What Do You Do if a Tile Blows off Your Roof?

If a tile has blown off your roof, this can be a scary experience. You should avoid leaving the house until the wind has died down and it is safe, just in case other tiles fall. Roof tiles should not blow off. However, if they do, this is either a result of heavy wind storm damage or poor installation.

Failure to fix and replace these tiles may result in various problems, including water damage, mold build-up inside the property, and an overall weakened roofing structure. Therefore, it’s essential to take action immediately. It will save you money in the long run and increase your family’s and property’s safety.

Assess the Tile and General Roof Damage

First, you need to know just how bad the damage is. You can do it from the ground if you’re afraid of climbing. Look for visible signs of damage, such as other missing tiles, lifting tiles, or other parts of your roof that have blown away.

Check for Immediate Hazards

Safety is the top priority in any situation, especially in hazardous situations such as a tile blowing off your roof. Check for immediate hazards like exposed nails and sharp edges from the damaged tile.

If you can’t address such hazards yourself, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor.

Documents All the Damage Inside Your Home

After ensuring your safety, assess the damage inside your home. Look for signs of water leakage or moisture on your ceilings and walls.

If anything is amiss, remedy it promptly so it doesn’t worsen. Document the damage by taking photos and writing notes. You need to keep track of the damage, collect evidence for insurance claims, and then file property gains and losses on your tax returns.

Temporary Measures When Roof Tiles Blow Off

Take the following short-term measures to mitigate any further damage to your roof and property before a professional roofing contractor arrives.

1. Cover the Damaged Area

If you have extra tarps or large sheets of plastic, use them to cover the damaged area. Secure the tarp with ropes or weights to prevent it from blowing off in strong winds.

2. Collect Debris and Secure Loose Tiles

Collect any debris that may have fallen off your roof and secure loose tiles or other parts of your roof structure. This step prevents further damage caused by loose materials flying around during a storm.

3. Address Any Leaks Immediately

If there are signs of water leakage inside your home, take immediate action to stop the leak. Use buckets or other containers to catch the water, but empty them regularly to prevent overflowing.

Here’s more on how to prevent dampness and mold build-up in your home after leaks or water damage.

Call Professional Roof Restoration Contractors

Remember, buckets and other containers can’t fix your roof. Once you have taken temporary measures to protect your home and property, call in the pros. 

Professional roofing contractors are properly equipped, skilled, and experienced in repairing or replacing damaged roof tiles effectively and safely. For the safety and longevity of your roof, you especially need professional assessment and repairs. 

Trying DIY fixes can backfire, causing further damage and potential safety hazards.

How to Choose a Reputable Contractor

You need lots of research and luck to learn about and work with Jacob’s Ladder, and the odds are in your favor if you’re in Kentucky. Fortunately for you and your wallet, finding a reputable contractor doesn’t have to be a game of chance.

Here are some tips to help you find the right roof restoration contractor:

• Ask friends, family, or neighbors who recently repaired or replaced their roofs. Their recommendations will be based on personal experiences, so you’ll get reviews of a few contractors.
• Do online research and read reviews from past customers. It will give you an idea of the contractor’s reputation and expertise.

What to Expect?

Once you have narrowed down your options, narrow even further by ensuring your choice contractor is:

1. Licensed and insured: Don’t work with contractors who aren’t licensed or insured. Licensing ensures compliance, and insurance guarantees your compensation in case of contractor accidents or damages.
2. Experienced with similar projects: The contractor should have experience with restoration projects and varying materials that demand different handling skills.
3. Transparent with pricing: Beware of contractors who give vague estimates or don’t provide a written quote. A good contractor should be upfront about their pricing and break down all involved costs upfront.

If you need roof repair in Lexington, KY, look no further than Jacob’s Ladder. 

Insurance Considerations for Roof Tiles Blowing Off

Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage? It depends. Therefore, before paying, you should check your insurance policy to see whether you are provided cover.

If not, be thankful you caught it early, as replacing multiple shingles or an entire roof is not cheap.

While choosing a reputable contractor for your roof restoration project is essential, insurance considerations always dictate the final outcome. Therefore,

• Review your policy to know what it covers and what it excludes. Some policies may exclude certain types of roofing materials or damages caused by natural disasters.
• Document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos before contacting your insurance company.
• Contact a reputable contractor like Jacob’s Ladder to evaluate the damage and estimate the restoration costs.
• Keep all receipts and documents related to the restoration project to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Company

Following the correct procedures is essential when filing a claim for roof damages caused by strong winds or storms. Here are some steps to help you navigate the process:

1. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have a time limit for filing claims after the damage occurs.
2. Provide thorough documentation. Again, document all damages with photos and videos before contacting your insurance company. This evidence will support your claim and help expedite the process.
3. Work with certified insurance claims master and large loss project specialist. Such contractors will help you to prepare and submit the claim, ensuring all necessary information is included.
4. Prepare for an adjuster’s inspection. The adjuster verifies whether the claims are legitimate and will negotiate for the insurer’s benefit. We recommend that a contractor be present during this inspection to ensure all damages are adequately assessed.
5. Review and negotiate the settlement offer. If you’re not satisfied with your insurance company’s initial settlement offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate and provide additional evidence if necessary.
6. Keep track of additional expenses. If you must temporarily relocate due to severe damages or incur other costs related to the restoration project, keep all receipts and records. Your insurance policy may reimburse these expenses.

Preventative Measures So Roof Tiles Don’t Blow Off

Insurance companies often impose maintenance stipulations and may deny claims if they believe negligence on the homeowner’s part contributed to the damages. To prevent future damage and potential claim denials, here are some preventative measures you can take:

• From time to time, inspect your roof for worn-out or loose tiles.
• Keep trees near your property trimmed to avoid branches falling onto the roof during storms.
• Reinforce vulnerable areas such as ridges, eaves, and flashing with extra fasteners.
• Consider investing in impact-resistant roofing materials less likely to be damaged by strong winds.
• Hire a professional roofer for regular maintenance and repairs.

If severe weather strikes, these prevention efforts will protect your savings by securing a smoother insurance claims process. Your home is a valuable asset, so taking care of it and protecting it against potential hazards is crucial.

Contact Jacob’s Ladder as Soon as that Tile Blows Off

Do you want to know how to get emergency roof repair after storm damage? It’s easy, just contact Jacob’s Ladder as we’re available 24/7 to help you cope when disaster strikes.

Whenever a storm hits your home, hit our number for help. We’ll help with storm damage repairs, but that’s not all!

We’re an experienced certified insurance claims master and large loss project specialist, so getting us involved will help you secure a fair settlement.