Suppose you live in a region that frequently experiences harsh weather. Getting your roof inspected after a storm lands is crucial. This article will discuss the steps you should take when dealing with a storm-damaged roof. There are numerous things to consider when assessing storm damage to your home.
The first critical step is to take pictures of the visible roof damage. It would be best to look for things like dents or pockmarks in shingles, debris from your home, or missing shingles. Hiring a professional roof contractor is also suitable for inspecting your roofing system. Please read on. This article is for homeowners like you who want to keep safe this storm season!
Why It Is Crucial to Identify Storm Roof Damage
Is your roof in danger of being exposed to cyclone-force winds, torrential rains and hail? Whether these weather events strike suddenly or gradually, water that leaks indoors via your damaged roof can cause widespread damage from ruined attic insulation, and corroded electrical wiring, to warped wood floors and trim.
Types of Roof Storm Damage
Different weather elements such as wind, hail, and water damage your roof. According to Minnesota Storm Damage Repair & Roofing Contractors,
Here’s what to look for.
Wind
Winds with the force of hurricanes are classified as 74 mph or greater. On the other hand, gale-force winds are between 39 mph to 54 mph and cause visible damage to your home’s roof system. High and strong winds can completely remove or tear off shingles and leave the underlay roof deck or waterproofing material bare and exposed to harsh elements.
Less severe storms characterized by sudden sharp winds can lift and curl shingles.
You will observe that shingles are purposely overlapped to create a watertight seal. But continuous lifting and curling by winds can break the seal and potentially leave your roof vulnerable to wind-driven rain damage.
Hail
Hail storms are relatively short and rarely last for more than 15 minutes. In a short period, hailstones can leave dents or pockmarks in shingles and knock out shingle granules loose. It can be problematic because these granules shield your roof against the weather. Hail damage might also ruin the appearance of your roof surface.
Standing Water
In the absence of proper drainage, roofs might experience problems with standing water after heavy rainfalls, especially in uneven areas. A clogged gutter might also cause backed-up rainwater beneath your shingles that permeate the underlayment of roof deck.
Debris
Depending on a storm’s strength and severity, debris can end up on your roof, and small branches to large tree limbs. Big objects can also impact the shingle’s surface and leave that roof area susceptible to heavy moisture intrusion.
What Are the Signs of Wind Damage?
The signs of wind damage include the following:
Missing Shingles
Shingles already cracked or peeling are at significant risk of being torn off or lost once wind speeds up and exceeds 60 miles per hour. Although roofing manufacturers cover wind damages in their warranty, the terms and conditions are often based on a newly installed and well-maintained roof.
Visible Granule Loss
Granule loss is common, especially with a brand-new roof. But with storm damages, granule loss is significant and often found in distinct horizontal lines indicating where the shingle seals were broken. Granules can wear off when shingles are flapped and flung on other surfaces.
Visible Water Infiltration
A majority of visible leaks that permeate through the ceiling of a building are the result of wind damage. The shingles and roof underlayment are already compromised and allow water to flood into the attic or the upper rooms.
Loose Debris
Loose debris around your home, such as yard waste, outdoor furniture, and many others, may indicate that something has struck your roof during high winds. It would be best to clear the debris away as soon as possible to decrease the risk of further damage. Check for broken shingle patterns to determine the impact.
Signs of Hail and Snow Damage
Strong thunderstorms generate hail storms at 32°F temperatures and below. This same temperature range makes snow possible. Hailstones are globes of ice that typically cause damage when they reach 1-inch and 1.75-inch diameters. Because hail is compact, it can punch through a solid object.
Signs of hail damage include:
Missing or Hail-Damaged Shingles
Damage from hail can result in the immediate loss of pieces of shingle that were intact before a storm landed. But even if shingles are still present, they may require replacement. Check for cracks and dents that show the location of an impact.
Clogged or Broken Gutters and Downspouts
After a storm subsides, clogged gutters must be cleaned ASAP. Water that drains from a broken gutter goes directly down the foot of a building. Over time, it can erode the foundation and make the structure unstable. You must check all gutters and downspouts for signs of bending and dislocation.
