Over one-third of U.S. homes are at high risk of natural disasters. You must be prepared for any destruction that may occur on your property when harsh storms blow through.
Knowing how to handle storm damage before, during, and after a disaster can make the difference between recovery and total loss.
Hail Damage
Hailstorms across the U.S. are most common in the spring and fall seasons.
Hail roof damage is determined by hailstone size, density, and point of impact. In some cases, it can be subtle and difficult to recognize.
The extent of damage depends on your roof’s materials and construction methods. Rubber and metal roofs are more robust and can survive hail damage better than wooden roofs.
Looking out for these signs can help you determine the degree of damage to your roof.
Signs Your Roof Has Hail Storm Damage
- Dark or Black Spots on Your Roof: Hard hail can knock off roofing granules from your asphalt shingles, leaving the roof with bare spots. Hail can also bruise the shingles, making them feel softer and more susceptible to future damage.
- Loose, Cracked Shingles or Shingle Mat: Large hail can crack or loosen asphalt shingles changing their look and function. Smaller hailstones can bruise shingles and push the granules further into the shingle surface.
- Dents: Depending on the severity of the storm, hail can hit hard on the roof surface causing dents in the flashing, vents, gutters, or downspouts.
- Exposed Fiberglass: If the hail storm is strong enough, it can actually shatter shingles, breaking them away from the fiberglass mat underneath.
- Bright-Looking, Unappealing Asphalt Granules: Hail can loosen shingle granules, which results in exposed asphalt giving your shingles a bright and uneven look. This is unappealing, and significantly accelerates the aging of your roof.
Wind Damage
Wind damage on your roof is caused by strong winds blowing at high speed during a storm.
Your roof is susceptible to such damage because when the wind swirls around a storm system, it hits your roof unevenly, causing damage to the edges first, or loose areas of your roof.
This type of damage is usually apparent instantly.
Signs Your Roof Has High Wind Damage
- Missing or Loose Asphalt Shingles
Strong winds can lift shingles right off your roof leaving bare spots susceptible to moisture and further damage.
- Curled, or Lifted Edge of the Roof
High-stress points like the roof edges as flashings around the chimney are most likely to become lifted or curled as a result of sustained wind damage.
- Tree Limbs or Downed Power Lines on Your Roof
Falling objects such as trees and downed power lines can cause cracks or holes in your roof. Tree branches may also break off and cause damage to loose or vulnerable shingles.
- Punctures From Debris
Strong winds can pick up items straight off the ground. With little to no notice, a trampoline, trash can, or yard furniture can puncture your roof causing extensive damage.
Rain Damage
Water damage is a common issue after any type of severe storm.
Typically, rain shouldn’t be a problem for your roof.
But if that rainwater can’t drain fast enough, or your roof is compromised, the prolonged water can slowly erode roofing materials.
Signs Your Roof Has Rain Damage
- Granules in the Gutters
During a storm, rainwater often sweeps blown-off granules down the drain, which can quickly clog up your gutters. If you notice granules in your gutters or downspout, it’s a sign there’s a problem with your shingles.
- Pooled Water
With heavy rain in a storm, your roof can trap moisture in the eaves or low areas where there’s an improperly functioning drainage system. This pooled water is a sure sign of a drainage problem.
- Visible Growth of Mold or Mildew
Mold can grow in even the tiniest cracks or crevices. If this happens, it can cause mildew, expansion of materials, and deterioration of the wood on your roof. Mold also brings an infestation of bugs and other debris.
- Leaking Roof or Ceiling
Extreme temperature fluctuations can leave your roof vulnerable to leaking and breaking. If you notice any water spots on the ceilings, and dampness on interior walls it could be a sign of a leaky roof.
- Clogged Gutters and Downpipes
During heavy storms, clogged gutters and downspouts leave rainwater with nowhere else to go. In most cases, the water will either run through the groundwater damaging your home’s foundation, or back up into the shingles and wood on the roof.
Snow and Ice Damage
Typically, snow melts off your roof easily. But harsh winter conditions can worsen underlying leaks.
The accumulation of snow, the addition of ice, and the constant exposure to moisture can cause significant damage to your roof.
Signs Your Roof Has Snow and Ice Damage
- Ice Dams
Ice dams or icicles typically start on roof edges but can spill over into gutters and downspouts. They occur when moisture or heat cannot escape through the attic. This ice puts pressure on the shingles causing them to move, shift, or crack, leaving the roof susceptible to water damage.
