Severe weather seems to find the worst moments to strike here in South Jersey. As a homeowner, it’s often when you least expect it, and the damages can be extensive. High winds, heavy rain, hail, and fallen debris can wreak havoc on roofs, siding, and other critical structures. Acting quickly after a storm is essential to protect your home from further damage and to ensure your insurance claim is processed smoothly. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what South Jersey homeowners should do within 24 hours of storm damage.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize safety after a storm by avoiding hazards such as downed power lines, standing water, and unstable structures, and relocate if necessary.
- Document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos, focusing on your roof, siding, windows, and interior to support an insurance claim.
- Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider promptly, providing documentation and following their guidelines for claims and temporary repairs.
- Secure your home with temporary fixes, such as tarping damaged areas, to prevent further harm until permanent repairs can be made.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection to identify hidden damage and plan for repairs or replacement with a trusted local contractor like RGB Construction.
Ensure Your Safety
Before assessing any damage, prioritize your safety and that of your family. Storms can leave behind downed power lines, flooding, and structural hazards that pose immediate risks. Although you should try to inspect the damage, you should also be cautious. Avoid entering areas with standing water, particularly near electronic components. If you have solar panels on your roof, you may want to avoid getting up there for the time being.
Also be cautious of debris, such as broken glass, sharp objects, and loose tree limbs. If the damage is significant, relocate to a safe area and contact emergency services. Do not stay somewhere that is dangerous for you and your family.
Inspect and Document the Damage
Once it is safe, perform a visual inspection of your property to identify areas of concern. Pay close attention to your roof, siding, windows, and surrounding structures. Look for:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Cracked or dented siding
- Broken windows or shutters
- Fallen tree branches or debris on the roof
- Water leaks or stains inside your home
Use your smartphone or camera to take clear photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. Documentation is crucial for filing an insurance claim and serves as evidence of the storm’s impact.
Keep in mind that it may not be safe to perform this step, especially if the roof looks unstable or slippery. Wait until you can get a professional to assist you.
Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Agency
After documenting the damage, contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to report the incident. Provide them with the photos and videos you’ve taken and follow their instructions for filing a claim.
You should be prepared to answer questions about the extent of the damage and the date and time of the storm. If you are unaware, request information about temporary repairs and reimbursement policies. You should also ask if/when an adjuster will be sent to inspect the property and what the timeline for that visit will be.
If you decide to get any temporary or emergency roofing services done in the mean time, keep the receipts and show them to the adjuster. You may be able to get reimbursement for the expense.
Secure Your Home to Prevent Further Damage
Temporary repairs can help minimize further damage while you wait for permanent fixes. Common steps include:
- Tarping holes in the roof or broken windows to prevent water intrusion.
- Removing loose debris that could cause additional harm.
- Covering exposed areas of your home with plastic sheeting or plywood.
If you are not comfortable making these temporary repairs yourself, contact a local roofing professional like RGB Construction for assistance.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Storm damage isn’t always visible to the untrained eye. A professional roofing contractor can perform a comprehensive inspection to identify hidden problems, such as leaks, structural weaknesses, or compromised flashing.
Choosing a local contractor with experience in storm damage, like RGB Construction, ensures you’ll receive expert advice and quality repairs. A trusted professional can also provide the necessary documentation to support your insurance claim.
Also, be aware of storm-chasing scammers who pose as contractors offering up quick, affordable fixes. Always verify credentials and work with a reputable, licensed roofing company in South Jersey.
Plan for Repairs or Replacement
Once your insurance claim is approved, work with your contractor to plan and execute the necessary repairs or roof replacement. Addressing storm damage promptly prevents further complications, such as water leaks, mold growth, or structural issues.
Many roofing contractors in South Jersey are happy to help you replace or repair a roof that has been damaged by storms. At RGB Construction, our team will work to restore your roof to its original conditions. You won’t even remember what the storm damage looked like!
Take Swift Action; Call a South Jersey Roofing Contractor Today
Storm damage. You can prepare for it, but it never gets easier. However, taking the right steps within the first 24 hours can make all the difference. By prioritizing safety, documenting the damage, contacting your insurance provider, and scheduling professional repairs, you can minimize the impact on your home and wallet.
For South Jersey homeowners, RGB Construction is here to help. From temporary repairs to full roof replacements, we provide reliable, high-quality services to restore your home quickly and effectively. Contact us today at 856-462-4299 or fill out our online form to schedule an inspection. Don’t let storm damage disrupt your life—act now to protect your home and investment.