If you have lived in Central Texas for any length of time, you know that the weather can change rapidly. You have probably also noticed that severe storms can strike with little notice. Tornadoes, hailstorms and the high winds that often accompany thunderstorms are — unfortunately — not that rare. Storms can damage and causes the need for roofing, so it is important that you know what to do during a violent storm and immediately after it has moved through your area.
Safety is Your Number-One Priority
If structural damage has occurred, you should evacuate the property until a qualified professional has ruled that it is safe to return. Obvious examples of damages that could have compromised your structure’s integrity are a tree falling on your home or a tornado that tears off part of your roof, including the rafters and decking. However, there are some less obvious signs that structural damage has occurred, such as falling ceiling tiles or loud cracking noises coming from overhead, that may warrant caution.
Minimize Interior Damage During the Storm
You cannot go out during a violent storm to put a tarp on your roof or repair damaged flashing. However, you can sometimes prevent further damage to your interior by taking steps to prevent additional water penetration. For example, if your roof is leaking, you could place a container in the attic immediately under the leak. If hail has broken a window, you could cover it with a tarp, a piece of plywood or plastic.
Check for Damages After the Storm Passes
As soon as the storm passes — or the following morning, if the storm occurred at night — you want to assess the damages. Walk around the perimeter of your home and check your siding, windows and screens. Check the roof from the ground for missing, broken or loose shingles. If you are comfortable going onto your roof, you can check for damaged flashing, guttering and cracked shingles that you might have missed from the ground. Look for dents in metal roofing or asphalt shingles that have lost their granules.
Call a Reputable Roofing Contractor Immediately
If you noticed damage to your roof, contact a local roofing company immediately. You can also call for a roof inspection if you are not comfortable climbing onto the roof yourself. Since severe storms typically damage dozens or even hundreds of homes in your area, you want to call as soon as possible so that you are at the top of the list.
Alpha Roofing can Help
For more than 30 years, Alpha Roofing has provided an extensive list of services for both residential and commercial properties. We can provide roof inspections, emergency repairs and chimney repairs. We install flat roofs, metal roofing systems, asphalt shingles, flashing, siding, and skylights. We have dedicated, experienced crews who provide exemplary service and quality results at competitive rates. You can send us your details on our online form to request a free estimate, or you can call us at (512) 777-1086.