Roof Inspection Tips for Storm Damaged Areas

Types of Storm Damage for Roofs

There is no roof that is too old or too in good condition to survive a severe thunderstorm – regardless of what condition it is in.

• In severe storms, shingles and other roofing materials may be lifted and dislodged. You can also experience roof damage due to high winds due to large branches falling onto your roof during high winds.
• Roofs can be damaged or punctured by hail, especially if the metal is weak or old and brittle shingles are present.
• Tornados can lift shingles and the entire roof structure off of a home.

What You Should Do About Storm Damage to Your Roof

Is it essential to inspect your roof after a storm?

Yes, it is a good idea to inspect your home’s exterior after any significant storm, whether it is storms that bring snow, ice, wind, or hail.

A home inspection should be conducted soon after damage has occurred because home insurance companies only need to pay for damage that occurred within 12 months of notification. Leaving it too long to get your insurance company’s attention will result in them denying your claim.

Moreover, not every leak that occurs in your home is caused by water. The damage caused by a storm might not cause a leak until months later, when your house may have suffered extensive internal damage.

Does the age of my roof matter?

As your roof ages, the materials become worn out, resulting in shingles that are more likely to be damaged. 

Aged shingles:

They have lost a significant amount of protective granules, making them vulnerable to hail or ice damage. 

There are worn-out adhesive strips that seal the shingles together, causing them to become brittle, which causes more shingles to blow away and break. 

Aged metal:

The paint on a car chips off quicker when it’s hit by hail, which can lead to premature rust and failure.

Wood shingles/shakes:

As a result of hail damage, they split and crack, which drastically reduces their life expectancy.

Even newer roofs may be damaged by storms depending on their intensity. Hail or strong winds can damage any roof, regardless of its age.

How do I inspect my roof for storm damage?

Seeing your roof from the ground is the safest and easiest way to take a look at it. You can walk around the outside of your residence to view your roof from all angles. To check if there is any damage to the roof, take pictures using a cell phone or digital camera. You can zoom in to see more detail! This may not be possible or effective, depending on your property’s topography.

Will I be able to identify specific types of storm damage from the ground?

Not all hail types are visible from the ground. The hail won’t typically puncture the shingle, but it will leave dimples on the underside, causing it to wear out eventually.

Get an inspection performed by a HAAG-Certified roofing contractor. A HAAG certified roofer has undergone the necessary training and exams to understand how to assess hail & wind damage.

What to identify when inspecting:

• Loose siding
• Missing shingles
• Lifted or buckling shingles
• Disturbed flashing
• Clogged or overflowing gutters
• Debris on your roof

The best way to determine if hail damage has occurred to your home’s exterior is to contact a professional who can inspect and evaluate it thoroughly.

What is my roof actively leaking?

Your first step will be to determine whether a roof leak causes the leak. Your uppermost floor may have water damage due to roof insecurity if you notice it after a rainstorm. There is a higher chance that the leak is not from the roof if it hasn’t rained or the leak is occurring in an interior room several floors above it.

Once you’ve determined if the leak is a roof leak, call a roofing professional as soon as possible! If you don’t fix a roof leak promptly, it will worsen over time.

Does Insurance Cover Roof Storm Damage?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible if you have storm damage to your roof covered by your policy. For more information on how to file a roofing insurance claim, please read our Guide to Roofing Insurance Claims.

Contact RRG Roofing

We understand how imperative your home is to you. Having your property damaged by a storm is a very frustrating experience. Our inspectors and estimators make sure your roof is adequately diagnosed, assist you in interacting with your insurance adjuster, and recommend the most effective repair plan.

For more information, contact RRG Roofing at 678-326-4951. We service areas in Dahlonega, Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Alpharetta, GA.