Roof damage is the greatest risk that your home faces when a hurricane strikes. Each year hurricanes present a recurring danger of personal and property damage. The Clore Law Group is comprised of Charleston attorneys. They have weathered the same hurricanes you have.
More than 90 percent of homes damaged in a hurricane suffer roof damage. Your roof cover is intended to protect the entire structure as well as its contents from precipitation, wind and severe weather. Re-roofing immediately will prevent wind and water intrusion from damaging your interior and belongings and breaching the structural integrity of your home. A high quality wind-resistant roof covering attached to a well anchored roof deck is one of the most critical elements in reducing your chances of having extensive water damage.
Roof Damage Checklist
Once you’ve decided to replace your roof cover, you’ll need to find a qualified roofing contractor in your area. Be sure to pick a reputable roofer, since proper installation directly impacts the performance of your roof. The decision to replace your existing roof cover also provides an opportunity to make the roof stronger and more hurricane resistant by ensuring that the basic steps outlined below are followed by your roofing professional:
Remove the old roof cover: Remove the old roof cover and underlying building paper or underlayment to expose the roof deck- Inspect for damage: Inspect the roof deck to determine if parts of it are rotted, delaminated, warped or structurally unsound. If so, replace these sections with similar materials of the same thickness.
- Re-nail the roof deck: Re-nail the roof deck as needed to provide a wind resistant connection to the roof framing.
- Anchor gable ends if applicable.
- Sealed roof deck: Provide underlayment and a sealed roof deck resistance.
- Install flashing: Be sure that the roof has proper drip edge and flashing.
- Roof cover: Apply a wind resistant roof cover following the manufacturer’s installation instructions for high-wind areas or local code requirements if they are more restrictive.
- Roof vents: Be sure that all roof vents are high wind rated and properly installed.
- Soffits: Retrofit vulnerable soffits
Charleston Roof Damage Lawyer
When all effort to strength your roof prior to a hurricane fails to stop damage, contact your insurance company. If they are not offering acceptable estimates for repair, contact the Clore Law Group to discuss you roof damage.
