No matter where you live in the United States, chances are you’ve encountered your share of rough weather over the years. From tornadoes, hurricanes, hailstorms, and summer squalls that bring driving wind and rain, storms can wreak havoc on roofs and other exterior home surfaces.
What To Do After a Storm
How do you identify roof damage, and what should you do about your roof after a major storm?
Browse this resource guide on understanding types of roof storm damage and learn what steps you should take, then download the Owens Corning roof storm damage checklist for future reference. Types of Roof Storm Damage include:
- Wind – Hurricane-force winds, which are classified by meteorologists as 74 mph or greater, or gale-force winds, which are between 39-54 mph, can cause visible damage to your home’s roof. High winds can remove or tear shingles, leaving the underlayment, roof deck, or waterproofing material exposed to the elements.During less severe storms, sudden, sharp gusts of wind can lift and curl shingles. When shingles are installed, they’re purposefully overlapped to create a water-tight seal, and this lifting and curling can break this seal, potentially leaving your roof vulnerable to damage from wind-driven rain.
- Hail – While hailstorms tend to be relatively short, and rarely last for longer than 15 minutes, hailstones can leave dents or pockmarks in shingles and knock shingle granules loose. This can be problematic because these granules help protect your roof against rain and sun damage. Hail damage can also ruin the pleasing aesthetic appearance of your roof’s surface.
- Standing Water – Roofs without proper drainage can experience problems with standing water after big rainstorms, especially in uneven areas. Clogged gutters can also cause backed up rainwater under your shingles, which allows moisture to potentially penetrate the underlayment or the roof deck.
- Debris – Depending on how severe the storm was, debris can end up on the top of your roof, everything from small branches to larger tree limbs. Large objects can dent or impact the surface of the shingle, leaving that area of the roof vulnerable to moisture intrusion, whereas lighter branches may not be as much of a problem.
Refer to this roof storm damage checklist to help you better understand the type of damage your roof may have sustained and to evaluate whether you need an entirely new roof or just parts of it repaired or replaced.
Schedule Our Free Roof Inspection
As always, safety is first. Contact Bauerle Roofing to schedule an inspection and help you with damage assessment. We offer free inspections and will know how to safely look for roof damage. Our inspection includes:
- Roof: We will visually assess your roof by walking around the perimeter of your house and taking note of any visible storm damage. Any visible signs of storm damage will be documented, such as dented, torn, curled, or missing shingles.
- Gutters and Vents: We will check for dents on your home’s gutters and roofing accessories, such as gable vents and other overhangs. Windows will be inspected for cracks, broken glass, loose weather-stripping, and torn screens.
- Attic and Ceilings: Let us know if you have seen any leaks and water spots. While your home’s roof might appear undamaged on the exterior, wind and hail can cause unseen leaks that may lead to bigger problems later. Ceilings, light fixtures, and your attic should all be inspected for water leaks and spots. Use a flashlight to see in dark areas.
When to Call Your Homeowners Insurance Provider
If we find significant damage to your home after a storm, it’s essential to involve your homeowners insurance provider right away so you can properly file a claim based on their requirements. Your insurance representatives can help you file a claim and get adequate compensation based on the notes and photographs collected from your storm damage inspection. Your insurance provider will also send their own assessor or inspector to your home to thoroughly evaluate the roof storm damage your home sustained.
