Though a sturdy roof can weather most storms, most of them won't always stand up to severe winds, hail, or debris. Wind and hail damage alone made up a whopping 34.3% of all property damage claims nationwide in 2019!
Once the skies have cleared after a storm, it can sometimes be hard to tell whether your roof is sound. Unless there are clear signs like a fallen branch or hail the size of golf balls, how do you know if you need repairs? Once you know there's been storm damage, roof repair is your obvious next step, but it can be hard to tell when to call and who to reach out to.
Let's take a look at a few ways to safely spot signs of storm damage, how to address the damage while you wait for repairs, and when and how to contact the pros.
Spotting Signs of Storm Damage From the Ground
While it may be tempting to grab your ladder and climb up to look for expensive damage, we recommend staying on the ground. Though uncommon, some types of damage can impact the structure of your roof. This damage may not be clear at a glance, which can make it dangerous to step onto your roof.
The most obvious red flag for roofing damage is tree limbs or heavy debris on your roof. If you can see that something has struck your roof during a storm, you'll want an inspection to check for structural damage.
Do a quick visual inspection of your property to look for damage to other objects. Dents on your gutters, painted wood, or garage door are signs that hail, flying debris, or other objects were strong enough to cause serious damage. This may be a sign that you're looking at possible roof damage as well.
If you have asphalt shingles, you should also look around for shingle granules. Heavy storms may knock your shingles' protective granules loose, leaving the rest of your roof vulnerable.
If you don't have gutters, these granules will be on the ground under your roof. If you do have gutters, the gutters will catch them. A quick check with a ladder, without climbing onto your roof, should be enough to tell.
From the ground, you can also look for signs of disruption to the normal pattern of your shingles. This may include crooked, broken, lifted, or missing shingles.
Shingle damage is easier to spot when you look at your roof while the sun is at an angle to fall right across it. Sunlight may also help you catch subtle, uneven shadows if your shingles have moved. If you have trouble seeing from afar, grab a pair of binoculars.
Spotting Signs of Storm Damage on Your Roof
If you do decide to climb onto your roof, do so with an abundance of caution. Have someone outside to spot you, and wear shoes with good traction.
Spotting roof damage is often easier up close, as shingle damage becomes much more visible. You may be better able to spot subtle flaws like splitting, cracked, or peeling shingles. Though these flaws may seem cosmetic, even small imperfections can give water a chance to creep into your home.
In addition, there are a few other things you may be able to see when you're on your roof. Your flashing, soffits, fascias, and roof vents can take a beating during a storm. Look for dents, scrapes, and scratches from hail or airborne debris.
Small imperfections may not impact your roof system, but larger ones can be a sign that you'll want to have the component replaced. Don't forget to check for a loose fit, as severe storms can sometimes dislodge flashing or vents.
Post-Storm Roof Repair Tips
When it comes to roof repair after a storm, the best thing to do is schedule a professional inspection right away. Climbing onto a roof without safety gear can be risky at the best of times, but it's even more hazardous after your roof has taken damage. Leave the roof repairs to the pros whenever possible.
If the damage has led to a roof leak, you'll also want to let your local roofers know. While it's possible to tarp your roof on your own, most roof repair services will also offer emergency services if you need a tarp placed.
In the meantime, do what you can to stop the leak temporarily. Move your furniture away, cover your belongings with plastic, and set up buckets.
One last note here: make sure you're working with trusted local roofers. Storm-chasing roof repair companies often rush in from out of state to make money on roof repairs, but their practices can sometimes be scammy and even illegal.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage
No post-storm roofing guide would be complete without mentioning a common headache for any homeowner: insurance claims.
Before you repair any damage, make sure to take photos. You can do this from the ground as best you can, but you should also ask your roofing contractor to take photos once they're on your roof. They can also help by providing a written report of the damages.
This documentation can be a huge help if you decide to file a claim. Objective evidence from a pro can show your insurance company that your roof damage is as bad as you've claimed.
Make sure to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible after a storm. Most policies have a deadline for filing a claim after a storm, often ranging from a few months to a year. However, sooner is often better: delays can make it hard to tell what damage happened during a storm and what damage might have happened after it.
Get Post-Storm Damage Roof Repair Services
Dealing with the aftermath of a major storm can be stressful, but identifying and working to repair the damage can give you peace of mind.
You never have to deal with storm damage roof repair alone: our expert team is here to help. We offer professional roof inspections and repairs, and we'll help you return your roof to peak condition. To learn more or to get an estimate, contact us today.
