roofing contractor in Billings

The roof on your home is often the most susceptible to storm damage, since it covers a huge surface area that is exposed directly to things like hail, wind, snow, and rain. Despite being well constructed (hopefully) and capable of withstanding years of exposure, roofs in Billings often experience some form of damage during a severe storm. The key to overcoming this damage—and avoiding secondary damage from things like roof leaks—is to act quickly.

Step 1: Make Sure it’s Safe

Whether you’re checking for damage after a heavy snowstorm or you want to see if high winds caused any shingle issues, the most important thing is your safety. Most homeowners don’t have the necessary equipment to stay safe when on the roof, so it’s best to call a Billings roofer to perform the inspection. They will have things like harnesses and non-slip footwear that prevents injuries and reduces the chance of a fall. If it was a severe storm, also check for less visible problems such as a gas leak or damage to the electrical system to prevent injury.

Step 2: Inspect and Document

A homeowners insurance policy will often cover damage to your roof from natural occurrences, such as the weather, but in order to get repair costs covered you must have the right documentation to prove that the damage was caused by the storm. That means getting a professional roofer in Billings to your home right away to inspect and document all the damage. The insurance company will also send their own adjustor to take a look, and it’s a good idea to have your roofer present during that inspection.

Step 3: Get Repairs Done Quickly

You want to get your roofing inspected and repaired quickly to avoid any secondary problems, such as damages that lead to roof leaks, but it’s also important that you don’t make any changes to the roof until after the insurance company has inspected. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when a large tree falls on the roof and you need to remove it and get the hole covered quickly but otherwise it’s best to leave the roof alone so you don’t cause any issues with the insurance claims process. If you’re worried about a coming storm, have a roofing contractor help you cover your Billings roof in the meantime while you wait for the insurance process.

The insurance process can be frustrating, which is why it’s good to hire a roofing contractor in Billings with experience handling these claims.