how do i know if my roof has storm damage

5 Telltale Signs of a Damaged Roof

Full Answer

How do you know if your roof has been damaged by wind?

Wind damage to roof shingles can be a little more difficult to spot. This is because the shingle may have been stretched and damaged during the windstorm, and the problem may not be easy to see if you’re not up close. If you suspect wind or hail damage to your roof, be sure to get a roofing contractor out to take a look.

What should I do if my roof is damaged?

If you have roof damage, you can take a few critical steps to ensure it gets repaired or replaced as soon as possible. As you walk around your property, take photos and jot down any damage you notice. Then, when you file your claim, speak with insurance, and hire a contractor to repair the damage, these will come in handy.

How do I know if my roof shingles need replacing?

When examining an asphalt-shingled roof, look for loose, broken or cracked shingles. Look for any bubbling or blistering in a shingle, as that indicates moisture has made its way to the interior of the shingle. A shingle with any damage should be replaced immediately to avoid leaks or further structural damage.

What happens when your roof is damaged by wind or hail?

In most cases, wind damage to the roof will result in the shingle tearing or being pulled away from the roof. By contrast, most hail damage roof issues present as craters or dings on asphalt shingles. Both issues stand to allow water to leak through the shingle and into your home — and need to be reviewed by a roofer immediately.

How do you check for roof damage?

9 Signs You Have Roof DamageCollection of Granules. As your roof ages, the granules loosen due to time and the elements. ... Leaky/Clogged Gutters. ... Broken, Cracked, or Curling Shingles. ... Missing Shingles. ... Hail Damage. ... Water Damage on Walls or Ceilings. ... Problems in the Attic. ... The Extent of Shingle Damage.More items...

What should you look for in a roof after a storm?

After a storm, check for any debris that was blown on top of your roof. Debris could have damaged your roof when it hit or could create additional damage if it's not removed right away. If there's obvious damage, such as a hole formed by flying debris or a fallen tree, call a professional as soon as possible.

How do you assess storm damage?

Here are some ways to check for damage:When the storm is over look for signs of damage from the ground. ... Inspect your attic for signs of holes in your roof. ... Fallen trees or limbs could also do damage to your roof. ... Take a look at your siding. ... Flashing around chimneys and skylights can be a target for wind damage.More items...•

What is storm damage to roof?

The most common sources of damage to a roof during a storm are hail, high winds, rain, and falling debris. Hail and falling debris can damage shingles, while high winds call rip shingles right off your roof. Heavy rains can cause water to pool, creating or worsening leaks.

How do insurance adjusters determine roof damage?

An adjuster will look for signs of a leak, such as peeling under roof eaves, curling or buckling roofing, damaged or rusted flashing, and rot. You may also notice leaks on the interior ceiling presenting as dark spots that could be accompanied by peeling interior paint.

How do you deal with roof damage after a storm?

What To Do When Your Roof Suffers Storm DamageAssess the damage. The first step after you experience severe weather is to assess the damage. ... Make temporary fixes to minimize property damage. ... Contact your insurance company. ... If necessary, contact a reliable contractor to repair the roof.

Does insurance cover wind damage to shingles?

So, you just had a strong storm and found shingles in your yard. But will your homeowners insurance cover the damage to your roof caused by the strong winds? The answer is yes, your homeowners insurance should cover wind damage and any other roof damage caused by extreme weather (hail, tornados, fallen limbs, etc.).

Why is hail damage bad for a roof?

Hard hail impacts or high winds can grip the shingles and cause cracks. This can lead to exposure and tears, leaving your roof with bare spots. Cracked shingles cannot effectively protect your roof from the weather.

Is storm damage covered by insurance?

Buildings insurance policies usually cover financial loss caused by storm damage. We say that a storm generally involves violent winds, usually accompanied by rain, hail or snow.

What is considered roof damage?

Roof damage is something that occurs from external forces immediately causing damage vs. regular wear and tear that occurs over time as your roof ages. Wear and tear can still lead to necessary repairs or replacement but is less immediate than sustaining damage from a storm or high winds.

What can cause damage to a roof?

10 MAIN THINGS THAT CAUSE ROOF DAMAGETree Branches. Limbs from nearby trees can break and fall during heavy ice, wind or snow. ... Roof Debris. ... Critters. ... Downspouts / Gutters. ... Excessive Wind. ... Strong Rain / Hail. ... Ice / Snow. ... Flashing Damage.More items...•

Does insurance cover wind damage to shingles?

So, you just had a strong storm and found shingles in your yard. But will your homeowners insurance cover the damage to your roof caused by the strong winds? The answer is yes, your homeowners insurance should cover wind damage and any other roof damage caused by extreme weather (hail, tornados, fallen limbs, etc.).

Why is hail damage bad for a roof?

Hard hail impacts or high winds can grip the shingles and cause cracks. This can lead to exposure and tears, leaving your roof with bare spots. Cracked shingles cannot effectively protect your roof from the weather.

How Do You Know If Your Roof Is Damaged?

