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Corporate Roof Consultants Newsletter
Pre-Storm & Post Storm Roof Assessments
August 2005
In this issue:
- Do a Pre-Storm Roof Survey? (reprint)
- Storm Preparation
This year we are once again seeing the real impact of tropical storms along the southeast US. We are just at the mid peak of the 2005 storm season.
Roof designs and roof system performance in storms have improved over the last few years. But as we have seen, large tropical storms can wreak havoc over a wide area and cause much damage. In this issue we would like to point out two steps that can help reduce wind and water damage, and speed the recovery process if your building's roof is damaged in a windstorm or hurricane.
Do a Pre-Storm Roof Survey? (reprint)
Now that the 2005 Hurricane season has started and is active, it is time to think about a pre-storm roof survey. Why do a pre-storm roof survey? The survey sets a benchmark of your roof's current condition. The pre-storm survey is a valuable settlement tool if your building is damaged in a windstorm. The survey establishes the condition of your roof prior to any storm damage and is necessary to help receive the maximum settlement from your insurance company in the event you must file a claim.
The pre-storm survey presents a clear picture of the condition of the roof, its estimated value and expected performance life. The survey provides a negotiating tool when you have to discuss "actual cash value policies" vs "new material & labor cost". With actual cash value policies, the insurance company will normally want to deduct the "depreciated cost" or "wear & tear" value vs the "actual cost" to replace or repair the roof. A pre- storm benchmark inspection report with a detail survey and photos can prove the value of the roof is more then the insurance company claims it might be. Even if your roof was recently replaced it is still important to set a benchmark for this year's storm season.The pre-storm survey in conjunction with a post storm survey can speed up the claim and recovery process.
The Survey
Storm Preparation
Be prepared for the storm. If possible do a quick visual roof inspection. Make sure the roof drains and scuppers are clear of any debris and will drain freely. Check the HVAC equipment, make sure the equipment and all access doors are in place and well secured. Remove any loose equipment, and materials from the roof. Many times storm damage to the roof is caused by wind blown objects across a roof. Check and see if all the perimeter metal (gravel guard, gutters, coping) are secure. Critical roof damage and possible roof system failure can occur if these perimeter components fail.
Have temporary roof repair materials on hand. If you have a built up roof system, keep a few pails of black plastic cement (wet & dry type), some roof repair fabric and large plastic tarps) These materials can be used to make quick temporary repairs. If you have single-ply roofs keep a case of polyurethane caulk and blue tarps on hand, these can be used to fix tears and rips in PVC, TPO and EPDM roofs. A note on Blue Tarps, keep some sand bags on hand to use as ballast to hold the tarps in place on flat roofs. Old used tires will work too. These repair materials will keep for years and hopefully you will never need them. Remember a large storm will tie up the the ability of the roofing contractor community to make fast repairs for everyone. Be prepared to make your own temporary repairs. It doesn't hurt to make arranagements ahead of time with a couple of roofing contractors. Be pro-active.
After the storm, think about Disaster Assistance, see our Disaster Assistance Program.
Contact Information
Email info@corporateroof.com Here
phone: 727-518-9564
Website: www.CorporateRoof.Com
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