Ice Dams
Shingles and grooves that have not been appropriately maintained are prone to ice dams. These ice dams result from snow melting and freezing on roofs. This ice ridge prevents additional water from melting snow from leaving the roof, thus encouraging leaks. Most ice dams should be easily visible.
Signs of Water Damage
It is not just water-driven by high and strong winds that damage your home’s structure. Any tiny amount of standing moisture from a storm can result in serious issues. This being in mind, it is crucial to examine your home and surroundings thoroughly after the winds die down.
Signs of water damage include:
Damage to Roof Supports or Accents
It may not always be apparent, but supporting elements of your roof might be damaged. Even if shingles appear intact, check for areas where water is pulling during or after heavy rains. Looking into the flashing near vent pipes, chimneys, and other elements would be best.
Visible Attic Issues and Moisture
The roof and attic of your home make up an entire ecosystem that works together. You must check the attic for signs of moisture penetration that might indicate leaks. Flooded surfaces and insulation may require replacement to mitigate the toxic mold and mildew.
What to Do After a Severe Storm
Walk Around the Exterior of Your Home
Take photos and notes as you search for areas where roof repair is needed, such as beneath the eaves of the shingles as well as near gutters.
Check Your Attics and Basements for Water Leakage and Cracks in the Roof
You might easily forget that most storm problems cause interior damage to a structure like attics and basements. Homeowners are usually so preoccupied with roof repairs that they neglect to search for water damage leaks and other interior damages.
Talk to Your Neighbors and Ask if Their Homes Were Damaged
You must check-in with your neighbors and ask if they had storm damage. High and strong winds and other extreme weather conditions often mark precise geographic regions. Therefore, if your neighbor suffered shingle or gutter damage, you did too. Hence, work and gather as much information as possible after landing a significant storm.
Take Note of Any Factors That Need Storm Damage Repair
Apparent damage such as broken or worn shingles, massive tree branches on the roof, and damaged gutters are sure to contact a professional roofer at once. It is also an intelligent move to photograph and note any damage you see to file any insurance claim. It is best to have some high-quality photographs as evidence that immediately followed a storm.
Quick Tips to Protect a Storm-Damaged Roof
The roof is the most vulnerable to unexpected storm damage, especially if it is over ten years old. This damage can potentially cause leaks that lead to other issues. It might be challenging to find a contractor right away. But there are several quick DIY fixes to mitigate the risk of further damage.
Seal a Broken Skylight
If a recent storm has damaged the skylights of your roof and you find it is leaking, you can patch up a cracked seal or broken glass with waterproof tape and a piece of tarp.
Make sure to seal the edges of the skylight with the tape. It would be best to secure any shattered areas with a water-resistant tarp inside and out. This roof repair will be crucial for any insurance claims you make. Homeowners are usually responsible for stopping further leaks once the roof has been damaged.
Cover Broken Shingles
If your roof sustained wind damage and lost sections of shingles, this may also affect the layers underneath. The flashing and building materials installed underneath might be compromised, leading to leaky roofs and a wet attic. You must apply a quick fix to the area. Cover the damaged areas with a top and water-resistant tarp and secure them firmly.
Sudden Leaks
If a storm causes roof damage that results in a sudden and rapid leak, it is crucial to repair it. Heavy tarps, temporary shingles, and waterproof sealant may help stop the leak temporarily until roofing contractors arrive. They will assess the storm damages, find the source of the leak, and devise a plan to repair the damaged parts. The visible signs of leaks are water stains or sagging ceilings.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Roofing Company to Assess Storm Damage in Your Home
It is best to hire a professional roof repair company to examine whether your roof survived a storm. The following are the benefits of getting the services of a roof inspection company.
Determines the Extent of the Damage
Hiring a professional roofer with experience and qualifications to check and repair your roof is, in many cases, the better solution than a DIY fix. A professional has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to assess the damage to the roof and apply the best repairs for it.
