Spotting Roofing Damage After a Storm: A Homeowner's Guide

Our roofs often take the brunt of Mother Nature’s wrath when she unleashes storms. Your roof may be subject to damage after a major storm, which, if not found and repaired right after, might result in expensive replacements. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through 9 effective ways to spot roofing damage after a storm. Whether it’s hail, wind, or heavy rainfall, we’ve got you covered. With this information, you’ll be better prepared to face the difficulties of detecting roofing damage and selecting between roof storm damage repair and a future roof replacement.

1. Hail Impact Marks, Dents, and Dimples

Small dents or dimples on your shingles, metal roofing, or even flashing might be the result of hail, which can cause undetectable but serious damage. Although they may not be visible right away, these impact marks might eventually cause your roof’s structure to deteriorate. You should carefully examine the roofing material and feel for any imperfections on the surface with your touch. If you see hail impact marks, think about contacting a specialist for a more in-depth evaluation.

2. Missing or Damaged Shingles

Shingles that are missing or damaged are among the most glaring indications of roof storm damage. Your roofing material might suffer damage from strong winds and hail, which can result in shingles that fly off, become loose, or even curl upwards. The danger of leakage rises as a result of damaged shingles exposing the weak underlayment. It’s critical to repair any missing or damaged shingles as soon as you detect them. The option may depend on the degree of the damage and the kind of roofing material you have, whether you decide to repair individual shingles or think about replacing your whole roof.

3. Leaks and Water Intrusion

The adversary of your home’s structural integrity is water infiltration, which often enters via storm-damaged roofs. Rain brought in by the wind may enter your house via roof cracks. Subtle leaks caused by even a little damage might eventually grow into more serious problems. Watch out for soft, damp areas and water stains on the walls and ceilings. Acting quickly is essential since ignoring leaks might eventually call for significant roof storm damage repair or perhaps a roof replacement.

4. Compromised Attic Insulation

Examining your attic insulation is one less apparent approach to finding roofing damage after a storm. Storms may enter your attic, resulting in moist insulation that may go undetected until you do a comprehensive investigation. Insulation that is wet or damaged may reduce your home’s energy efficiency, drive up electricity expenses, and even encourage the spread of mildew and mold. Be alert for moisture, which might indicate roof damage, and keep an eye out for changes in the texture of the insulation. It is vital to take care of your roof after a storm since doing so may prevent a variety of possible issues.

5. Shingle Granule Loss

Granules for protection are present in asphalt shingles. Hailstorms in particular may cause considerable granule loss during stormy weather. Granule loss may cause patches on the roof or in your gutters to become discolored, which you might not notice from the ground. Granule loss that is too great might shorten the lifespan and weatherproofing of your roof. It could be time to think about roof storm damage repair or perhaps a roof replacement if you see a thin horizontal indented line on your shingles or a buildup of granules in your gutters.

6. Damaged Skylights and Chimneys

Common roof penetrations that are vulnerable to storm damage include chimneys and skylights. Around these regions, look for indications of damage or displacement. Water intrusion may be caused by loose or faulty flashing. Leaks may result from cracked skylights or damaged chimneys. It’s essential to take care of problems with these exposed roof penetrations if you want to stop future harm and keep the inner integrity of your property intact.

7. Cracks and Loosening of Soffits, Gutters, and Flashing

Damage to the roof may affect more than just the shingles; it can also affect important parts like the soffits, gutters, and flashing. These components are essential for preventing internal water damage to your property. Storms may damage and shatter gutters, dislodge fittings, and jam the system with debris. Water might leak in if the flashing is damaged and leaves cracks. Pay careful attention to how these parts are doing since ignoring them might result in more serious roofing damage and perhaps force you to replace your roof.

8. Rotting Wood and Peeling Paint

Keep an eye on the outside of your house, particularly the fascia and area under the eaves. Indirect signs of roof degradation include peeling paint or decaying wood. The paint and underlying wood of your house may deteriorate if water has entered through the roof and soaked into the structure. Investigate deeper if you discover these indications since they can be an extension of roofing damage that needs repair. This is a key step in preserving the integrity of both your roof and your house since early attention to such concerns may avert structural difficulties and further damage.

9. Mold and Mildew Growth

Storm damage isn’t usually immediately apparent. Sometimes a storm’s aftermath might make your home’s attic and ceiling regions more conducive to the development of mold and mildew. A water leak through your roof may be the cause of musty smells, discolored patches, or black stains on your walls or ceilings. In humid settings, mold and mildew flourish and may be harmful to human health. Finding these unwanted visitors is a certain sign that the barrier protecting your roof may have been breached.

Roof replacement or repair after a storm?

When it comes to the condition of your roof, choosing between repair and replacement is a significant decision. The amount of the damage will determine the response. Minor problems, such as a few missing shingles or a small leak, usually need to be repaired, saving you time and money. The more serious the damage, the more places it affects, the more granules are lost, and the more structural problems there are. In the long run, it will be more secure to replace the whole roof.

The level of storm damage determines whether something should be repaired or replaced. Regular inspections and prompt action should be prioritized since preventative maintenance may increase the lifetime of your roof and successfully safeguard your house. The degree of the damage and the materials used in your roofing system will determine whether you should repair the storm damage to your roof or replace it.

Final Thoughts

You may use these 9 simplest methods to find roofing damage during a storm. To protect the security and lifespan of their property, homeowners must identify roofing damage during a storm. Early problem detection might help you save future roof replacement costs or expensive storm damage repairs. Vigilance is essential when looking for attic hints, leaks, granule loss, damaged auxiliary components, or missing shingles. Regular checks and prompt intervention may shield your house from the disastrous effects of storm-related roofing damage. Stay vigilant and protect yourself.

If you have roof damage caused by a storm or high winds and are in the Columbia, SC area, give Intech Roofing Solutions a call at 803-756-2027 for a free roof inspection and estimate.

Columbia Roofing Services

The best roofing company in Columbia, without a doubt! Along with being professional and honest, Intech Roofing Solutions is also super knowledgeable about custom roofs, which is hard to find! They made sure we were taken care of. My interaction with them was easy from start to finish.

Intech Roofing went above and beyond when helping us replace out roof. We had a ten year old roof on our home in Forect Acres, which really isnt that bad, but after the huge storm we had last month, we knew we needed to get it inspected.

From the moment the roofers arrived, they got straight to work on our damaged shingles. we called intech when looking for a roofing company after a tree limb fell on our roof. they were so professional and did a great job on the roof repairs.

Hands down the best roofing company I have ever worked with. They did a great job replacing my roof a few months ago and I am very happy with it.