Cracked, curled, or missing shingles are excellent indicators that our roof is damaged or at the very least, your roof has reached its life expectancy.

What Should You Do If a Roof Is Damaged?

It protects you, your family, and your home from the elements, and hopefully, prevent insurance claims on your homeowner’s policy. If your home sustains storm damage on the roof, there is a good chance that you will have future problems and they too could lead to filing a claim on your homeowners’ policy.

Can You Replace Just Half a Roof?

If storm damage was only to part of your roof, it is not recommended to have just a partial roof replacement, and roofing experts offer the following reasons:

Why do gutters have shingles?

The gutter system is filled with shingle granules is an indicator that the asphalt shingles are shedding their granules and is a sure sign they have reached their life expectancy. Heavy rains that leave behind storm damage often include washing off loose granules.

Why is my ceiling stained?

Interior ceiling and walls are discolored or stained can indicate several things, but most likely is because the underlayment for the roof has allowed moisture in.

What happens when ice melts on a roof?

When they begin to melt and thaw on the roof’s surface, some will creep up under the shingles and then refreeze. That causes the flashing and shingles to lift, which can create more water damage.

Why is it important to inspect your roof?

Several things can weaken the stability of a roof, with or without actual storm damage, which is why it is recommended to regularly inspect your home’s roof. You can often find minor issues and correct them before they turn into a more costly, major issue. Five of the most common major roof damage causes are:

How to check for storm damage on roof?

Different styles of roofs require different inspection methods. No matter your style of roof, begin your inspection by examining its exterior. You can get an idea of your roof’s condition with both feet on the ground by looking for obvious damage with the naked eye or a pair of binoculars.

How to tell if you have a fault in your roof?

If you have an attic, look for any leaks or soft spots in the ceiling that would indicate a fault in the roof. Check along walls for any water damage or for any signs of animal life that would indicate a newly formed hole in or along your roof.

What to look for when examining a shingle roof?

When examining an asphalt-shingled roof, look for loose, broken or cracked shingles. Look for any bubbling or blistering in a shingle, as that indicates moisture has made its way to the interior of the shingle. A shingle with any damage should be replaced immediately to avoid leaks or further structural damage.

What to look for when inspecting a roof?

A professional should look for any pools of water, indentations or tears in any seams where moisture could gather, or water could seep through.

What type of damage can a roof suffer?

Here are the types of damage that your roof can suffer: Water damage . Wind damage. Hail damage. Snow damage. Ice damage.

What happens if you get a storm with a tile?

In particularly severe storms with heavy winds, edge tiles could become separated and fly off, causing damage to other tiles .

What to do after a storm?

After a storm, check for any debris that was blown on top of your roof. Debris could have damaged your roof when it hit or could create additional damage if it’s not removed right away. If there’s obvious damage, such as a hole formed by flying debris or a fallen tree, call a professional as soon as possible.

How do I Know if My Roof Has Storm Damage?

There are a few things you can do and be aware of to know when or if your roof has sustained storm damage. Depending on where you live, the number and severity of storms can vary greatly. Here in the upper midwest, we are very familiar with severe thunderstorms, high winds, and even the occasional hail storm or tornado. And whenever a severe storm comes through, you will want to know what to look for when you walk around your property the next day.

What does it mean when your roof is damaged?

Roof damage is something that occurs from external forces immediately causing damage vs. regular wear and tear that occurs over time as your roof ages. Wear and tear can still lead to necessary repairs or replacement but is less immediate than sustaining damage from a storm or high winds. Regular wear on your roof might look like faded color, dark spots or uneven shingles on your roof, or higher energy bills from deterioration.

Why is it important to keep your roof in good condition?

Not only does it protect all the things inside, but it also reduces energy costs by providing natural insulation and blocking heat from escaping through the attic. Because of this, roof damage can lead to much larger problems if not addressed promptly. To keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible, you should be on the lookout for signs that indicate there might be an issue with your roof.

Can hail damage a house?

Storms can wreak havoc on your home when it brings with it strong winds and hail. Your roof, siding, windows, and landscaping are all susceptible to damage during these times, and fast-acting repairs can prevent your home from further damage from leaks or other more severe damage.

Can you ignore roof damage?

Overall, roof damage is not something you want to ignore. And much of it can be spotted without even stepping foot on your roof. However, keeping a diligent eye on your own home can help the professional get repairs done when they happen vs. years down the road after the damage has already spread. It’s up to you to protect your home, and a solid roof can help you do that.

Does insurance give you an estimate?

Getting a few different estimates can ensure you get the best possible coverage and aren’t getting scammed by either party. However , it’s not always necessary, and a reputable contractor will give you the same estimate that insurance might give you, if not a more accurate one.

Can a roof be replaced?

Yes! Roof damage can and should be repaired. More often than not, if your roof is within its lifespan and the damage is not catastrophic, it can easily be repaired with new shingles, flashing, and underlayment within a day. However, severe roof damage that effects the structural integrity of your home, or damage to your already old roof, will most likely require a complete replacement.