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What To Do When A Tornado Damages Your Nashville Roof
Storms & Weather

What To Do When A Tornado Damages Your Nashville Roof

August 7, 2023
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8
Min Read
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The Metal Roofers
Tornado damage to your roof? Learn the immediate steps to take, how to assess the damage, and navigate the insurance claim process

Tornadoes are a common occurrence in Nashville. In March of 2020, we witnessed a deadly tornado sweep through the area, leaving a trail of destruction behind it. While there's not much that we can do to stop these natural phenomena, we can still be prepared for them.

High winds and big storms are the most significant threats for homes and homeowners in Nashville, and they can wreak havoc on your home and your budget when you suddenly need to deal with the aftermath. Fortunately, The Metal Roofers in Nashville specializes in repairing storm damage.

These are some of the most important things that you can do in the wake of a destructive tornado:

Evacuate

Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms pose grim threats to people and property. If you're present when they strike, move to the lowest area of your home and stay there until the storm passes. If you're unfortunate and the dangerous weather damages your home, leave immediately.

Take any signs of structural damage seriously. It can weaken the integrity of your entire home, which risks further collapse and more loss. Get out fast and stay safe.

Call 911

You don't know how extensive the damage to your home is, or what was damaged. There may be a chance that a gas line ruptured, or there could be live electrical discharge. Call 911 and let them make sure that everything is safe before you do anything else.

The fire department can quickly assess the extent of the damage and check for structural vulnerability as well as shut off any utilities.

Call Your Insurance Agent

You carry homeowners' insurance for moments like this. Call your insurance agent so you can get a full financial estimate of the damage. Ask them exactly how much they will pay out for repairs. Most of the time, your insurance will request quotes from a contractor and then approve payment upon completion of the work.

Call a Contractor

Many construction contractors have experience with storm damage. Professional roofing contractors in Nashville will come and inspect the damage and provide you with a full quote to repair it. You'll likely need this quote to present to your insurance company to get compensation.

Make sure the construction contractor has experience with storm-damage repair and an excellent reputation for completing jobs. The last thing you need is to get cheated after you've suffered devastation like this, and storms tend to bring disreputable contractors out of the woodwork.

Make Sure Your Home Is Secure

If your home is going to be uninhabitable while the repairs are going on, make sure that you lock it up. Get everything of value out, lock the doors, and ask your neighbors to look after it if you can. With an excellent contractor like The Metal Roofers working on it, you should be back home quickly.

Storms like this are our specialty. If you're unfortunate enough to experience storm damage, don't hesitate to call. The Metal Roofers will always be there for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a thicker gauge metal roof cost significantly more?

The material cost difference between gauges is real but not dramatic. Going from 26 to 24 gauge typically adds $1.50–$3.00 per square foot to the project. On a 2,000 sq ft roof, that's roughly $3,000–$6,000 more — but you're getting a meaningfully more durable roof that may save money on repairs over decades.

Is 29 gauge metal roofing good enough for a house?

We generally don't recommend 29 gauge for primary residences in Nashville. While it works fine for barns, carports, and outbuildings, it's thinner and more susceptible to denting from hail — and Nashville gets plenty of hail. The cost difference between 29 and 26 gauge is modest compared to the performance gap.

What gauge metal roof is best for Nashville homes?

For most Nashville residential projects, 26 gauge is the standard choice. It provides excellent wind and hail resistance for Middle Tennessee's climate at a reasonable price point. 24 gauge is the premium option for homeowners who want maximum durability and dent resistance.

MR
The Metal Roofers
Nashville, Tennessee · Est. 2003