When a storm rolls through, your roof takes the brunt of it. The wind, rain, hail—it all hits hard. After the skies clear, it’s up to you to make sure everything’s still holding up. Ignoring potential roof damage can lead to bigger problems down the road—leaks, mold, or worse. So, here’s a simple guide to help you do a quick assessment before you call in the pros. Remember, it’s about keeping your home, your investment, and your family safe.
Key Signs of Roof Damage to Look For
Now that you’re ready to check things out, here’s what you should be looking for. This isn’t about making a deep inspection—that’s the roofer’s job. It’s just about spotting the obvious signs of damage so you know what you’re dealing with.
Exterior Roof Damage Indicators
Start with the basics: shingles. Missing, cracked, curled, or broken shingles are a clear sign that something’s wrong. Check for any shingles that seem out of place or loose. If you see anything missing, you’ve got a weak spot on your roof that needs attention.
Next, check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Flashing is like your roof’s armor—if it’s damaged or pulled up, water is going to find a way in. Make sure it’s lying flat and looks solid.
Finally, look for any obvious dents, punctures, or cracks caused by debris. Branches and flying objects can do some serious damage during a storm, and it’s important to find those impact points.
Gutter and Downspout Check
Your gutters are another important part of the roof system. After a storm, they might be clogged with shingle granules—that’s a sign that your shingles took a beating. Also, check that the gutters are still securely attached and haven’t been pulled away from the fascia.
Damaged gutters don’t just affect drainage; they can also lead to leaks and more trouble for your roof. If they’re sagging or broken, it’s time to deal with it before more damage happens.
Interior Signs of Roof Damage
Don’t forget to take a look inside, too. Head up to your attic or check your ceilings for any water stains or damp spots. If you notice moisture, dark streaks, or any signs of a leak, the storm may have opened up a spot for water to come in.
Also, while you’re up there, see if you can spot any light coming through the roof boards. If daylight is finding its way through, then so can water. These signs are red flags that your roof is compromised.
Common Types of Storm Roof Damage
Storms don’t play nice, and they each bring their own kind of trouble. Here are the most common ways your roof can take a hit during different types of storms.
Wind Damage
High winds can be brutal on your roof. Even if the shingles are nailed down properly, strong gusts can lift them up or tear them away. It doesn’t even take a full shingle coming off to cause issues—if they’re lifted, water can get underneath, and that’s where the problems start. Look for any shingles that are flapping in the breeze or ones that have gone missing altogether.
Wind can also blow debris onto your roof—branches, leaves, even trash can lids. Anything heavy enough can damage the shingles or dent the roof. Make sure to look out for this kind of damage.
Hail Damage
When hail comes down, it’s like someone’s throwing rocks at your roof. Depending on the size, hailstones can leave dents and cracks, especially in asphalt shingles. You might notice small dimples or spots where the granules are missing from the shingles. Even small hail can cause long-term problems if it weakens the roofing material enough.
Falling Debris Damage
Lastly, debris damage is always a big one, especially if you have trees nearby. During a storm, branches can snap and fall right onto your roof. Bigger branches can cause punctures, while smaller debris might create dents or scrapes. If you see a branch on your roof after a storm, it’s time to call in the pros to remove it safely and check for hidden damage.
What to Do if You Find Roof Damage
So you’ve done your check, and it looks like your roof took some damage. Now what? Here’s what you need to do to get things back in shape.
Document the Damage
The first thing you want to do is document everything. Take photos or videos of the damaged areas—shingles, gutters, flashing, anything that looks off. Get different angles and be thorough. This documentation is going to be important if you decide to file an insurance claim, so don’t skip this step.
Call a Roofing Professional for an Inspection
Once you’ve got everything documented, it’s time to call in the experts. A professional roofer, like Dependable Roofing, Inc., will do a more detailed inspection, find hidden damage, and recommend the right repairs. You might think a missing shingle here or there isn’t a big deal, but a pro can tell you what’s really going on and save you from bigger problems down the line.
File an Insurance Claim
If the storm damage is significant, you’ll want to get your insurance company involved. With your photos and a report from the roofing professional, you can start the claims process. Your roofer can also help by providing an estimate of the repair costs, which will be useful when you’re talking to your insurance adjuster. Dealing with insurance can be a pain, but having everything properly documented makes it a lot smoother.
Conclusion
Assessing roof damage after a storm isn’t something to put off. The sooner you know what’s going on up there, the sooner you can get things fixed—and avoid even bigger headaches down the road. Remember, checking your roof doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to keep your home safe, document anything you find, and always bring in a professional for a proper inspection.
If you need help getting your roof back in shape after a storm, Dependable Roofing, Inc. is ready to step in. Our team knows exactly what to look for and how to get your roof fixed right. Contact Dependable Roofing, Inc. today for a professional roof inspection—we’ll make sure your home is protected and secure.
