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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

The Unintentional Skylight: Mitigating Roof Damage After a Storm

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Tree damage after a storm leaving a large hole in the roof

The storm is over, and there is a moment of relief before you realize that your living room has a new skylight, courtesy of your neighbor’s intrusive maple. Overwhelmed, it is easy to write off the incident, walk away, and let your homeowner’s policy take care of the mess. You have protection against wind damage and roof damage, so why not?

The problem is that insurance companies may not cover damage that occurs after a storm, meaning that if any further damage occurs because of a gaping hole in your ceiling and that dangling tree limb, you could be liable. Therefore, it is up to you to prevent further damage, or to mitigate that damage. There are three steps to follow after a storm has caused damage: remove debris, clean and dry the damaged area, and cover/protect the area to prevent further damage.

1. Remove Debris

It is important to remove debris after a storm to prevent both further roof damage and potential physical injury. For instance, the weight of a heavy tree limb can continue to put pressure on a compromised roof, opening a hole further or collapsing the roof altogether. By removing the tree limb, you mitigate the risk of further damage to both the roof and yourself.

2. Clean and Dry the Damaged Area

Water damage can cause many problems, including mold, which is why it is important to clean and dry damaged areas thoroughly. After major storms, it can take insurance adjusters weeks or more to review your case, and that is not time you can afford to waste.

3. Cover and Protect To Prevent Further Damage

After removing debris and cleaning the damaged areas, it is important to cover any openings to protect the inside of your home. The most cost-effective option is to use either tarps or plywood to cover exposed areas. There are local restoration specialists in the Slidell, LA, area that can help with large or dangerous mitigation jobs.

Storms can be frightening, and their aftermath devastating. Nevertheless, most insurance companies require homeowners to mitigate further home and roof damage by taking the above steps, so be safe and be prepared.

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