If you live in an area prone to storms, it’s essential to be aware of the signs that indicate possible roof damage after a storm. If you don’t notice the damage early on, you could end up with unexpected roof failure and urgent, expensive replacements. Insurance companies may find it difficult to approve your claim if they suspect improper maintenance or a delay in attending to the damaged roof.
If your roof has endured the effects of a tornado, hail, or other severe weather, this guide can help you identify and repair the damage before it’s too late. Carefully read the 5 signs that indicate possible roof storm damage.
5 Critical Signs Of Roof Storm Damage
80% of US homes have shingle roofs. They are susceptible to storm damage if you live in a coastal state like Georgia. Some homes also have metal roofs that can also suffer damage like shingle roofs. Below are the significant signs of roof damage that you may see on your roof after the storm passes by.
#1 Missing Shingles
If your shingles are missing or blown off, you can identify them from your lawn or yard. However, shingles near the pitch may not be visible from below. Less intense storms mostly cause damage that will not be so evident. There is a high chance that many shingles and ridge caps are loose, and nails and flashing can be pulled easily during seasonal storms. If you identify any of these issues, it is best to repair damage immediately.
Metal roofs are more durable than asphalt shingles, but they’re still prone to damage. If you have a metal roof, storms can easily create cuts and dents in the panels. You can spot impaired or uneven panels from a distance. Dents generally occur due to hailstones and objects falling on the roof during the storm whereas bends and cracks are a result of swirling winds of a tornado. It may not be easy to spot cuts and cracks on your metal roof, but you can quickly notice hail damage by the appearance of the panels.
#2 Damage To Roof Accessories
Certain parts of your roof are already prone to leaks and damage. These are your roof accessories, such as skylights, chimneys, and vents. Damage to these roof fixtures can be hard to spot because they have complicated structures and many weak points.
Skylights
Storms often damage skylights with heavy impacts and rain. Flashing around the skylights can come off during a storm. Skylights can even come off their mounts. In worst-case scenarios, the glazing can break and crack. You may notice skylight damage from your roof, but be careful and do not stand below the skylight as it may fall into your home after severe roof storm damage.
Chimneys
Mostly made of bricks, chimneys can suffer a high amount of damage which is very difficult to spot. Bricks get cracked during storms, but because of their pattern, it’s almost impossible to identify minor or even bigger cracks in chimneys without the help of professional roof inspection. Roof inspectors are experts who climb up the roof with the proper equipment and safety gear to assess the roof damage.
Vents
Most roofs have ridge vents that are connected to the attic. They have pipes, holes, and fans– one of the most exposed elements during a storm. Debris can stick inside the vents, and twisting winds can break the fans in no time. You can visit the attic and look for signs of damage to your vents.
#3 Asphalt Granule Loss Due To Storm
The last layer of asphalt shingles is made of mineral granules that work like a UV filter, protecting the shingles from excessive sun and heat exposure. During a storm, rainwater, hail, and other debris can rub against the shingles, causing the granules to come off. Without the granules, shingles will soon become thin, develop blisters, lose their pigment and start cracking.
Shingle granules are easy to spot, but you may not notice them at first because they are tiny and mostly black. As granules come off, they blend in with the rest of your roof and landscape. If you look closer, you can spot them on the ground or in the gutters.
#4 Water Leaks In The Attic Or Other Rooms
Look for wet spots and water pooling in the attic. If water is dripping down, it means that the shingles and underlayment are damaged. You can even see a few cracks or holes if the damage is significant.
If water is dripping into your home, it signifies severe roof storm damage. Dark water stains on the ceiling also point toward roof leaks. These are direct signs that your underlayment, soffit, or fascia are compromised in the storm. Since water is already past the attic, there is a chance of severe water damage to the attic and insulation.
#5 Broken Gutters And Downspouts
After a storm, one of the most common issues is leaking or blocked gutters. If you see bending or sagging gutters, it’s a clear sign of storm damage. However, gutters are typically out of reach, so you may be unable to check them for debris and blockage. There are other signs on the ground, such as water pools just below the gutters. If you see lots of water around the area, this means that gutters were not able to direct the water into the downspouts and you will require professional help from a roofing contractor to clean your gutters and the downspouts.
If you ever see any of these 5 signs of storm damage a roofing company will send their roof inspectors to check your house for storm damage. Take a look at how you can ensure a fixed and sturdy roof than before.
Identify And Repair Storm Damage
Experienced roof inspectors will inspect every inch of your roof, attic, and exterior for storm damage. They have a license, insurance, and special tools to assess your roof thoroughly. If you live in Georgia, our team can help you identify every issue and offer the best solutions to repair your roof and make it safer than before. When it comes to storm damage roof repairs, we know that you want your home back to normal as quickly as possible, and we work hard to make sure that happens.
Looking For Storm Damage Roof Repair Services?
RST Roofing & Renovations is the most reliable roofing company in Decatur, GA. We specialize in roof storm damage repair, and many property owners depend on our honest experts.
Our team will work with you throughout the entire process, from the initial assessment to the final repairs, and we’ll be there every step of the way. We’ll provide all necessary documentation to ensure that your insurance company is satisfied with our work so that they can promptly reimburse you for any damages.
As you look for signs of roof storm damage, we would be happy to guide you. If you feel we can fortify your roof with permanent solutions, give us a call at (404) 548-8901. We can send our best team of experts for a complimentary inspection. When you choose RST Roofing & Renovations, we make it our priority to help in every possible way, and we work until you are happy with the results!
