As the first line of defense against the elements, roofs often bear the brunt of severe weather. We know how stressful it can be to deal with storm damage, but knowing what to look for can help you act quickly to protect your property.
Common signs of roof storm damage include missing shingles, visible leaks, and scattered roofing materials in your yard. These issues may not always be obvious from the ground, so it's important to have a professional inspection after a significant storm.
If your roof has been damaged, A trusted roofing professional can help assess the extent of the damage and guide you through the repair process. Document the damage as best as possible and contact your insurance company.
Understanding Storm Damage to Roofs
Storms can cause significant harm to roofs through various types of damage. We'll explore how wind, hail, and debris affect roofs, and explain how to check for storm-related issues.
Types of Storm Damage
Roofs face several threats during storms. Wind damage can lift or tear off shingles, exposing the roof deck, while hail strikes may dent or crack shingles, creating weak spots. Meanwhile, heavy rain can lead to water damage and leaks if the roof is compromised.
Falling trees or large branches can puncture the roof surface or cause structural damage, and lightning strikes, though rare, can start fires or create holes in the roof. Ice dams that form in winter storms can also force water under shingles and into the home.
Effects of Wind, Hail, and Debris
Strong winds pose a major risk to roofs and can rip off shingles, lift roof edges, or even cause partial roof collapse in extreme cases. Hail impacts can crack, dent, or loosen shingles and knock off protective granules. This weakens the roof's ability to shed water.
Flying debris like tree limbs or loose objects can gouge the roof surface or get lodged in vents and gutters. Large debris impacts may even punch holes through the roof and the force of wind-driven rain can push water under damaged areas, leading to interior leaks and water damage.
Recognizing Signs of Roof Damage
After a storm, check for missing, cracked, or curled shingles and look for dents in metal roofing or vents. Inspect gutters and downspouts for shingle granules too as excessive granule loss is a big red flag.
Inside, water stains on ceilings or walls can signal a roof leak and you also need to inspect the attic for daylight coming through the roof boards or if there is wet insulation. Outside, scan for fallen tree limbs on the roof. Cracked or split wood, loose roof tiles, and damaged flashing around chimneys or vents are other key indicators of storm damage.
Assessing Roof Damage Post-Storm
Quick action can prevent small issues from becoming serious problems and here’s how to assess storm damage to your roof.
Initial Self-Assessment
Start by looking at your roof from the ground, perhaps using binoculars for a closer view to check for missing or loose shingles, dents in metal roofing, or debris. Don't climb on the roof yourself as it can be dangerous, especially after a storm. If there is visible damage, contact a professional roofer to assess it properly.
Check your gutters and downspouts, if they're clogged or damaged, water may not drain properly from your roof. This can lead to more problems.
Professional Roof Inspection
Call a licensed roofer for a thorough inspection as they have the tools and know-how to spot hidden damage. They can safely check all parts of your roof, including hard-to-see areas, looking for:
- Cracked, curled, or missing shingles
- Damage to flashing around chimneys and vents
- Dents or holes in metal roofing
- Signs of water leaks in the attic
They'll give you a detailed report of any damage found and this report is key for insurance claims and planning repairs.
Evaluating Urgency for Repairs
Some roof damage needs fixing immediately, while other issues pose less risk to your home. Here's how to tell the difference:
Urgent repairs:
- Holes in the roof
- Multiple missing shingles
- Signs of water leaking inside
Less urgent repairs:
- A few loose shingles
- Minor dents in metal roofing
- Slight damage to the flashing
For urgent issues, ask your roofer about temporary fixes to prevent more damage, and they might use tarps or patches until full repairs can be done. Schedule repairs soon for less urgent problems but don't panic. Just keep an eye on the damaged areas to ensure they don't worsen.
Repair and Prevention Strategies
Here’s an overview of temporary fixes, long-term solutions, and ways to protect against future storms.
Immediate Temporary Measures
- Cover holes with tarps to stop water from getting in, nailing them down securely.
- Use buckets to catch leaks inside.
- Clear gutters of debris to prevent water buildup.
- Remove loose items from the roof that could cause more damage.
- For small leaks, apply roofing cement or sealant until a full repair.
Remember to keep records of all damage with photos and notes as this helps with insurance claims later.
Long-Term Roof Repair Solutions
A full roof inspection is the first step so a professional can check for hidden damage you can't see from the ground. They'll look at shingles, flashing, and the structure underneath. For minor damage, replacing a few shingles might be enough but bigger problems may need sections of the roof rebuilt. In severe cases, a whole new roof might be the best course of action.
Choose materials that can stand up to your local weather such as metal roofs that can resist wind and hail better than asphalt shingles. Talk to your roofer about the best options for your home and budget.
Preventative Measures and Maintenance
Have a professional roofer inspect your roof at least once a year and perform regular checks yourself, looking for cracked or missing shingles. Keep trees trimmed away from your roof as falling branches are a major cause of storm damage, and clean your gutters often to prevent water backups.
Consider adding storm straps to secure your roof to the house frame, this helps in high winds. You could also install impact-resistant shingles if you live in a hail-prone area. Additionally, invest in better attic insulation and ventilation to prevent ice dams in winter and reduce heat damage in summer.
Get in touch to arrange a professional roof inspection with an experienced, reputable service.