No matter where you live, we all deal with unpredictable weather. We may experience a series of severe summer storms or a winter ice storm. No matter the time of year, the threat of roof storm damage is always around the corner. That’s why it’s important to be proactive.
What Does Roof Storm Damage Look Like?
Roof damage from storm winds, rain, ice, and more can range from simple to extensive. A visual roof inspection is often enough to detect potential damage — from damaged flashing and soffits to missing shingles and exposed decking.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Wind damage on roof shingles is often the most visible storm damage to your roof. What is considered wind damage to a roof? High winds can destroy or tear shingles. You may even find a shingle or two in your yard. This exposes the underlayment or decking to the elements.
Even a brief spring storm or a sharp wind gust can lift or curl shingles. Since shingles are designed to overlap for waterproofing, even minor wind damage to roof shingles can cause a problem.
Hail Damage
How does hail damage a roof? Roof damage by hail looks like dents or pockmarks in roofing shingles. You might also notice loosened asphalt granules in your gutter drainage system. On metal roofs, dents across the surface may be visible. Hail damage can both ruin your roof’s appearance and impact its ability to protect your home.
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Ice Dam Formations
Roof ice damage can be tricky to detect while still covered in ice or snow. Most visible are ice dams, which form when snow melts and freezes over the home’s eaves. As this process continues, melted water runs under the shingles and into your attic. The water damage can start small but can lead to big problems quickly. If you notice these formations on your roof, schedule a professional roof inspection once everything has melted.
Debris Damage
Wind damage on a roof can be caused by excessive foliage as well as large branches and other objects. Debris can damage your shingles and expose the moisture-vulnerable decking underneath. You’ll want to remove any debris quickly — but wait until it’s safe to do so.
Gutter, Soffit, Fascia, or Flashing Damage
Shingles aren’t the only type of roof damage by hail and other storms. Gutters, soffits, fascia, and flashing are designed to keep water from leaking inside your home. Wind can knock fittings loose, which can expose critical areas of your roof and cause your gutters to fill with storm debris and possibly buckle. Prevent both exterior and interior water damage by immediately addressing needed repairs.
Water Leaks
Interior water damage is not always noticeable in its early stages. Untreated water damage can lead to dangerous mold, mildew, and structural problems. So, it is worth investigating for damage after a heavy storm to locate water issues early. To do so, take a flashlight to the attic and look for discoloration or dampness in the following areas:
- Insulation
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Exposed lumber
Storm Damage and Insurance Claims
If you’ve recently experienced roof storm damage, you may be wondering…
- Is wind damage to a roof covered by insurance?
- Can I get a roof replacement due to water leaks from storm damage?
- Who can help me with my roof hail damage insurance claim?
Storm damage is typically covered by your homeowners policy. However, your insurance company can deny your claim if the damage was prompted or worsened by neglect. So, make it a habit to give your roof a visual inspection after every storm.
Who to Call First for Roofing Storm Damage
Overwhelm and stress are common reactions to roof storm damage. But it’s possible to have peace of mind. Contact a reputable roofing company like ProCover Exteriors that has both repair and insurance knowledge to simplify the process. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your home and work directly with your insurance company to manage your claim process and ensure all repairs and replacements are done to the highest quality.
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