My roof leaks but looks fine from the ground. Now what?

Many leaks start at flashing, vents, or raised shingles you cannot see from below. Check the attic for wet fill, stained deck, or daylight. Then have a licensed roofer climb up — storm harm needs a trained eye.

Will insurance pay for a whole new roof?

It hinges on harm extent and your policy. Insurers pay for storm harm, not wear. If harm is wide or a true fix is not sound, a swap may be paid minus your deductible. Get the call in writing.

How fast must roof harm be dealt with?

Tarp bare spots within hours to block inside water harm. Line up final fixes as soon as a licensed roofer is free. Each new rain makes the harm — and your claim — worse.

Roof Damage Repair in New Orleans: What to Know

Tonight: Tarp It

A hurt roof cannot wait for dawn. Cover bare spots with a tight tarp. Tie it down with wood strips, not just nails through tarp. This stops the next rain from filling your attic. If harm is wide or the roof is steep, call a pro with fall gear. Do not climb up in the dark.

Common Storm Roof Harm

Lost or bent shingles: wind peels them back and bars the deck.
Hurt flashing: bent metal at chimneys, vents, and seams lets water in, even when shingles look fine.
Holes: down limbs and flying junk punch through shingles and deck.
Ridge harm: the top lines catch the most wind and fail first.
Gutter harm: torn gutters rip trim with them and open the roof edge to rain.

What a Good Fix Takes

A true fix swaps hurt shingles for like ones. It seals or swaps flashing. It checks the deck below for rot or soft spots. Shingles must be nailed to spec for high-wind zones — nail style counts here. After the fix, the attic should be checked in the next rain.

Fix or Swap the Whole Roof?

Spot shingle loss on a young roof often means a fix. Wide harm, many leaks, or an old roof often means a full swap is the wise spend. Let the adjuster view and a licensed roofer check both weigh in. Get each view in writing.

Hire a Roofer With Care

Roof jobs over $7,500 need state listing or license. Check at lslbc.gov. Shun those who knock the day after the storm, want all cash up front, or vow to "eat your deductible" (that is fraud). More red flags in the scam guide.