What Should I Do If I Have Blown Off Shingles?
Waking up the night after heavy storms to find that your roof has blown off shingles isn’t exactly the most enjoyable home ownership experience. Wind and storm damage are not just cosmetic issues – they can lead to serious interior damage and structural problems if not addressed promptly. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do when you notice blown off shingles on your home.
Step 1: Conduct a Safe Initial Assessment
Safety is the first priority when dealing with wind damaged roofing. Do not attempt to climb on your roof, especially after a storm. From a safe vantage point, preferably on the ground, visually inspect your roof for signs of shingle damage. Check the ground in the surrounding area for blown off shingles or other debris. Look for areas on the roof where shingles are blown off, which could expose your roof to the elements.
Step 2: Protect Your Home from Further Damage
Once you’ve confirmed that shingles have been blown off due to wind damage, it’s crucial to minimize further damage to your home. Call Indy Exterior Services for emergency tarping services. We will cover the affected areas temporarily with tarps to shield the exposed sections from rain and debris. This interim solution will help prevent water from infiltrating and causing more severe issues like leaks or structural damage. Tarping services are billed to insurance as part of the storm damage claim.
Step 3: Document the Damage
Before moving on to repairs, document the damage thoroughly. Take clear, detailed photos or videos of all affected areas. These visuals should include wide shots to show the extent of the wind damage to your roof and close-ups to capture specific problems with blown off shingles. This documentation is critical for insurance claims and will serve as evidence of the damage’s extent and nature. If you can’t get adequate photos safely from the ground, ask your roofing company to take photos when they are tarping the damaged area(s).
Step 4: Review Your Insurance Policy
Understanding your homeowner’s insurance policy is key when dealing with blown off shingles on your roof in Central Indiana. Review your policy to confirm whether it covers storm damage or specific damages like blown off shingles. Knowing your coverage details, including deductibles and limits, will prepare you for the conversations with your insurance provider.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Reach out to your insurance company to report the blown off shingle(s) as soon as possible. Provide them with the documentation you’ve prepared and inform them of any temporary measures you’ve taken to protect your property. The insurer will likely send an adjuster to inspect the roof and assess the claim based on the damage and your coverage.
Bonus Tip: We recommend informing your insurance company that you have chosen a roofing contractor at this time. Many insurance companies will try to bully you into using one of their “preferred” contractors. This is nothing more than them pairing you up with the cheapest roofer to save the insurance company money and you pay the price with roofing problems down the road.
Step 6: Select a Reliable Roofing Contractor
Choosing the right contractor is crucial for ensuring that your roof is restored properly after wind damage in Indiana. Opt for a licensed, insured, and experienced roofing company that specializes in storm damage repair. Indy Exterior Services offers comprehensive assessments, free estimates, and we stand by our work with robust warranties. Our expertise in handling insurance claims can also simplify the process for you.
Step 7: Understand the Repair Process and Timelines
Once you’ve chosen Indy Exterior Services and your insurance claim is filed, it’s time discuss the specifics of the repair process. Ask about the timeline, choose your materials, and discuss any preparations you might need to make at home. It’s important to have a clear understanding of how and when the repairs will be completed to manage your expectations and plan accordingly.
Step 8: Prevent Future Issues
After repairs are done, consider taking proactive steps to strengthen your roof against future damage. Regular maintenance checks, timely repairs, and potentially upgrading to higher-quality, more durable shingles can go a long way in protecting your home from future weather-related damages in Indiana.
Handling blown off shingles with a systematic approach not only ensures that your home repairs are completed efficiently but also helps maintain the integrity and value of your property in the long run. Trusting a reputable service provider like Indy Exterior Services can significantly ease the burden, ensuring high-quality, lasting repairs. If you’ve noticed blown off shingles on your roof, give us a call for a free inspection.