By Gina Boyett
•
September 26, 2024
As Hurricane Helene approaches, it’s essential to prepare your home and roofing system for potential storm damage . Hurricanes can cause severe destruction, particularly to roofs, leaving homes vulnerable to water intrusion, structural damage, and other costly repairs. With the proper precautions, you can minimize damage and protect your property, family, and belongings. Follow this guide to ensure you're ready before, during, and after the storm. Before the Storm: Protect Your Home and Roof 1. Photograph Your Property When it comes to residential roofing , documenting your property is one of the most critical steps before a hurricane. Take detailed photos of your home's interior and exterior, including the roof, pool, fencing, trees, and yard. This will provide a visual record in case you need to file an insurance claim for damage after the storm. Focus on high-risk areas like your roof and gutters, as they are most susceptible to hurricane-force winds and rain. If you don’t have time to take photos immediately before the storm, use the most recent pictures of your property for documentation. 2. Document Your Belongings Beyond your home’s structure, your personal belongings also need documentation. Make a list of high-value items like electronics, furniture, appliances, artwork, and jewelry. Keep receipts or have items appraised to ensure you can recover their value if lost or damaged. Ensure these records are saved in both digital and physical formats, and store copies in a waterproof container. 3. Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Understanding your homeowner’s insurance policy is crucial when preparing for a hurricane. Review your coverage, paying special attention to mold, flood, and water damage. Most flood insurance policies are separate from standard homeowner’s insurance, so be sure to check whether you're covered. Confirm your hurricane deductible, as it can be significantly higher than your standard deductible. Ask your insurance agent about additional coverage for water damage, debris removal, and living expenses in the event that your home becomes uninhabitable. 4. Prepare Your Family and Evacuation Plan Developing a plan for evacuation is essential, especially for family members with special needs or pets. Know where the nearest emergency shelter is located and the routes to get there. If possible, fill your vehicles with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is fully charged in case of power outages. Gather important documents such as insurance papers, IDs, and property records, and store them in a waterproof container. Have cash or traveler’s checks on hand in case ATMs are not operational. After the Storm: Steps to Take 1. Assess and Photograph Damage Once it’s safe to return to your property, inspect and photograph any visible damage to your roof, home’s interior, and exterior. Even if the damage seems minor, capturing it early will be beneficial. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the claim and schedule an inspection. Be sure to keep detailed records of your conversations, including the names and contact information of everyone you speak to. 2. Hire a Professional Roofer After a hurricane, it’s essential to have your roof inspected by a qualified contractor, such as NB Roofs . Hurricane-force winds can cause damage to your roofing system that may not be immediately visible, such as loosened shingles, cracks, or compromised flashing. A professional can identify these issues and help you file the necessary claims. Homeowners should also be wary of delays in the inspection process. If an engineer evaluates your home months after the storm, they may argue that the damage existed before the hurricane. 3. Review Your Insurance Policy and Coverage Before proceeding with repairs, carefully review your policy’s coverage and sublimits. Even if water hasn't entered your home, there may still be underlying damage. Double-check for any co-insurance penalties and confirm that you are covered for repairs, debris removal, and temporary living expenses if necessary. Keep a copy of your insurance policy in a safe place, and consult an attorney experienced in handling insurance claims if needed. Business Owners: How to Prepare When it comes to commercial roofing , business owners should be equally vigilant in preparing for a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center provides regular updates on the storm's path, and it’s crucial to monitor these advisories closely. In the meantime, follow these steps to safeguard your business: 1. Backup Important Data Ensure all essential business documents and records are backed up and accessible remotely. Data on servers and personal computers should be duplicated and stored off-site or in the cloud to prevent loss due to flood damage. 2. Raise Equipment Above Flood Levels Protect valuable equipment by raising it above potential flood levels. This can reduce the risk of damage and help your business recover more quickly after the storm. 3. Review Business Insurance Check your business’s insurance policies for gaps in coverage and ensure that your property and equipment are adequately insured. Understanding your coverage in advance will help you act quickly after the storm. Contact NB Roofs For all of Your Roofing Needs Hurricanes are unpredictable and can bring widespread devastation to homes and businesses. Preparing for Hurricane Helene ahead of time is crucial to minimizing potential damage and speeding up the recovery process. Taking the time to document your property, review your insurance policies, and have a plan in place will make a significant difference after the storm passes. Looking for hurricane roof repair near me? At NB Roofs , we are here to help assess your roofing after Hurricane Helene . Contact us today for a professional inspection and guidance on navigating insurance claims. Stay safe and prepared!