Wind Storm
We all know New Jersey sees a lot of wind storms in February. The wind is classified as a storm when the weather causes high levels of sustained winds for an extended 50-55 mph strong. These storms can differ as per their severity and wind speeds.
Types of wind storms in New Jersey
- Hurricanes (wind speed greater than 74 mph)
- Tropical Storms (wind speed more than 64 mph)
- Tornadoes
They can be caused by changing the atmospheric pressure in a particular region. These are common in areas with low air pressure.
Signs of Wind Damage To Your Home
Windstorms can cause a lot of damage to your home’s exterior, especially your roof.
- Strong winds cause individual shingles to uplift and blow off.
- It can cause cracks in flat roofs
- Can cause the Fascia to blow off or bend
- It can break the chimney seal and make a passage for leaks
Hail Storms
It is a harsh weather condition during which balls or pellets of ice known as hail fall to the ground. The duration of a hail storm is relatively shorter than other types of storms and lasts for about 15-20 mins. But these can do just as much damage despite a brief appearance and is one of the significant causes of damage to your roof.
Signs Of Hail Storms
The continuous strikes can cause significant damage to roofs and gutters.
- When hailstones enter your roof, they can leave dents on your asphalt shingles.
- They can even dent on the metal roofs.
- Hail can also dislodge granules, which leads to leaks
- Hail storms can also damage the flashing and the roofing alley
Rain Storms
Out of all the forces of nature, rain is one of the most common phenomenons. A rainstorm consists of high-speed winds with heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, rainstorms can mess with your roof and cause damage to your drainage system.
Signs Of Rain Storm Damage
Damage due to standing water is a nightmare for all homeowners, particularly those with wood shakes or shingles. Standing water in your roof can lead to several problems, including
- Rain can lead to the growth of mold and mildew
- It can cause rot and wood decay
- Causes leaks and chronic drainage issues that result in severe clogging of gutters.
Now you have looked at some of the most damaging storms that can occur in New Jersey. After knowing about these types and the damage they can do to your home, the next thing you should know is what you should do if your area has witnessed a storm.
What To Do After A Storm?
If a storm has hit your area, then it is likely that your roof has gone through some damage. Here are the steps you need to take after storm damage.
Check The Extent Of Damage Of The Roof
After a storm has passed, it’s essential to evaluate the condition of your roof. Walking around the exterior of your home and taking note of any visible signs of damage can help you pinpoint areas that may need repair. Ensure you have a good view of your roof to see the damage effectively. You can take pictures of the injuries on your phone. Documenting the effects is very important as it can help at the time of the claim and settle any disputes.
Go Through The Other Areas Of Your Home
After a storm, while your roof may seem visible unaffected, there may still be damages in other parts of your home’s exterior, such as:
- Windows
- Gutter systems
- Sidings
Also, check for leaks on the interior of your home; that is, in addition to the exterior of your home, do inspect your attic and all ceilings, light fixtures, and walls inside. Again, use a flashlight or other devices that enable you to get a clear view.
Do not ignore the following signs:
- Visible leakage
- The unusual smell coming from the attic area
- Stains on the ceiling
Make Temporary Arrangements If Necessary
Suppose the roof storm damage is severe and is damaging your interiors. In that case, you must make some temporary repairs and fixes so that the damage does not worsen until a professional comes and carries out storm damage restoration.
You can do the following things:
- Temporarily replace your missing shingles with protective material.
- Remove your valuables from the place of direct leaks
- Cover the openings with wooden planks
Contact A Professional Roof Contractor
To bring your roof back to its normal condition after the storm damage, make sure that you contact a professional roofing contractor for an inspection. This is necessary as these professionals are trained to detect issues with your roof that you would not catch on your own.
Here are some other benefits you can get if you hire a professional roof contractor for New Jersey storm damage.
- Can detect and treat potential issues
- They have the required skill and the equipment to do storm damage restoration
- They have expertise in roof storm damage repair and replacement
- Can help you with insurance claims
File For An Insurance Claim For Storm Damage
After taking the above necessary steps, you will find out the extent of the storm damage. If the damage that has occurred is severe and you cannot handle the cost by yourself, you should file an insurance claim. The majority of the homeowner’s insurance policy covers the storm damage. Check with the policy provider to ascertain whether your policy offers coverage under storm damage.
To help in insurance claims, make sure you take pictures of your residence before any damage. This will be your proof of loss if anything happens to your belongings. For example, if a storm or severe weather damages your roof, take pictures and compare them with the earlier pictures. This can act as solid proof of your insurance claim.
Preventing Roof Storm Damage
From the above blog, you have seen that the process of storm damage repair is not only costly but also tedious. So following the old quote’ prevention is better than cure’ we show you some tips with which you can prevent
1. Inspect Your Roof Regularly
You should inspect your roof at least twice a year. Inspection can help you detect specific issues that maximize damage in the long run. These can be in the form of:
- Loose shingles
- Missing shingles
- Roof sheathing and nails
If your home’s roof is older than 10-15 years, then you should be even more cautious with the inspection.
2. Maintain The Drainage System
You should keep your gutter system clean from leaves, debris, etc. If you do not keep your yard clear of debris, this can cause your gutters to clog. Clogged drains will direct the rainwater into the walls of your home — instead of allowing the water to move away from your house, and it will collect and cause water damage.
Keep An Eye On Your Surroundings
Take note of the trees that surround your home. Dead or weak branches, as well as branches hanging over your home, can be dangerous. Take steps to minimize this risk by trimming the deadwood of your trees. This will help you avoid costly repairs brought on by storm damage.
Northkit Roofing Offers Roof Storm Damage Repair Service
If you live in New Jersey, you are no stranger to the fact that it faces some of the harshest weather conditions.
Despite all the preventive measures, we cannot judge the extent of storm damage on our property. Thus, it is essential to get storm damage inspection services from the best roofing contractor in your area.
But don’t worry, our team at Northkit Roofing has a combined experience of more than 25 years and can handle the adversities of storm damage. In addition, we also offer the following services.
Storm Damage Roof Repair
No matter the extent of your storm-damaged roof, our top-notch professionals can help restore storm damage and bring back your roof in its best condition.
Insurance Claim Assistance
We also offer you claim-free assistance services. In addition, our vast experience in handling storm damage claims can help you get the insurance claim without too many hassles.
So whenever your roof gets damaged due to storms, or any other force of nature such as snow, wind, rain, there is only one name you can trust, Northkit Roofing. Call us for a free storm damage inspection on (973) 396-7416.
