Roof storm damage happens to all buildings, but our actions determine how much the damage will affect the property. Homes in the Pittsburgh area deal with hail, snowstorms and thunderstorms almost every year. If you haven’t checked on your property lately, you could have a storm damaged roof.
At Gotcha Covered Contracting, we provide superior storm damage roofing repair in Pittsburgh, PA, and surrounding cities, like Cranberry Township, Allison Park and Wexford. Act quickly and call our professional roofing company at 724-581-8147 when you suspect damage to your roof.
What Pittsburgh Weather Causes a Storm Damaged Roof?
Your geographical location can affect the weather you experience, the types of roof materials contractors use most, and more. While expert roofing contractors put in the effort to mitigate future roof storm damage, we cannot eliminate the possibility. Pittsburgh residents often find these kinds of storm damage on their properties:
Tornadoes and Severe Wind Storm Damage
While Pennsylvania doesn’t sit in Tornado Alley, it doesn’t make the state immune to tornadoes or wind storms. In both 2021 and 2022, the state faced EF-1 and EF-2 tornadoes, reaching high winds up to 135 mph. You can find signs of a storm even at lower speeds, around 58 mph.
Branches and other debris can knock into your roof, causing wind damage. High winds can also completely lift or break shingles. Missing or damaged shingles expose your home to the elements, which can cause further damage.
Large Hail Damage
Pennsylvania also ranks highly for hail and additional water damage. The National Weather Service changed the severe hail threshold from 0.75 inches to 1 inch in 2010. Even so, their records continue to indicate hail larger than 0.75 inches across the state.
Hail can cause splits and cracks in the roof shingles, sometimes even denting metal roofing. With the damage present, water can seep into the walls or attic during a hail storm. Leaving the damage unaddressed can also lead to more water damage, including mold development and rotting wood.
Ice Dam Damage
Pennsylvanians generally expect snow in the winter months, but continuous snow can cause problems. For example, ice dams form when water or snow melts and reform on the roof in a cycle. This process creates a heavy icy structure that can cause the roof to warp or bend under pressure.
If shingles or siding fail during this time, you can also expect water damage to seep into the attic.
How Do I Repair Storm Roof Damage in Pittsburgh?
You can take steps to identify and fix roof damage. Catching issues sooner can lead your contractors in the right direction to complete your roof repairs. Quick and efficient roof repairs can help prevent further property issues.
Assess Your Roof
Check for downed power lines, debris like branches and broken glass, and other hazards before going onto your roof. If you can’t get up there, you can ask family, use technology like drones, or try to take pictures from the ground. Depending on the roof pitch, you might be able to see most of your roof and find problems.
Check your surroundings if you can’t see something on the roof directly. You might find signs that the weather conditions were severe enough to cause damage, leaving marks like:
- Damaged siding
- Bent or broken gutters
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Broken fences, porches, or sheds
- Visible damage to neighborhood rooftops
If you see damage evidence on your property, record them with photos and documents for your insurance claim.
You should call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147 for a free roof inspection, to check for you if you don’t notice anything. We can document any roof damage you can’t see from the ground for you. We’ll also work with you and your insurance throughout the repair process.
Contact Your Home Insurance Company
Call your insurance agency to file a claim, even if you don’t know about present roof damage. Signs of deterioration around your home provide a good enough reason to suspect home storm damage.
They may send an adjuster to check for you. Otherwise, the insurance company can speak with us if we’re already your contractor. Be sure you know your policy number, your inventory, and which questions you want to ask when you call them!
Gotcha Covered Contracting is the Pittsburgh Storm Damage Roofing Expert
Whether you call us during the assessment stage or after your insurance company, our team at Gotcha Covered Contracting can help. We document and repair roof storm damage with an ease that only comes with several years of experience. Whether you need your roof replaced or repaired, we handle it all.
We service homes in Pittsburgh, PA, and nearby cities like Wexford and Allison Park. Call us at 724-581-8147 for a free quote on your roofing services today!
