What is Considered Roof Storm Damage?

Date Posted:

October 26, 2021

Author:

Daryl Gentry

Common Types of Roof Storm Damage

You should have your roof inspected at least once a year.

However, if you think your roof has incurred damage after a storm, you should hire a professional roofing company to look at your roof right away.

A damaged roof left in disrepair can cause severe damage to the rest of your home, and you may end up needing a complete roof replacement.

This is why you should have the common types of roof storm damage addressed right away.

Various types of roof damage can occur to your home, and knowing the types of damage can help you deal with them effectively.

In the article below, we will look at the most common types of roof storm damage.

Wind Damage

One of the most common types of storm damage is wind damage.

The biggest dangers of heavy winds and wind gusts are the deterioration of your shingles and falling debris impacting your roof.

Shingles can lift and fly off, get punctured, and leave open spots on your roof vulnerable to leaks during the next rainstorm.

Roof damage from windstorms isn't always apparent on the ground, especially in the case of missing flashing, so it's important to do a thorough roof inspection after strong winds rattle your home.

Hail Damage

Hail is a significant threat to the integrity of your roof.

Roof hail damage can be obvious and cause problems right away if they're severe enough.

But roof hail damage could go undetected for the next few storms until the true extent of the damage is realized and more damage has been done.

Performing a thorough inspection after a hail storm and knowing how to perform roof repair after storm damage does occur can help you avoid a total roof replacement.

Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common kinds of damage after a storm due to multiple sources.

Whether water gets in from heavy rainfall or melted snow, water can eat through the structure of your roof and leak into the house.

This can cause damage to your roof and the inside of your home as well.

The most telltale signs of water damage are holes in the roof, dark stains on the wall or siding, and ice dams in the winter.

Weak Flashing

If your roof is leaking water, it's probably because your flashing cracked.

Your roof flashing is thin pieces of metal installed underneath the shingles and o joints to create a water barrier.

If your flashing is broken or not fastened properly, it won't keep the water out.

Tar used to seal the flashing can also corrode over time, leaving your roof vulnerable to cracks and water leaks.

Be sure to install new flashing during your renovation roofing projects because it will help keep the moisture out of intersection points like chimneys or skylights.

What Your Roof Storm Damage Might Look Like

The signs of roof damage are sometimes obvious.

Water spots on your ceiling and curled or missing shingles are easy to spot.

You might also be able to notice damaged roof flashing, wet walls, water issues around the exterior of your home, or ice dams in the winter.

The key things to look for after a bad storm are:

The condition of your shingles. Missing shingles are obvious, but you should also pay attention to the loss of granules and granule buildup on your shingles or in your gutters. Hail storms can ding or dent asphalt shingles and should be noted as well.
Missing or damaged flashing along the roof's edges and along any skylights, vents, or chimneys.
Sealant that is loose or peeling along the same penetration points.
Water damage in your attic or on the ceiling.

Sometimes, the signs of damage aren't so obvious, which is when it might be time to call in a professional roofing expert if you don't know what to do after storm damage shows up.

A roofing company will know exactly what to look out for, and they will be able to notice all kinds of storm damage your roof may have sustained.

Contact TK Roofing and Gutters, Your Storm Damage Experts

As insurance specialists and certified roofing contractors, TK Roofing and Gutters has the experience and knowledge to help you if your roof and home have been damaged in a storm.

This can be stressful for you, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you.

We'll contact your insurance company, give you a free roof inspection, meet with the insurance adjuster, and go over all your options step by step.