Although you understand the need to get up there and fix your roof as soon as possible, the first few days after a hurricane are likely the worst time to climb onto an already compromised roof. Damaged roofs have changed their behavior compared to undamaged roofs and therefore create new risks that many do not recognize. While all of your neighbors appear to be climbing up into the dark to make repairs, they too are creating risk for themselves (and for others). Many hospitals around the world experience an influx of patients with fall injuries, lacerations and electrical shock/related injuries during the first week or two after a major storm event.
Why the Urge to Climb Up Is So Strong
Roof damage has to be treated as urgent because it is. The time frame for loss due to wet insulation, stained drywall, and water dripping down through a light fixture can be measured in hours. Homeowners may believe that if they do not address potential problems caused by the storm damage, their insurance company will find fault with them and deny their claim. In addition, contractors who repair roofs are typically in high demand immediately after a storm. Therefore, when a homeowner sees the number of contractors working on homes in their neighborhood, it appears that there is little choice but to hire one of these available contractors. This urgency creates pressure for homeowners to hire a contractor quickly; however, hiring a contractor quickly may result in selecting a contractor that lacks the appropriate tools, experience, and equipment to perform the roof repair properly.
Furthermore, weekend roof repairs during calm weather conditions can be hazardous. However, performing roof repairs after a hurricane, when all parties involved are fatigued and are performing tasks under stressful conditions (i.e., humid air, slick surfaces, loose debris at the base of ladders and competition for materials), increases the risk of accidents occurring.
How Falls Happen on a Storm-Damaged Roof
Falls continue to be among the most common cause of serious injury during roofing activities, especially with regard to weather related conditions. The loss of traction due to wet shingles, algae films, and blown in leaves from wind will turn what you once thought was a comfortable slope into a slippery slide as soon as you encounter either rain or morning dew. Shoes with rubber soles have no effect when walking on surfaces covered by loose granules from damaged shingles.
Hidden structural damage is far greater hazard. Water driven by winds can penetrate decking causing it to soften; and while a repair may appear intact, it could fail upon your body weight. Sheathing which has separated from the rafter members may shift unexpectedly, and if a section of sheathing sags downward there is a high probability that truss members have been severed at some point under this sagging section. When someone walks on a section of the roof such as this they run the risk of falling completely through the roof into the attic or living space directly below.
The ladders themselves also create other types of hazards. Soft wet ground will allow the legs of the ladder to slip or settle down further than expected; and any debris present near the bottom of the ladder creates an unstable platform. In general a ladder should be positioned extending over top of the edge of the roof line and leaning away from the house at a reasonable angle (roughly 1 ft. per 4ft.) . Many storm related injuries occur prior to reaching the roof simply because the ladder slid on wet mud.
Hidden Hazards Beyond the Fall
A roof damaged by a hurricane does not have to leak to need serious work. Trees that fall onto homes may also down electrical wires, which may not be visible due to tree branches. Aluminum ladders can carry an electric current as well; therefore, using a ladder that contacts a power line will give you a severe burn or kill you. When a tree leans on your house and it is still in contact with the “hot” side of the electrical system, do not remove it yourself. If someone sees an electrical line near the top of their house, they should get out of there immediately and notify the utility company.
The next type of hazard for homeowners is broken items. Broken pieces of metal flashings, exposed nail points, shredded rafter edges, and shattered pieces of tile all cut skin fast. Getting a booster shot for tetanus is probably a good idea if anyone gets stabbed (puncture wound) while cleaning up after the storm because much of this debris is dirty. Wearing gloves and wearing heavy-duty boots will provide some protection against cuts, but nothing protects you when a large piece of debris breaks free from a gust of wind and falls across your leg.
Finally, the warm sunshine of south Florida’s summer months and sudden storms are two hazards associated with roofs that are less threatening but equally damaging. The intense sunlight during the day can make the roof surface extremely hot in mid-August through September; therefore, heat stroke/dehydration can come before you realize what is happening. In addition, afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly, creating slippery surfaces and/or dangerous lightning strikes within minutes.
Safe Steps Homeowners Can Take From the Ground
Much can be accomplished from the safety of your own yard. First, visually inspect from the lawn with the use of binoculars as an aid. Identify missing shingles; lift edges of shingles that are curled over the roof edge, bent flashings, damaged chimney tops, and sagged ridge lines. Document all aspects of the damage by taking photographs of it at multiple angles. The photographs will assist in documenting the damage when filing an insurance claim later.
Check the attic only if you have a firm ceiling and there is no evidence of any current leaks or sagging. Put a bucket down where water is dripping through the roof. Move all furniture and electronic items away from areas of the home that may be flooded.SIf a portion of your ceiling is bulging due to water accumulation, create a small hole above the water to allow it to flow freely into a container below. A bulging ceiling has a high potential to collapse.
For homeowners in Fort Lauderdale, post-storm roof damage deserves particular attention because heavy rain, strong winds, intense sun, and coastal exposure can all weaken roofing materials over time. If a ground-level inspection reveals missing shingles, displaced flashing, cracked tiles, or other visible damage, a roofing contractor in Fort Lauderdale can perform a closer inspection to determine whether the storm affected only the exterior covering or also compromised flashing, underlayment, or the roof deck.
Documenting the process by making a quick list helps keep your early response process organized:
- Take dated photographs of the damage from below (the “ground”) so you have visual evidence.
Remove valuables in the way of water and protect them with plastic sheets etc. - If there is electrical power flowing into areas where it may be getting wet, switch it off at the breaker box or fuse panel.
- Look for broken electric wires and contact your local utility company to report them.
Call the insurance company to ask that they send an inspector who has been trained by the state. - Save all receipts for any items you purchase as part of protecting your home against further damage, including any temporary shelter/lodging.
Knowing When a Licensed Roofer Is the Right Call
There are obviously some situations in which you need a pro. Large areas of your roof are sagging; many areas of your roofing material are missing; exposed decking; a leak that has leaked into the ceiling (or walls); or if there is any type of damage around chimneys, skylights or vents indicates that the problem may be much bigger than what can be quickly patched. Likewise, a very steep pitched roof, multi-story buildings, or tile and/or metal roofs, all have special requirements that cannot easily be done without a good deal of technical training.
Florida requires contractors to be licensed by the State of Florida to perform most types of work. Homeowners should check the contractor’s credentials as far as their licensure through the Florida State Licensing Board prior to signing on the dotted line. Liability insurance and workers’ comp is required for contractors working at home sites. If a contractor does not have this coverage and an employee is injured on site while working on your home, it could result in you being held liable.
There are also storm seasons when crews from outside the area show up in town after a storm, going door-to-door asking for large deposits and then disappearing. Common sense dictates that you get several written estimates for the repair; avoid giving them money upfront (it is common practice to pay upon completion), read the contract thoroughly and do research locally about the contractor. A reputable roofer will provide you with details of the damage, documentation and assist you in dealing directly with your insurance company instead of trying to push you into signing on immediately.
Key Takeaways
Roof work that follows a hurricane creates an extreme environment on top of an already hazardous situation; it has all the elements you need to create a disaster as a roofer. Slick surface, no way of knowing what’s structurally damaged under your feet, unstable ladders, power lines overhead, heat, and physical fatigue are just some of the ingredients in this mix. While it may be tempting to take action right away, the costs of falling off a roof are always going to exceed the cost of a couple of extra days before taking the risks necessary to do the job correctly.
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