Commercial roofs are sturdy and can endure so much more than their residential counterparts. They're made of highly durable asphalt and membrane materials and top-notch installation methods. They're meant to endure the heaviest storms and devastating hailstorms. Will they also need inspections like residential properties that have gone through the same plight? Yes, they would.
High-quality commercial roofing materials from superb manufacturers undergo rigorous and lengthy testing to ensure they can withstand the local weather. The tests aren't a guarantee that the roofs will withstand the same storm strength each time – the previous extreme weather conditions will cause massive changes that need a closer look if they're working fine.
Material and labor warranties only work in your favor if the current storm caused damage to your roof. If the insurance adjuster and manufacturer investigators discover your roof had a previous storm damage that wasn't reported, you might get less or none of the benefits your roof is due.
That being said, it's always important to have a roof investigation right after a storm passes. You can prolong your existing roof system's lifespan, ensure you get full benefits from your insurer or manufacturer, and get the best outcome for your property.
To learn how investigators would measure up and inspect your roof after a storm, here are a few things they'll do according to Alliance Consulting & Testing Inc.
The clouds clear, the storm passes, and now you need to know if damage was done. If you live in an area prone to strong weather events, you’re no stranger to the feeling after the storm passes. You need to know what, if any, damage your home or building may have suffered. Before you pull the ladder out of the garage and take a look, follow these tips of do’s and don’ts of assessing roof damage after a storm.
One of your first steps after a strong storm event is to call your insurance agent. If you have a good agent, they should have your best interests in mind. Leverage their expertise and knowledge of your policy. Talk to the insurance experts first before jumping the gun on filing a roof claim or having an unscrupulous roofing contractor try to file one for you. Get all the information about your coverage so you know what is, and isn’t covered. Insurance claims can get mired in policy language, so know what you’re getting into before you go down this road, especially for commercial claims.
Before you set foot on your roof, bring in the professionals. We recommend an independent third-party inspector. Not because it’s what we do, but because we hear from people all the time that they were forced into a contract with a storm chaser, or their roof didn’t really have storm damage or the replacement of their roof went poorly because they trusted a storm chaser. With an independent inspector, you can rest assured that they’re giving you an honest and transparent report of any damage and whether your roof needs to be replaced.
If there is damage and you get an inspection, make sure the person inspecting takes photos of everything. Thoroughly document the damage to protect your home or property. Take photos and video from the ground. Look for leaks or water spots on the ceiling and walls. Shingles or roofing product on the ground and damage to siding also are indicators of damage. Don’t overlook anything when it comes to documenting your damage.
There’s a lot to be done after a significant weather event, most times, you can allow the claims process to take its course. However, if there is active water intrusion occurring, then it is important to move swiftly to find someone you trust to make the repairs before the damage gets any worse. Water damage wreaks havoc on homes and buildings. The longer a leak is left unrepaired, the more costly potential repairs could be.
Unfortunately, we see bad roof replacements all the time. There are good and bad contractors out there, so make sure you don’t end up with the latter. Fully vet a contractor before ever letting them on your roof. Check references, review sites, ask for recommendations from friends and family, and look for someone in your community with a great history of service.
It’s hard to know the level of damage to a roof before you go up and check things out, but doing that is extremely dangerous. Water leaks and significant water damage can make roofs unstable. Going up on an unstable roof could end in a situation much worse than needing a roof repair or replacement. Keep yourself safe and leave inspections to the professionals. There are other ways you can check the status of your roof without risking your safety.
We recently wrote a blog about the people who show up on your doorstep after a storm. These people try to cash in on replacing roofs. They travel around the country chasing storms to replace roofs and then move on. Not all of these people are neglecting your best interests, but make sure you do your research before letting them up on your roof. (Continue reading here to learn more)
A fully repaired roof always keeps anxieties away. Ensure your roof is always in great condition after a storm by hiring Roper Roofing & Solar to help you maintain and install your commercial roofs. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