The pros know the signs of damage, what they mean, and how to repair them. You want someone with extensive training to determine the amount of damage to your roof and recommend the best action.
Analyzes the Stability of Your Roof
Roof inspection services will assess the stability of your roof and the supports around your roofing system. They will determine if your roof has buckled or has collapsed to certain positions.
It is always good to inspect a roof’s stability after a heavy storm, rain, snow, or ice. Doing this early on will help you determine any underlying problems with your roof that must be addressed.
Identifies Even the Smallest Details and Damages
An untrained eye might overlook the small details and problems with a roof after a storm. But a professional roofer will not leave any stone unturned when investigating your roof.
They are thorough with their inspections and will identify even the most minor and smallest issues caused by a storm. With their data, they can take the necessary steps to repair any underlying problems immediately.
It Gives You Peace of Mind
A roofing professional always knows what to do with your roofing system. There is nothing like leaving your roof repairs to the hands of a highly experienced contractor. You won’t have reason to doubt or second-guess their assessments or repair estimates. Most pros also come prepared with an on-the-spot repair kit for minor issues that need a quick fix.
Allows You Smoother Insurance Claims
A majority of insurance providers are definite and categorical about roofing claims. You must be cautious because your claim might be invalid if the insurance company establishes that your roof has had previous damages that you didn’t fix before the storm.
But hiring a professional to assess the damage to your roof and repair them might help you qualify for faster insurance company remediation.
Experienced roofers will support and verify your claim, thus increasing your chances of getting your insurance dues.
Can Your Roofer Handle Storm Damage? How to Tell
All roofs are susceptible to storm damage. Heavy downpours and wind-driven storms can instantly tear roofs and rip them apart. Choosing a roofer damage repair service is a crucial decision.
Remember that not all roofing companies will have the experience or equipment to attend to roof repair emergencies. Keep reading to learn the credentials a roofing contractor must have to guarantee a job done well.
24-Hour Emergency Help Desk
Storm damages can occur without warning and can happen anytime, day or night, during the peak of a storm. When searching for a roofing professional to hire for damage repairs, a company that offers a 24-hour emergency roof repair service and assistance is your best bet.
24-hour services often include the following:
· A fully equipped service fleet ready to repair any roofing system 24/7.
· Qualified roof damage and cleaning technicians stop leaky roofs and prepare them for cleanup.
· Documents damages, services, and final results from start to finish via digital photos, and thermal imagery, to help you lodge an insurance claim.
Works With Insurance Companies
The services of an emergency roof damage repair company will involve filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. Therefore, your roofing contractor must be experienced in dealing with claim adjusters, conducting a thorough roof inspection, identifying roof damage, and making accurate estimates.
Steer clear of salespeople and roofing contractors that knock on your door immediately after a storm. Do not let anyone check your roof, and do not sign anything.
Storm Damage Repair References
The best time to look for a roof damage contractor that can expertly handle storm damage is during the calm hours before the predicted landing of a storm. After a storm, you might not have time to check references when you need emergency roof repairs thoroughly.
When looking for a roofing contractor to collaborate with regularly, the definitive way to verify their qualifications is through references. Collaborate with a roofing company with a solid reputation with proven experience in storm damage and roofing repairs.
Conclusion – Talk to a Highly-Rated Local Roofer Today!
Consult with a roofer with familiarity with the various types of storm damage. The next thing is to check if they have a process for inspecting your roof damage after the storm to determine its position and look over any damage that might have been inflicted on it.
Leaky roofs during a storm are an obvious sign of damage and shingles strewn on your lawn or a tree limb stuck onto your roof structure. But you will also need to check for other types of damage that may not be immediately noticeable.
How do you know which roofing repair service to trust if your roof has recently suffered storm damage?
Don’t hesitate to contact a company instead of hiring those who suddenly show up at your door immediately after a storm. There is a good chance they are fly-by-night contractors. Look for a roofing contractor with a strong reputation and experience locally.
Please Check out our storm damage restoration services to know more about how we can help you handle storm damage to your roof. Please consult with us or schedule a roof repair or replacement job.