Rosemont, Ill.—The National Roofing Contractors Association is advising homeowners and business owners affected by Hurricane Ida to use extreme caution during the inspection and restoration process of their roof systems in the hurricane’s aftermath.
NRCA recommends hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect roofs as quickly as possible following hurricane damage. Homeowners and business owners should only perform a roof system inspection from ground level. The risk of falling is too great without the proper safety systems in place.
“For their safety, NRCA advises homeowners and business owners to immediately contact a local roofing professional to inspect and perform necessary repairs to a damaged roof system, and never climb up on a roof to do it themselves,” says NRCA CEO Reid Ribble.
NRCA recommends inspection of all roofs, regardless of appearance, in the path of Hurricane Ida. Professional roofing contractors are trained to identify roof damage that may not be obvious to a homeowner or building owner. Roof inspections should include checking to be sure areas are tight and attachments still are secure and looking for items such as shards of glass and tree branches that can severely damage a roof system. Windblown debris tends to accumulate and clog drains and downspouts, which can cause future drainage problems if not removed.
Homeowners and business owners also should be aware of unprofessional contractors who may approach them about performing roof system repairs. If it is necessary to hire a roofing contractor, consumers should keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
“Price is only one criterion for selecting a professional roofing contractor; professionalism and quality workmanship also must be considered,” Ribble says. “Potential contractors should be thoroughly evaluated before a deposit is made or any reroofing work begins.”
To locate an NRCA professional roofing contractor, homeowners and business owners can visit NRCA’s consumer website at everybodyneedsaroof.com.
For a list of criteria to consider when hiring a professional roofing contractor, go to staticcontent.nrca.net/pdf/0113_hurricane.pdf.
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Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.