Hurricane Remediation

Southern Roofing Group is fully staffed and skilled with emergency standby crews to service any hurricane remediation services required.

Hurricane roof remediation includes immediate, emergency actions like tarping to prevent further damage, followed by professional assessment for repairs or replacement with hurricane-resistant materials. A crucial step is working with your insurance company, which may cover structural damage from a covered peril like high winds.

After a hurricane

Prioritize safety: Stay away from any downed power lines and wait for a professional inspection before going on the roof.
Document the damage: Take photos and videos of any roof damage to provide to your insurance company.
Contact your insurance company immediately: File a claim as soon as possible to start the process.
Make temporary repairs (if safe): If there are small, obvious holes, you can consider a temporary tarp to prevent further water intrusion, but be careful. Some companies offer emergency tarping services.
Schedule professional inspections: A professional can conduct a thorough inspection using drones or by hand to assess the full extent of the damage.

For repairs and replacement

Repair or replace: Depending on the severity, repairs might include replacing individual shingles or fixing leaks, while severe damage may require a full replacement.
Use hurricane-resistant materials: When replacing, consider materials built to withstand high winds and rain, such as:
1. Metal roofing
2. TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin)
3. Durable, impact-resistant asphalt shingles
4. Concrete tiles

Hurricane remediation for roofs involves a multi-step process that starts with immediate safety measures and extends through professional repairs and long-term reinforcement. The first priority after a storm is to prevent further damage with temporary fixes, followed by proper insurance claims and selecting qualified contractors for permanent repairs.

Immediate post-hurricane steps

Prioritize safety:
Do not attempt to climb onto a damaged roof during or immediately after a storm. Wait for conditions to be safe, watch for fallen power lines, and if your home is structurally unsound, evacuate immediately.
Perform a preliminary inspection:
From the ground, use binoculars to check for missing shingles, dents, or damaged gutters. Inside, inspect for water stains on ceilings and walls or daylight in the attic, which can indicate leaks.
Document all damage:
Take clear, time-stamped photos and videos of the damage, both inside and out. This is crucial for your insurance claim. Document everything from missing shingles to water damage and damaged personal property.
Make temporary repairs:
To prevent further water damage, cover large holes or exposed areas with heavy-duty tarps. These can be secured with nails or sandbags. This is a short-term solution to protect your home until professionals can begin work.
Contact your insurance company:
Notify your insurer immediately to start the claims process. Provide your documentation and keep all records of communication. Your policy may cover temporary repairs.

The insurance claim process

File your claim promptly:
Many policies have deadlines for reporting storm-related damage. In Florida, for example, insurers must acknowledge your claim within 14 days.
Get a professional inspection:
Ask a licensed roofing contractor to provide a detailed inspection report and cost estimate. Their report and findings can be a valuable part of your claim.
Meet with the adjuster:
When the insurance company sends an adjuster, have your contractor present to ensure all damage is documented accurately. Your contractor can help advocate for a full and fair repair estimate.
Review the estimate:
Once the insurance company provides its estimate, review it carefully with your contractor. If there are significant discrepancies, your contractor can help you file a supplement to the claim.

Selecting a qualified roofing contractor

In the aftermath of a storm, be wary of “storm chasers” or illegitimate companies. Follow these steps to find a trustworthy professional.

Get multiple quotes:
Obtain written estimates from at least three different, reputable contractors.
Verify credentials:
Check the contractor’s license with your state’s licensing board. Ensure they carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect yourself from liability for on-the-job accidents.
Look for local permanence:
A company with a permanent, local business address is generally a better choice than one operating out of a P.O. Box.
Check references and reviews:
Ask for local references and check online reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp. See how the company has responded to past complaints.
Secure a contract:
Do not pay the full amount upfront. A detailed contract should include all costs, the scope of work, the payment schedule, and a warranty.

Government and nonprofit assistance

Various organizations can provide assistance to homeowners dealing with hurricane roof damage.

FEMA:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may offer financial assistance for repairs to your primary residence, especially if you are uninsured or underinsured. This assistance is intended to make your home livable, not to fully restore it. You can apply through their website, mobile app, or helpline.
Operation Blue Roof:
Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this program provides free, temporary fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover damaged roofs. You can sign up online at blueroof.us or call their toll-free number.
Other programs:
Look into state-specific programs like the My Safe Florida Home program and organizations like Habitat for Humanity, which may offer grants or other forms of assistance, particularly for low-income homeowners. scope of work, the payment schedule, and a warranty.