Of course, your roof is designed to take on the elements, but some storms are too intense for the roofing material you choose. Nevertheless, there are signs you can see for yourself that indicate you have roof damage from storms. While it can be dangerous to inspect a roof, if you have the skill and equipment, you can have a look. You can also check many aspects of your roof using binoculars from the ground or from certain upstairs windows.
Here are some things to look for in 3 categories.
Wind Damage
Wind damage may or may not be easy to see, but no shingle system can withstand every kind of wind or storm damage. Here are 2 specific things you can check for:
Missing shingles. When you see missing shingles, that’s all you need to know. Your home has been damaged by the wind. Contact your insurance company to have an adjuster come out and provide an estimate. You also need to go ahead and contact us so you can begin considering your new roofing choices.
Horizontal lines across shingles. This could indicate that the shingle seal has broken, allowing the shingle below to bend back and rub on the one above. Shingles that aren’t sealed down properly aren’t watertight.
Hail Damage
If you’re home, you’ll know that it hailed. But was it big enough to do any damage? Typically, it takes about 1 inch in diameter – called quarter-sized hail in weather bulletins – to do severe damage. Your neighbors with similar roofing will likely have hail damage if you do. Hail bruises even the best shingles, in many cases, causing an indentation that’s difficult to see but can allow water infiltration over time. Seeing hail damage can be difficult, but we can help you determine if you have hail damage.
Be careful about dealing with a roofing contractor who comes to your door unsolicited after a hailstorm. These often out-of-town contractors may not be around to complete the job or handle warranty claims or quality issues. And they could go home with your money and do nothing at all.
Look for dents in cars and sheds as a sign of hail damage. Granules from damaged shingles may also appear on the ground below downspouts or in gutters.
Falling Debris Damage
During storms, it’s common for branches and other falling debris to impact your roof. Small items hitting a good roof won’t do any damage, but more oversized items almost certainly will. You may need a roofing contractor’s help to find these spots of specific damage.
You may notice these signs of roof damage from falling debris:
- Items still lodged in the roof
- Missing or cracked shingles
- A significant pile of granules in gutters or downspouts
- And more.
If you think you may have roof damage, consider taking a look yourself, calling a roofing contractor, and contacting your insurance company. Be sure to prevent the damage from causing water infiltration that destroys your home’s decking, attic, and inside.
As with most home repairs, quick action to mitigate losses is best when it comes to storm-related roof damage.