How Long Should Storm Damage Roof Repair Take? (Timeline)

Your roof is designed to protect your home from the elements, including forces of nature like hail storms and hurricanes. Unfortunately, sometimes the harsh storms win, causing damage to your roof that must be repaired immediately.

Damage to your roof after a major storm can be an inconvenience — and for several reasons. For example:

• The damage can be dangerous, causing you and your family to become misplaced
• The damage can be extensive, which can be costly
• The insurance claims process is often a pain, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get approved for a payout
• Finding a trusted roofing contractor can be a challenge as there are a lot of scammers out there

With the above in mind, it’s important for homeowners to know how long the storm damage roof repair process takes. This way, they can better prepare themselves and their families for when the project begins and make sure they have all of their ducks in a row financially.

Below we’ll talk about everything that factors into roof repair timelines. 

How Does Roof Storm Damage Differ From Common Damage?

When it comes to the timeline for roof repairs, it’s important to understand that there’s a difference between roof storm damage and common damage. This is because roof storm damage is often more severe compared to regular damage — which is akin to wear and tear. 

Roof storm damage presents itself as:

• Water leaks
• Damaged flashing 
• Damaged or missing shingles
• Damaged gutters, vents, chimneys, or pipe boots
• Sagging
• Punctures from falling debris

While common damage can present with the same issues, it’s more along the lines of:

• Fading and discoloration
• Algae growth
• Uneven or missing shingles
• Higher energy bills (due to deterioration)
• Pest infestations
• A sagging roofline 

Much of the regular damage that occurs from wear and tear is also due to neglect, which can worsen after a major storm. 

Essentially, roof storm damage is more severe and can take longer to repair. Where a common repair may take a few hours, storm damage repairs can take days. What’s more, storm damage can often lead to needing a replacement, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

What the Timeline for Roof Repairs After a Storm Looks Like

The time it takes to deal with roof damage will vary based on your individual situation. However, unlike with regular damage, you’ll have to deal with the following:

• Your homeowners insurance company
• Finding a roofing contractor that’s available right away (this can be difficult if a recent storm has caused damage for the whole neighborhood’s roofing systems)
• Having emergency repairs done (if necessary)

Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens when there’s roof damage due to a storm and how long each event may take:

• Damage assessment (1-2 hours): Assessing the damage is the first thing that needs to be done, and it starts with you. You’ll need to check the various areas of your home, inside and out, for signs of roof damage. This means checking top-level ceilings and walls as well as your attic for leaks and walking around the perimeter of your home to see if there’s visible damage to your shingles, vents, gutters, chimney, etc. 
• A professional inspection (24 hours to 5 days): The next thing that needs to happen is a professional inspection by a trusted roofer. Depending on the roofing company, they may offer emergency roofing services, or it may take a few days for a team to come and carry out an inspection. It can also take up to four hours to complete a thorough inspection and write up a detailed report.
• The insurance claim process (48 hours to 1 month): In the state of Maryland, your homeowners insurance company has up to 30 working days to acknowledge your roof damage claim and decide whether to approve or deny it. This includes sending out an insurance adjuster to inspect the damages in the claim.
• Roof repairs (1 hour to 2 weeks): Once you get the green light from your insurance company, it’s time to officially schedule your roof repairs. Depending on what needs repairing, the process can take under a day or up to two weeks if you need a complete roof replacement. (It should be noted that the average roof replacement job can be completed in two to three days. However, there are several other factors involved that may cause it to take longer).

Factors That Influence Roof Repair Timelines

There are several reasons why the same type of roof repair or replacement may take more time to complete for your roof compared to your neighbor’s. The most common factors include:

• The complexity of the roof: Larger roofing systems that contain more valleys and roofing components take longer to navigate safely. They also take longer to get around, which means the repair will take longer — especially if more than one type of repair is required.
• Roof accessibility: Landscaping around the home’s edge, uneven grounds, and even sidewalks can make getting up to your roof more challenging. The more accessible your roof, the easier it will be for roofers to climb up and down as well as safely get rid of material waste.
• The repairs needed: Repairing a few broken shingles will take less time compared to repairing damaged chimney flashing or an entire roof deck. Essentially, the more complex and larger the repairs needed, the longer they will take.
• The weather: Inclement weather can also extend the time it takes to repair storm damage, especially rain, hail, and lightning. The same goes for extreme temperatures, as they’re not ideal for your roofing contractor’s safety or the roofing materials.

When to Schedule Your Storm Roof Repairs

When it comes to storm roof damage, the last thing you want to do is wait around for the “right time.” If you’re unsure as to how to handle your insurance company or what to do, it’s in your best interest to call your local and trusted roofing company for guidance.

The team at ARCH Exteriors has you covered. We offer storm roof damage services that you can rely on. Get in touch with us today to schedule your free roof inspection.