How To Mitigate Roof Damage Before Help Can Arrive

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you experience storm damage in your home or business.

Heavy winds, torrential rains, excessive snowfall or large hail can all result in significant roof damage. Unfortunately, even if you call a storm damage repair team the day after the damage occurs, it may be weeks or even months before a complete repair can be done. This may be because other homeowners in the area have been affected as well or because your insurance company is slow to process your claim. Whatever the reason, you need to take steps to mitigate damage in the meantime. There are several things you can do to prevent further damage: 

• Tarp your roof 
• Cover broken or cracked skylights and windows with plastic 
• Tarp your siding (if necessary)
• Remove tree limbs and other debris 

Tarp a Leak 

If your roof sprouts a leak in the latest storm, tarp it until the professionals can fully patch and repair it. If it is still raining, you can minimize damage to the interior of your home by placing buckets beneath the leak. Though you cannot do anything to minimize roof and ceiling damage, you can protect your floors and furnishings. 

Cover Broken Windows

Just like you did with roof damage, protect your home and your family from the elements by covering any cracked or broken windows and skylights with plastic. Doing so can also protect your home from loose shards of glass that fall in. 

Tarp the Siding

Wind damage is often not limited to just the roof. If your siding is loose or missing, call in a contractor to tarp off the side to prevent further damage to the interior until a full repair can be done. 

Remove Debris

Finally, any debris that is allowed to sit on your roof poses a greater threat each passing day. If a tree or heavy branch fell on your home, contact your local contractor to remove it and tarp your roof until quality repairs can be made. 

If your home sustained roof damage in the last storm, it is imperative to take remedial action right away. Use the advice above to protect your home until a quality contractor can make permanent repairs.