You can do your best to keep your roof properly maintained, but even a roof that is in good condition can suffer from damage when a severe thunderstorm rolls through an area. High winds, flying debris, and hail can all cause a lot of damage to a roof, and in cases of extreme damage, repairs will need to be made promptly to protect the interior of the house. If you have never dealt with roof damage due to severe weather, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Take the following steps when your roof has sustained extensive damage due to a strong thunderstorm.

Document the Damage

While severe weather is passing through your area, make sure that you stay safely inside until everything clears, even if you are worried about the state of your roof. Once it is safe to go outside, take the time to document the damage. The best thing that you can do is take photographs, but you may also want to write down notes so you don't forget any details. Do not try to climb on your roof to take photographs since you can be at risk of injury. Take photographs of the roof damage from different angles from the ground.

Arrange Emergency Roof Repairs

In the event that your roof has sustained extensive damage, you will need to make sure that it is repaired right away in order to prevent the interior of your home from being exposed to the elements. Most roofing companies offer emergency roof repair services, especially after bad weather. Your best bet is to contact a roofing company that offers emergency roof repair services as soon as possible after the storm passes, which will increase the likelihood of you being one of the first people to receive roofing services. It is important to note that roofing companies are often quite busy after big storms.

Contact Your Homeowners' Insurance Company

When your roof is severely damaged, it makes sense to have it repaired right away and avoid the time-consuming process of filing an insurance claim. But, when roof repairs are needed due to damage caused by weather, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs minus your deductible. Contact your insurance company as soon as you can, and be prepared to present the documentation of the damage as well as any paperwork that you have from the roofing company that you hire. 

To learn more, contact a resource like the Roofers of Minnesota Co.