When storms strike, roofs often get damaged. Whether it’s a thunderstorm, hailstorm, heavy snowfall, or severe winds, roofs are susceptible to damage and need repair. That’s where you—the trusted roofing contractor—come in.
Repairing roof damage can be a lucrative operation for roofing professionals. Once the skies have cleared, homeowners will check their homes for damage. However, they don’t always know what to look for.
Homeowners need an expert to inspect their roofs for storm damage. This blog reviews the basics of a storm damage roof inspection for roofing contractors.
What to Look for in Storm Damage Roof Inspections
All storms can cause roof damage. The damage you’ll find on a roof depends on the severity of the storm that hit the area.
Here are different types of roof storm damage that can come from any storm:
- Cracked, dented, or missing shingles
- Debris
- Leaks
- Water damage
- Granule loss
As with all roof inspections, you must document the damage for the homeowner and their insurance company. Most contractors use chalk to outline any damage they find on the roof.
You’ll also need to take photos of the damaged roof and include a detailed report of your recommended fixes.
Understanding your area’s weather patterns can help you plan for storm damage roof jobs. Here are the top five states with the most hail-related insurance claims in 2023:
- Texas
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Colorado
- Missouri
If you live in a state prone to hailstorms or other significant weather events, you should familiarize yourself with the most common types of roof damage from that storm.
For example, dents on shingles or vents are common from hailstorms. Loose shingles are common after windstorms.
In addition to noting any storm damage in your inspection, pay attention to the overall state of the roof. You should thoroughly inspect the roof and check for additional issues or regular wear and tear that may warrant repair or maintenance.
When to Conduct Storm Damage Roof Inspections
Contractors should perform storm damage roof inspections soon after the weather event. Waiting too long means insurance may not cover the repairs, and your odds of winning the job decrease.
Most home insurance policies require homeowners to file claims within one year of the event that caused the damage.
Homeowners may not immediately notice any damage in the aftermath of a storm since roof damage isn’t always obvious to a layperson. That’s why canvassing neighborhoods after storms is essential. You can use storm-tracking apps to help you generate leads for canvassing.
Promoting your roofing services within your local community can expand your customer reach and help build brand awareness. Target local areas where the storm hit and offer free storm damage inspections. Check out our blog post for tips to level up your door-to-door roofing sales.
Avoid using pushy sales tactics if you go door-to-door after a storm. Ensure you’re there to help and check if their roof is in good shape.
Homeowners want to work with a local, reputable, and trustworthy roofing contractor. Leave your business information and encourage homeowners to vet you.
Promoting your roofing services within your local community can expand your customer reach and help build brand awareness.
Storm Damage Roof Repair Process with Insurance
Homeowners may be unfamiliar with roof storm damage or the insurance process involved in the repair. As a roofing contractor, you deal with roof damage and insurance companies much more than the average homeowner.
You can position yourself as a trusted mentor to the homeowner as they go through the insurance process. Here’s a quick overview of the storm damage roof repair process:
1. Filing a Claim
After the roof is damaged, the homeowner must document the damage and file a claim with their insurance. A roofing expert like yourself should inspect the roof and note any storm damage in a detailed report.
After the inspection, the homeowner needs to file a claim with their insurance company.
2. Having an Insurance Adjuster Inspection
Once a claim has been filed, the insurance company sends an insurance adjuster to the home. They’ll inspect the roof and document the damage they find. It’s best for someone on your team to be onsite during this inspection to provide additional context to the adjuster.
3. Approving Roof Repairs
After the inspection, and if the claim is approved, the homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of the covered repairs per the policy. If you’re looking for more information, check out our post to learn more about how roofers work with insurance companies.
Provide Unparalleled Storm Damage Roof Inspections
Storm damage roof inspections help maintain the safety and integrity of homes following severe storms. Conducting timely inspections and providing knowledgeable guidance can help homeowners navigate the complexities of storm damage repairs.
You can build long-term customer satisfaction and foster a positive reputation within your community by offering expertise and trustworthy service.
Keep track of all your storm damage inspections and other roofing projects with JobNimbus, the industry’s leading roofing software. See for yourself why JobNimbus is the favorite CRM for roofers.
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