In late September 2022, Hurricane Ian formed in the Atlantic Ocean and made a break for Florida’s vulnerable west coast. Damage from Ian in Cape Coral was extensive, with homeowners and business owners alike scrambling to pick up the pieces. If your home was damaged by Ian, did you know what to do?
What To Do After a Storm Damages Your Roof
While Hurricane Ian has come and gone, Cape Coral property owners know that it won’t be the last of their storm damage woes. As of November 8, 2022, Tropical Storm Nicole is threatening to become a hurricane and batter the eastern coast of the state this time. Whether you’re still working on recovering after Ian or you want to be better prepared for the inevitable next time, knowing what to do after a storm damages your Cape Coral roof can save you a big headache.
1. Ensure your safety.
The very first step you should always take after any storm, hurricane or not, damages your home is to ensure the area is safe for you and your family. Property and belongings can be replaced – human life cannot. Be on the lookout for:
- Contaminated flood waters – hurricane water is considered grossly contaminated and unsafe for humans. Avoid it at all costs as much as possible.
- Downed power lines – strong winds can take down power lines that are still live creating a huge hazard. DO NOT touch a downed power line, even if you think it isn’t live.
- Broken utility lines – utility lines like gas and sewer can be damaged in major storm events creating hazardous conditions. If you notice signs of broken utility lines, steer clear until the damage can be repaired.
- Dangerous debris – From downed tree limbs to broken glass hurricane damage can leave behind large amounts of debris that can be seriously harmful.
2. Assess the damage to your roof.
Once you’ve determined that it’s safe to venture out, you can take a look at your roof to begin to assess the damage. You may notice immediate signs of damage like bent, broken, and missing shingles or portions of the roof that have punctures from fallen tree branches.
3. Document the damage.
Take photographs and make lists of the damage you’re seeing. Even if you aren’t sure, write it down. It’s better to over-document than under-document. In addition to physical damage, you can see you’ll want to take note of signs that the conditions in your surrounding area were severe enough to cause damage. Look for things like damaged exterior structures like fences or sheds, obvious damage to neighboring homes, and fallen trees and limbs throughout the area.
4. Call Your Local Roofing Expert in Cape Coral
It’s time to call in a local Cape Coral roofing expert like MHI Roofing to handle your Cape Coral roof for you. Expert eyes on the situation will be extremely helpful for you in the long run.
Temporary and Emergency Repairs
If there is very obvious damage to your roof that is causing damage inside your home the first thing you need to do is call in emergency help. Temporary repairs like tarps will prevent further damage to the interior of your home and can help stabilize your roof while you wait for your next steps.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
Even if you aren’t completely sure there was damage to your roof it’s an excellent idea to schedule a roof inspection after a hurricane. Many types of roof damage are likely to go unnoticed unless you have expert eyes on the situation. Having your roof assessed after any major storm reveals hidden damage or gives you peace of mind that your roof is in good shape.
Schedule Repairs or Replacement
If your roofing specialist determines that your roof is damaged you’ll be able to move forward with repairs or a roof replacement. The storm damage specialists at MHI Roofing will take the time to accurately assess the damage to your roof and offer you the best solutions available. With proper education on your options, you’ll be able to make the right choice for your home.
Was your home in Cape Coral damaged by Hurricane Ian or another recent storm? Contact the experts at MHI Roofing, today, to find out how we can help!