If you’re reading this, chances are a powerful storm rolled through Oklahoma last night, and you’re waking up to the aftermath. Storms like these can leave a mess behind, from fallen trees to damaged roofs and siding. Even if everything seems alright, there might be hidden damage on your roof that if left untouched, can become a larger issue later on.
Either way, it can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start.
The good news? You’re not alone in this. There are steps you can take to protect your home and get it back to normal as soon as possible. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do next if your home has been hit by storm damage. Let’s take it one step at a time, starting with the most important thing: safety.
Assess The Damage Safely
Your first instinct may be to rush outside and check everything, but hold on for a moment Before you do anything, you need to make sure you’re staying safe. Storm damage can create hazards like downed power lines, broken glass, and unstable structures. So, it’s a good idea to start by looking around your property from a distance, ideally without leaving your home or yard until you’re sure it’s safe.
Now, when it comes to storm damage, there are a few common areas that tend to take a hit:
- Roof: Oklahoma storms often bring high winds and hail, which can tear off shingles, dent metal roofs, or even cause leaks.
- Siding and Gutters: Strong winds and flying debris can crack or rip off siding panels. Gutters may also get clogged or damaged by hail or heavy rain.
- Windows: Hail and debris are notorious for cracking or even shattering windows.
- Interior: Don’t forget to check inside your home, especially for any signs of leaks or water damage.
If you can, grab a pair of binoculars and inspect your roof from the ground. Look for missing shingles, dents, or anything that looks out of place. It’s safer to stay on the ground rather than climb up yourself.
Also Read: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Gutter Damage?
Document The Damage
Once you’ve taken a look around and noted any damage, it’s time to document everything. This step is key, especially when it comes to filing an insurance claim. Trust us, the more detailed your documentation is, the smoother things will go with your insurance provider.
Here’s what to do:
- Take photos: Capture images of your roof, siding, windows, gutters, and any interior damage. If a tree fell on your property, photograph that too.
- Take videos: Videos can help show the full scope of damage, especially if there’s water leaking into your home.
- Note details: Write down any important details, such as when the storm occurred, the specific areas affected, and any issues you noticed right away (like water or air).
Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Company
To fix the damage, you might need a roof repair or complete roof replacement, both of which are expensive. This is where your homeowner’s insurance can help. So, after documenting the damage, it’s time to call your insurance company. This can be one of the more daunting steps, but it’s essential for getting the repair process underway.
Most policies cover storm damage, but it’s always good to double-check what’s covered, like roof repairs or full replacements.
When you call, be ready to provide details about the storm and the damage you’ve discovered. You’ll likely need to provide:
- The date and time of the storm.
- A description of the damage you found.
- Photos and videos that you took during your inspection.
Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage in person, and once your claim is approved, you can begin the repair or replacement process.
Call A Professional Roofing Company
Once you’ve contacted your insurance company, the next call should be to a professional roofing company—preferably one that specializes in storm damage (like us). It’s important to call in the experts rather than do the job yourself since roofing professionals know how to spot damage that might be invisible to the untrained eye.
When we come out to assess your home, we’ll inspect the roof, siding, gutters, and any other areas that could have been impacted. Since roofers do have experience in storm damage, they know where to look for hidden damage as well. We’ll then provide you with a free roofing estimate too.
Beyond that, we know how stressful this process can be, and we’re here to make sure things are fixed quickly and properly. Whether you need minor repairs or a full roof replacement, we’ve got you covered.
Make Temporary Fixes
Some premier roofing companies like ours, offer 24-hour storm damage repair in Oklahoma City. However, despite our best efforts, it may still take time before we arrive at your place.
Till then, it’s a good idea to make temporary repairs and avoid significant roofing damage.
- Tarp your roof if you notice leaks or missing shingles to prevent water from getting into your home and causing more extensive interior damage.
- Board up broken windows to prevent rain or pests from getting inside, while also ensuring the safety of your home’s interior from further exposure to the elements.
- Clear away debris that may cause additional damage, like large branches near your home, which could potentially fall or damage your roof, siding, or windows if not removed.
- Place buckets under leaks to catch any water coming through the ceiling and prevent it from damaging floors, furniture, or carpets.
- Move furniture and valuables away from leaking areas to avoid water damage and keep important items dry.
However, know that we are only talking about relatively small fixes. If the damage looks extensive, it’s better to leave the heavy lifting to professionals who have the right tools and experience.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with storm damage in Oklahoma can be stressful, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Whether it’s a few shingles missing or something more serious, following these steps will get your home back in shape. And remember, if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing. We are Oklahoma’s most trusted roofing company. Our team has experience repairing different types of roofing systems and offer 24/7 storm damage roofing services. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more about us.
A. Homeowners insurance generally provides coverage for damage caused by storms, which can encompass a variety of incidents such as wind damage, hail impacts, and lightning strikes, among other weather-related issues. However, the specifics can vary significantly between insurance policies. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully examine your individual policy to fully understand the detailed extent of your coverage for storm-related damages and any potential exclusions or limitations that may apply.
A. If your home gets damaged due to a storm the first thing you should do is to ensure that everyone inside your home is safe. Wait for the storm to pass and move outside to assess the condition of your siding, windows, and roof. If you do find damage, contact our team and we will be there to help at our earliest.
A. Generally, you need to file a claim within 30 to 60 days of the initial damage. To learn more you can check out our article here.
