University of Wisconsin-Extension
If your
roof has suffered structural damage from a tornado, make family
safety your first priority. In some cases, such as a partially
collapsed roof, you may need to relocate until repairs are
made. Next, report damage to your insurance company. If you
must make temporary repairs before an insurance adjuster's
visit, take photographs or make a videotape of damage. You
will need good records for insurance claims, applications
for disaster assistance and income tax deductions.
Call
your insurance agent about the damage to your home and roof
so that your agent can file a claim. The sooner you talk to
your agent, the sooner your claim will be filed and an adjuster
will inspect your damage. The amount of coverage for your
loss depends on your policy. But even if you don't have full
coverage, your agent may be able to give you advice on where
to get help with repairs.
Because
some damage may not be discovered until repairs are underway,
don't be in a hurry to settle your insurance claim. Instead,
keep your insurance agent apprised of repair estimates and
repairs; have your building contractor or roofer discuss repairs
and estimates with your agent if possible. Only settle your
claim when you feel all repairs are known and/or made. That
way, if related problems such as water damage, foundation
damage or the need for new wiring are uncovered during reconstruction, your insurance settlement may reflect these as well.
(See the fact sheet "Insurance Coverage and Making a
Claim.")
If temporary
repairs are needed before the professionals arrive, be sure
that only a physically able person is allowed on the roof.
Unsteadiness on the ladder or roof can lead to severe injuries.
If the roof is sagging from structural damage, wait for a
professional to assess damage and make repairs; a sagging
roof may unexpectedly collapse. Cover holes in the roof, walls
or windows with boards, tarps or plastic sheeting. If possible,
place tarps or plastic over the ridge so rain rolls off. Nail
down plastic sheets or trash bags with strips of wood and
secure them with duct tape. If the holes are large, you may
need to support the plastic in the center to keep it from
ripping from the weight of the rain.
If sections
of the roof or floors are sagging, have a contractor or other
knowledgeable person brace weak areas. Improper bracing may
increase damage and the chance of injury, so do not attempt
this work unless you are experienced in structural repairs.
If damage
is limited to non-structural elements such as shingles, flashing
and sheathing, contact a professional roofer for the work.
If damage is structural in nature, hire a general contractor.
(See the fact sheet, "Hiring a Contractor After a Disaster.")
A general contractor can replace the entire roof structure
or portions of the roof as necessary, in addition to handling
related repairs. If the contractor does not have roofing expertise
(e.g. shingles, she thing, etc.), he may subcontract this
portion of the work to a specialist.
Additional resources:
Your family living agent, your local emergency government office, the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
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