- Snow Associated Leaks
When water and snow cannot slide off your roof due to ice dams or poor drainage, snow can also seep beneath shingles or small cracks in your roof causing leaks. This can soak insulation and ceilings, leading to mold and severe water damage.
- Collapsed Gutters and Roofs
Sometimes the water freezes and thaws multiple times during the winter season. This expansion and contraction can cause gutter damage and may even pull sections of the gutter away, disconnecting it from your roof.
- Damage From Added Weight
The weight of snow varies based on the amount of moisture in the snow. Added weight from the snow can also rip shingles, bend supports, and ruin your roof’s overall structural integrity.
- Leaks in the Gutters
Melting snow typically runs down to the gutters without issue. But if the outside temperatures are cold enough, that water can re-freeze and start backing up onto the roof. This refreezing can trap flowing water underneath the ice and can cause leaks in the gutters.
What To Do After a Storm
- Call Your Contractor To Request a Roof Inspection
If you’ve had a strong storm in your area, it’s worth it to have your roof inspected by an expert immediately. Even if you don’t suspect any storm damage, having it inspected can catch small problems before it becomes extensive.
- Inspect Your Roof and Keep the Evidence
Do not get on the roof, but inspect what you can from the ground level. Document the damage with pictures and videos including the date and then upload them to a secure online location.
- Remove Potential Hazards and Clean Up Broken Glass
It’s important to do your due diligence to clean up and remove potential hazards from your property. Fallen tree branches, hanging roofs, shattered windows, and other remnants of the storm’s damage can be potentially dangerous. Cleaning up prevents further damage before a contractor comes on site.
- File a Claim Promptly With Your Home Insurance Company
The earlier you notify the insurance company, the better, especially if you need to file a claim later. This gives your insurer time to assess liability and lessen any loss. Without proper notice, the insurer may deny coverage.
How to Protect Your Home from Storm Damage
While storms are unavoidable, you can minimize the amount of impact they have on your roof with the following maintenance tips:
- Regularly Trim Your Trees
Check the trees in your yard to ensure they’re secure. Regularly trimming trees, especially if they have loose branches, is an excellent way to protect your property from storms.
- Seal Your Doors and Windows Properly
While they are not directly connected to your roof, a small opening in a window or door is enough for strong winds to cause catastrophic damage to your roof and the entire home. Make sure everything is sealed up tight before storm season hits.
- Clear Your Gutters
Water damage and foundation issues are quick ways to devalue your home. Clearing your gutters is a simple way to keep them free-flowing and ensure that the downspouts drain water away from your home’s foundation during storms.
- Repair Loose Siding and Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles
The most common type of property damage from a storm is roof and siding damage. Make sure these areas are well-maintained and any unrepaired storm damage is remedied timely. Storms can make a minor issue get worse and cause much bigger problems.
- Use Storm-Resistant Materials for Your Roof
Depending on your geographical location and the frequency of storms in your area, you may need more storm-resistant materials for your roof. When it’s time for a roof replacement, consider the storm history in your area and select a roof more resistant to high winds, hail, and rain.
Insurance Coverage for Storm Damage
Storm damage is considered an Act of God and thus liable for compensation from your insurance company.
For your insurance to cover roof damage, it must be severe and caused by an extreme weather storm event.
However, if you don’t follow the policies outlined by your insurance company, it may make you ineligible for coverage. The most important step is to submit a claim as soon as possible. There is a time limit on claims, so don’t wait around too long.
Second, be sure to have documented photos from the ground as soon as possible.
When you have the roof inspected, use a contractor who will take pictures of the roof’s surface and share them with your insurance company.
Let Invision Roofing Protect Your Home From Storm Damage
When you’re at the mercy of severe storms in your area, time is of the essence. At Invision Roofing, we aren’t a storm-chasing roofing company that is here today and gone tomorrow.
We are a community partner to support homeowners when they need it most. Give us a call today to ensure your roof is ready for storm season, and take any preventative measures possible to minimize storm damage.
If you suspect damage from a recent storm, our contractors will conduct a thorough inspection of your roof’s current condition and walk you through the roof repair process to ensure your family is thoroughly protected from storms in the future.
Give us a call today for a no-obligation inspection, clear and honest quote, and reliable customer service you can count on.
