Identifying Roof Damage After A Storm: What To Look For And Steps To Take

After a storm blows through your neighborhood, your home’s roof may need attention. Sometimes, the signs are apparent – missing shingles, dented flashing, water leaks. In other instances, knowing whether your roof needs closer inspection requires a professionally trained eye. Immediately involving a qualified roofing contractor following a storm becomes essential to protect your interests.

Types Of Roof Damage Due To A Storm

Most roof-related storm damage originates from wind, hail, precipitation, or debris. 

Typically, wind is the leading cause of roof damage in the Southeast. Gale-force winds happen if gusts exceed 39 mph. Hurricane-force winds occur when gusts exceed 74 mph.

Similarly, hail can cause instant damage to a roof. Hailstones may fall rapidly or be large enough to produce catastrophic loss to a roofing system.

Persistent rain and heavy downpours expose problematic areas in a roofing system, leading to flooding and other issues with moisture intrusion, such as mold and mildew formation.

How To Identify Damage After A Storm

Following a storm, the homeowner should take immediate action to assess the situation. Here are typical signs of storm-related roof damage:

4. Loose Or Missing Shingles

One obvious clue that your roof was damaged in a storm is shingle detachment. Shingle separation must be addressed immediately to prevent more consequential issues.

5. Significant Granule Loss

An asphalt shingle contains a layer of granules that protect your roof from damaging sunlight and UV rays. Excessive loss of granules causes shingles to deteriorate prematurely and malfunction.

6. Tree Limbs Hitting The Roof

When tree limbs fall on a roof, the homeowner must involve a reputable roofing company to assess the situation by inspecting the entire roofing system.

Steps To Address Roof Damage Following A Storm

After a storm, the homeowner must be strategic to protect their best interests, which may contradict the insurance company’s priorities. If the roof needs repair, restoration, or replacement, the homeowner should approach this situation methodically and proactively. Do not react hastily. Stay away from procrastinating. Intentional, well-thought-out actions will benefit every homeowner.

1. Perform A Visual Inspection Safely

Safety always comes first. Once the storm has blown through the area, you should assess the roofing system from the ground level by walking the home’s perimeter. Avoid crawling up on the roof with a ladder. Every year, thousands of homeowners suffer serious injuries or death from falls off the roof.

2. Schedule A Roof Inspection Immediately

Don’t delay. If a violent storm has blown through your area, quality roofing contractors will fill up their schedules quickly. Stay local. Avoid the door-knocking fly-by-night operators from Texas or Arizona. If you need their roofing services in the future, you can’t trust an out-of-towner to be around still.

3. Document Evidence Of Roof Damage

Following a storm, you should snap photographs and record video of the roofing system’s condition and the surrounding property. For example, if roofing materials have fallen off the roof, capture all corresponding evidence. At this point, don’t move around the damage. Leave it like the scene of an accident.

4. Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Provider

Notify your insurance company of the situation, explaining the information you gathered. However, before submitting an insurance claim, consult with a knowledgeable and experienced roofing contractor and obtain their professional opinion regarding the extent of damage and the advisability of filing a claim. 

5. Involve A Reputable Roofer Throughout

Once you have aligned with a trusted roofing contractor, maintain a close relationship with them for the remainder of the process. For instance, if the insurance company dispatches an adjuster to evaluate your roofing system, contact your roofer to have them present at the inspection to ensure you receive representation.