Storms are inevitable, and no matter how well you take care of your roof, storm damage is always a possibility. Industrial building owners will likely have to deal with storm damage to their building at some point, so we created this step-by-step guide for what to do in the case of industrial roof damage.
Step 1: Prep your roof.
Well before a storm is even a suggestion on the weather radar, you should have taken steps to prepare your roof as much as possible. Roof systems are designed to hold up against the elements all day, every day, so keeping a roof in good shape through preventative maintenance will go a long way towards preventing storm damage. Still, bad storms can affect any roof, so it’s important to keep a good insurance policy and have a plan in place for documenting roof damage.
Step 2: Perform after-storm inspections.
Professional inspections should be a regular part of any industrial building’s maintenance plan, but facility managers or owners should also inspect their roofs independently after every storm. The inspector should check for tell-tale signs of damage like open flashing, missing roof accessories, or punctures. They should make sure that the roof is clear of all debris. If the inspection reveals damage, call in a professional roofer for a more detailed inspection.
Step 3: Hire a trusted roofing partner.
After a big storm, roofing companies seem to just pop up out of nowhere. Ignore these new businesses. Industrial roofs require care from a reputable roofer with experience in storm damage. Reputable, longstanding roofing companies are not just better equipped to do the work, but they have experience preparing damage reports that insurance companies will understand and are more likely to approve.
Step 4: File an insurance claim.
Your roof inspector should be able to help you prepare the information you need to file a claim. If the insurance company tries to deny the claim, the roofing company may also help you negotiate a better deal. Industrial roof owners do not need to settle for the first offer an insurance company makes. It’s better to continue negotiating and get a full roof repair than to settle.
Step 5: Repair your roof.
Once the insurance company approves the repair, it’s time to get the roof fixed. For industrial building owners, it’s critical to partner with a roofing company that specializes in commercial roofs for the repair. In most cases, the company that performed your roof inspection will be the best company for the job.
If you want to learn more about how to handle storm damage, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our qualified team of roofing professionals is ready to help.