Steps to Take When Your Lake County, IL Roof Suffers Storm Damage
As any northern Illinois resident knows, there is no shortage of storms in Lake County. Located on the outskirts of Tornado Alley and in the heart of the Midwest storm damage to roofs from wind, hail, ice, and other weather events is a year-round problem. Do you know what to do if your roof is damaged in a storm? The following tips will help you confidently navigate the process.
Assess the Damage to Your Roof
The first step in handling storm damage to your roof is doing a general inspection yourself to look for more obvious signs of damage. Once you have a general idea of what’s going on with your roof, you can move forward with repairing it.
Signs of Wind Damage
Depending on the type of roof you have, wind damage can begin to occur with winds at 45mph. If you know that Lake County experienced gusts higher than this, it’s a good idea to look around for signs of damage.
- Loose or missing shingles
- Curling or peeling shingles
- Loss of granules
- Damaged soffit and fascia
- Damaged vents and chimneys
Signs of Hail Damage
Even small hailstones can cause damage to a roof, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for the following signs of hail damage anytime there is hail in Lake County.
- Random spots of damage with no pattern
- Loss of granules
- Split and cracked shingles
- Exposed fiberglass mat
Signs of Ice Damage
Northern Illinois winters can be brutal and ice buildup can take a big toll on your roof. Looking out for signs of ice dams and ice damage can help you address problems before they get too big.
- Damaged or sagging gutters
- Damaged shingles
- Interior leaks
General Signs of Roof Damage
In addition to weather-specific signs of roof damage, there are a few things to note that are general signs that there’s something wrong with your roof.
- Obvious damage such as holes from falling limbs
- Leaks in the ceiling and walls
- Musty smells or mold in the attic space
Call Your Trusted Lake County Roofing Contractor
Performing a general assessment of the damage to your roof on your own will give you an idea of what needs to be done, but a professional contractor knows exactly what to look for and can safely perform a thorough inspection of your property. As a premier roofing contractor in Lake County, Cittrix Roofing offers:
- Free Inspection and Estimate
- Roof Repair and Replacement
- Lifetime Labor and Material Warranty
- Insurance Expertise
Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Company
Once the damage to your roof has been determined, contact your homeowners insurance company. Storm-damaged roofs are covered by many insurance policies and it’s important to make sure you’re getting the compensation you’re entitled to for your damaged roof. Your insurance company will likely send out their own adjuster to confirm that the damage was caused by a storm or they may use your contractor’s photos and inspection report. Either way, it’s important to work with your insurance every step of the way to ensure your roof is properly taken care of.
Hire a Licensed Roofing Contractor
The most important part of the storm damage repair process is hiring a knowledgeable and licensed roofing contractor in Lake County. When you’re looking for a roofing contractor for your home, you should always look for a company that:
- Is Local to Lake County
- Is Licensed and Insured
- Has An Excellent Warranty
- Is Experienced in Insurance
- Is Knowledgeable and Puts You At Ease
- Has Good Reviews and Referrals
When your Lake County roof has storm damage, Cittrix Roofing is the company you can trust for the last roof you’ll ever need.