If you are a homeowner in Tennessee who has recently experienced tornado damage, then you know how devastating these weather events can be.
While tornados are often associated with the midwestern part of the country, Tennessee has experienced its share of these damaging weather events.
Coping with the aftermath of a tornado can be overwhelming, especially when repairing damage to your home.
One of the most common types of damage homeowners face after a tornado is roof damage, such as uplifts and tear-offs from immense wind speeds.
If your roof has been affected by a tornado, you will need repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your home.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about repairing your roof after tornado damage, including the types of damage it can cause, where to start when you have severe storm damage, tips on the insurance process, and how to find the right roofing contractor to get your roof repaired correctly.
How Tornadoes Damage Your Roof
Did you know Tennessee experiences an average of 32 tornadoes yearly, with 8 of them occurring in the Middle Tennessee region?
According to the National Weather Service, Tennessee has already seen 41 tornadoes this year alone.
Given the area’s susceptibility to tornadoes, you want to be aware of the potential damage these natural disasters can cause to your roof.
Tornadoes are classified using the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures the severity of the tornado by wind speed and the damage it causes.
Using a range of ratings (EF-0 to EF-5), you can expect wind gusts from 65 to 200 miles per hour.
Depending on the rating, tornadoes can cause several types of damage to your roof, including:
Wind Damage
The high winds associated with tornadoes can cause shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials to become detached or blown off completely.
Tear-Offs
The immense force of tornado winds can result in the complete removal or tearing off of roofing materials, exposing the underlying structure of your roof.
Known as a tear-off, this leaves your home susceptible to water damage and compromises the integrity of the entire roofing system.
From the ground, it may be difficult to assess the extent of damage caused by torn-off roofing materials.
You may notice missing or displaced shingles, tiles, metal sheets, and possibly debris dispersed throughout your property.
However, it’s always best to have a professional inspection to ensure no hidden damage may lead to further issues.
Uplifts
Tornadoes generate powerful updrafts that lift and separate roofing materials from the roof deck.
These uplifts create gaps, allowing wind-driven rain to infiltrate and cause interior damage.
Additionally, uplifts can weaken the overall stability of the roof, posing a long-term threat to the structure.
In the aftermath, you may notice missing or lifted shingles, dented or warped metal roofing material, or missing roof sections.
Similar to uplifts, you may also see debris or roofing material scattered around your yard.
However, ensure you get a professional inspection to know the full extent of the tornado damages.
Debris Damage
Tornadoes often pick up debris, such as tree branches or other objects, which can be hurled into your roof, causing severe damage.
Regardless of size, debris can hit your roof with force. Impact on your roof can cause shingles to compress, removing protective layers of granules.
Where To Start After Tornado Damage
Roof Inspection
When safe, you should first look for signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, cracks, or holes.
If you notice any damage, take photos or videos to document the damage.
Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
You may be wondering, “Does my homeowner’s insurance cover tornado damage?” It will depend on your policy.
Since each insurance policy varies in what costs are covered and under which circumstances, it’s always best to consult your insurance company.
Many home insurance policies do cover unexpected accidents.
The good news is that many roofing companies can give you a hand when dealing with insurance.
Be sure to ask a qualified roofing contractor for help submitting a claim.
Tips on the insurance process:
- Call a roofing contractor to assess any damage.
- Speak with your insurer to review your coverage and learn their claims process.
- Gather documents and photos or video of any damage to substantiate claims.
Find A Contractor
Once you have inspected your roof and reviewed your homeowners’ insurance policy, it’s time to find a contractor.
There are a lot of roofing contractors out there; keep reading to learn how to find the right one for you.
How to Find the Right Roofing Contractor After a Tornado
Finding the right contractor following a severe weather event can be tricky.
Here are some tips to help you find the right contractor:
Avoid Storm Chasers
A storm chaser is a company or individual who goes door-to-door following a storm or disaster to offer repair services to your home.
While it sounds helpful, these “storm chasers” are often unlicensed, uninsured, unreliable, and looking to take advantage of you.
Avoid them at all costs.
Here are a couple of things you can do to avoid a storm chaser scam:
- Ask to see a local license.
- Ask for proof of insurance.
- Google the company to ensure they show up and have good reviews.
- Ask for a list of previous customers, and make sure they are local.
Hire a local and established roofer to ensure they will be there for you moving forward.
Reputation
Look for a referral from a friend or family member.
Ask for references and check them out. Look for online reviews and ratings.
Choose a Local Contractor
A local contractor will be familiar with the area’s weather patterns and building codes, making them better equipped to handle repairs.
License and Insurance
Always choose a licensed and insured contractor. This will protect you from liability if accidents occur during the repair process.
Manufacturer Certification
Look for a contractor who is certified by major roofing manufacturers. This certification means the contractor has been trained and has experience working with that manufacturer’s products.
Find a Certified Contractor
Look for a GAF Factory-Certified Contractor.
GAF trains and tests the best roofers in the country to make sure they’re appropriately licensed and insured so they can offer the best warranties.
Warranties
A reputable contractor will offer warranties on their work. Make sure to ask about their warranty policy before hiring them.
Questions To Ask
A roofing company can help you in many ways after a severe weather event. Before choosing your contractor, be sure to ask the following questions:
- Do you offer board-up or tarping services?
- Are you insured, licensed, and bonded?
- How soon can you start, and do you offer 24/7 emergency service?
- Are you certified with any major roof manufacturers?
Repair Your Roof With Austermiller
Have you recently suffered from tornado damage to your roof in Middle Tennessee?
If yes, then we understand how overwhelming the situation can be. Don’t hesitate to contact Austermiller Roofing, Inc. for immediate assistance with your roof repairs.
With over 30 years of experience, our team of roofing professionals can provide you with a thorough inspection, assist with insurance claims, and repair any damage caused by the tornado.
We take pride in being one of the few companies in the United States to earn the prestigious GAF President’s Club title, which reflects our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
We use only the highest quality materials to ensure your roof is restored to its pre-storm condition. Call us today at (615) 553-2041 or fill out our online form to get started on your repairs.