What Should You Have In Place For Your Roofing Emergency Action Plan?

Emergency repairs are inevitable in the course of your roof’s life. When roof leaks or other issues crop up, you will need to have a proper action plan to handle emergency repairs fast and efficiently. Failure to establish a plan can delay critical repairs and jeopardize your roofing system’s integrity and building occupants’ safety.

While there are unexpected emergencies that may happen in regards to your roof, here is the roofing emergency action plan you should have in place to alleviate some of the stress:

1. Visual Inspection

After a storm has come and gone, you should take a visual inspection to see if there is any apparent damage to your roof. If you see any noticeable damage, be sure to call your roofer to recommend the best course of action.

To ensure safety, avoid going up on your roof or going near power lines which may have fallen. If need be, find a safe place where you and your family can stay temporarily as your roofing catastrophe is being handled.

2. Schedule Professional Roofing Inspection

The single most crucial component of any roof emergency plan is regular inspections and maintenance schedules. Routine inspections help to identify weak areas and enable you to proactively mitigate roofing issues instead of reacting to damages as they occur. It is the single most effective way to save on costly repairs.

The initial assessment should be slow and thorough to pinpoint and record even the tiniest deficiencies in your roofing system. Your roofing contractor should examine the whole roof and inspect every detail.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Call your insurance agent and your roofing contractor to discuss your emergency roof damage and start the claim process if need be. Always keep their numbers in handy to avoid stress in the event of an emergency. Begin the claim process as soon as possible and have assessments done to estimate repair costs. Read your policy’s fine print to know what your deductible is and what your insurance policy covers.

If you have homeowner’s insurance coverage, you should get compensation whenever a storm damages your roof. Be sure to document the losses your home has suffered from the storm. Take clear photos of the damage before moving or removing anything, and note any extra cost you incur as a result of the damage.

Don’t forget to file receipts for hotel accommodation and other temporary living expenses. All these documents will come in handy when filing your insurance claim. Your insurance agent can help answer any questions about your claim and determine if your plan covers the roof damage.

Once your claim is approved, your insurer will coordinate with your local roofer. Make sure you get the information about who is coming to your property and when.

4. Schedule Prompt Repairs

Work with your roofer and insurance agent to get repairs scheduled and started as soon as possible. This will also help you prepare better for the next storm. Repairs usually fall into two categories under the emergency plan: long-term repairs and immediate repairs.

A proper action plan lets you deal with the most pressing issues right away and create a plan for smaller problems. Photograph, document, and catalog any emergency work if anything is missed due to the accelerated nature of such emergency repairs.

It is always essential to work with a local roofer with experience handling emergency roof repairs to ensure less stress for you. Since they are local, you can be sure they will be around even after completing the project. You can call them anytime with questions, and they can also generally offer better warranties.

The Bottom Line

Overall, having regular maintenance can help you minimize storm damage. As a building owner, you can prevent or reduce costly roofing anomalies with proper preparation and planning. Fortunately, most “emergencies” are predictable by knowing your building’s age, location, and construction.

When you craft a smart, flexible emergency action plan to handle roofing emergencies which inevitably crop up, you can be in a better position to make quick and effective repairs without interrupting your daily operations. More importantly, roofing emergencies are best left to professional roofing contractors. If you are struggling with a roofing emergency in Charleston, SC, Tri County Roofing can help. Contact us today to schedule a free roofing inspection!