What should I do right after a storm hits my roof?
Start with safety. Stay off the roof, stay away from downed power lines and stay out of rooms with ceiling water or sagging. Then work through this list:
- Take photos and video of damage from the ground, including dented gutters, vents and fences.
- Catch active leaks inside with buckets and plastic sheeting, and move valuables.
- Call your insurance company to ask how to start a claim and what your deductible is.
- Have a roofer inspect the roof and document what they find.
- Keep receipts for anything you spend on emergency protection.
If water is coming in, ask a roofer about a temporary cover such as a tarp. Do not sign anything the same day under pressure. A contractor who respects you will let you read the paperwork and think it over. Keep copies of everything, because claims move more smoothly when records are clear.
