Hail and wind are the two main culprits of storm damage to your roof. Sometimes this damage is not immediately evident. However, this does not mean that the effects aren’t or won’t become detrimental to your roof. In this article we discuss the importance of being proactive with your roof following a storm.
When to Worry About Storm Damage
If your roof experiences storm damage, your two main concerns to consider are (1) will it cause additional damage to the inside of your house if not addressed and (2) will it shorten the lifespan of your roof if left untreated. The following are some of the most common signs of roof damage following a storm:
1. Leaks
Even if an active leak is not apparent, you can spot signs of a leak by monitoring your home for ceiling and wall stains on the top floor of your home and in your attic.
2. Missing Shingles
A few missing shingles is common, and they are easily replaceable. You may notice shingles missing from your roof or you may find shingles or shingle fragments in your yard.
3. Shingle Damage
Even when minor, damaged shingles should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage. Shingles may be cracked, curled, or faded.
4. Holes
Minor storm damage from hail is often repairable via isolated shingle replacement if addressed early on. You may notice impact holes from hail in your shingles.
5. Lifted Shingles
Strong winds may damage the adhesive and/or nails which hold shingles to your roof decking. If you notice shingles flapping or lifted, it could indicate wind damage.
6. Granule Loss
Storms can damage the material makeup of shingles, gradually wearing them away. You may notice shingle granules in your gutters or coming out of your downspouts with runoff.
Why it is Important to Address Storm Damage Immediately
When it comes to roof damage, the longer it goes untreated, the more widespread and severe it typically becomes. This leads to more expensive repairs and a higher likelihood that a full roof replacement will become necessary. In order to preserve the lifespan of your roof and limit restoration costs, it is vital that you are proactive when it comes to your roof.
Don’t Let a Small Repair Become a Big Job
Sometimes storm damage can go unnoticed until it begins affecting the interior portion of your home. Not only do these issues impact the integrity of your home’s structure, but they could also be detrimental to the health and safety of those residing in the home. Furthermore, they will add to the cost of restoration. Instead of paying for an isolated roof repair, you will be adding the cost of drywall repair, mold treatment services, the replacement of damaged furniture, etc.
Leaks are Always a Tell-Tale Sign
The most common sign of severe or worsening storm damage to your roof is the presence of leaks. Active leaks are easier to spot. However, a slow or gradually worsening leak may be indicated by stains on your ceilings and walls in the attic or top floor of your home. If you notice signs of a leak, do not wait to have your roof inspected. If left untreated, leaks can lead to other issues in your home such as wood rot in roof decking, dry rot around plumbing fixtures, drywall damage, and mold growth.
Modern Advancements in Shingle Storm Resistance
Shingles are constantly being improved with modern advancements in storm-resistant features. Today’s shingles are sturdy enough to withstand larger hail sizes, with many shingles being specially designed for high-impact resistance, as well as with higher wind-ratings giving them the ability to withstand stronger winds. These features are integrated to extend the lifespan of a roof, with the anticipation of storms. However, having these integrated features does not eliminate the necessity for being proactive about roof health. Even minor damage over the course of several storms can drastically weaken the efficiency of these features if not addressed, subsequently shortening the useful life of your roof.
Contact Weather Stop Roofing if You Suspect Storm Damage
Storm Damage Repair Experience
If you suspect potential storm damage, contact a professional to inspect your roof. To ensure your safety, we strongly advise against climbing onto your roof to inspect it yourself. Not only could its integrity be compromised following a storm, but it could also become extremely slippery in wet or snowy conditions. Furthermore, experienced professionals are trained to identify storm damage which may go unnoticed by untrained eyes.
Free Inspections & Emergency Tarp-Ins
Weather Stop Roofing offers all of our clients free storm damage inspections. Unlike other roofing companies who rely solely on satellite imaging, we physically inspect every single roof to ensure thorough examinations and detailed inspection reports. We also provide emergency roofing services such as tarp-ins to prevent any further damage to your roof and interior home before a repair can be completed.
Insurance Claim Experience
Oftentimes, storm damage incurred by your roof is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Weather Stop Roofing specializes in insurance claim roof repairs and roof replacements. We work directly with you and your insurance company when performing repairs or replacements, whether you have already filed a claim or intend to do so following an inspection. If you’re not sure whether you have damage which would be covered, our experts will inspect your roof and advise on whether you have damage which may substantiate a claim.
Conclusion
So storms happen. Your roof, being your home’s first line of defense against Mother Nature, is inevitably susceptable to storm-related damage. The key to avoiding costly repairs and irrevocable damage is being proactive and contacting a reputable roofing company like Weather Stop Roofing to inspect your roof immediately following a concerning storm.
How Storm Damage Affects Your Roof
Blog by Weather Stop Roofing