10 signs of storm damage to roof

After a big storm, check f for any signs of storm damage to roof . You might not see a problem from the outside, but it could still be there. The roof often needs fixing after a storm, so getting a pro to look at it is smart.¹ A local roofer can spot damage you might miss. They know how to safely check your roof, even at its highest points for signs of storm damage to roof.

Key Takeaways

Roof damage is common after severe storms and may not be visually obvious.
Hiring a professional roofer for an inspection is recommended after major weather events.
Various types of storm damage can compromise the integrity of your roof.
Identifying and addressing roof issues promptly is essential to prevent further damage.
Familiarizing yourself with common signs of storm-related roof damage can help you act quickly.
How to claim hail damage to roof- check here

Causes of Roof Storm Damage

Storms are tough on roofs, causing many problems that can hurt its strength. It’s vital for homeowners to know why roofs get damaged in storms. This knowledge helps protect their homes, which are usually their biggest assets.

Hail or Ice

Hail can damage roofs by creating dents, cracks, and shifting roofing materials.¹ Bigger hailstones can cause serious damage to different parts of your roof.¹ Ice dams are another threat, call +16197753875 to check how to claim hail damage to roof . They form when snow melts, then refreezes. This can lead to water damage and weaken your roof’s support.¹

Strong Winds

Strong winds can tear parts of the roof off, especially if the shingles are already weak.¹ Winds over 50 miles per hour are common in serious weather and often cause more than half of wind-related damages. Signs of wind damage include lost shingles and granules.² Wind can also cause water to leak into buildings, leading to interior damage.²

Heavy Rain

Heavy rains may seem less dangerous but can still harm your roof. They can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, weakening the roof’s foundation.¹ After a storm, lingering water can also damage the structure, causing lasting problems.²

Snowstorms

Winter storms bring their own set of issues. They can create ice dams, which may cause water damage.

Too much snow on a roof can overload it. This stress puts the roof at risk of collapsing or other damage.

Knowing what can damage your roof is the key to protecting your home. Stay alert and fix any issues quickly. This approach will keep your roof strong and reliable. It’s the best way to protect your investment and have peace of mind.

Missing Shingles

High winds often cause missing roof shingles. They rip off shingles because of their force. If shingles are already breaking, they’re more likely to get blown away.³ You can see missing shingles from the ground and find bits of roof around your home.⁴ If you see a lot of granules on the ground, your roof is probably damaged and needs fixing.

It’s important to find any missing or broken shingles fast. Even a few missing ones can let water inside and hurt your house. After a big storm, make sure to check your roof well to avoid problems later.⁴

Weather like hail and wind can damage your shingles. But, the age of your roof also matters. Older shingles are weak and can be easily torn away.⁵ To keep your roof safe, check and care for it often. This protects your home from bad weather.

Roof Material	Average Cost per Square Foot
Asphalt Shingles	$3 – $6
Standing Seam Metal	$9 – $18
GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal	$6 – $12

If you think your roof is damaged, call a roofer to check it out. They will look at the missing shingles and any other damage. Then, they’ll say if you need a small fix or a new roof.⁵ This way, your home stays safe and dry.

Shingle Damage

The Final Signs Of Storm Damage to roof often leads to shingle problems.⁵ Issues like cracks, dents, and holes are small but serious. They can let water into your home and cause more damage.⁵ Damage from hail often makes shingles crack or dent. Plus, strong winds can rip them off the roof.⁵

Cracks and Dents

Cracks and dents in shingles show that storms have hit your roof.⁵ These damages can let water seep in, causing stains, cracks, and mold.⁵ After a storm, checking your roof for these issues is key. Fixing them early stops bigger problems.

Warped, Lifted, or Creased Shingles

Stresses from storms can warp or lift your shingles. They might even get creased.⁴ These visible damages tell you your roof’s safety is at risk.⁴ You must repair or replace these shingles. This keeps your home safe from further damage.

Signs of storm damage to roof

Spotting storm damage on your roof isn’t hard if you know what to look for. You might see shingle granules on the ground or missing from the shingles. This could be a sign of storm damage because rain or hail might have knocked them off.

Visible Shingle Granule Debris or Loss

When you see these granules missing, your roof’s protection is weakened. It’s important to replace these shingles to keep your home safe.⁵ Also, look for spots or lines without granules. They show where weather might have damaged your roof.

Bare Spots or Horizontal Lines

Finding granules in the gutters means your shingles could be losing protection.⁵¹ It’s crucial to spot these signs early to fix any problems before they get worse.

Granules in Gutters or Downspouts

Being watchful for storm damage can help keep your roof strong. Even if damage isn’t clear right after a storm, having a pro check your roof is smart.⁵

Soffit, Fascia, Gutter, or Flashing Damage

Storms can hurt roofs in many ways. Shingles aren’t the only parts that get damaged. The roof’s support pieces like soffits, fascias, gutters, and flashing can be in trouble too.¹ Shingles might take the hit, but don’t forget the soffits, fascias, gutters, and flashing. They help keep water out of your home.⁶ Damage to these parts can let water in. Yet, they’re often not checked during personal home inspections.

Dents and Cracks

⁶ Hail damages can be serious. They can make holes, cracks, and dents in the roof and siding. After hail, finding dents and cracks is common, especially if the hailstones were large.⁷ Water leaks and rot can harm soffit, fascia, gutter, or flashing too.

Loose or Missing Components

¹ Wind can make roof pieces come loose. Storm debris might fill up gutters and downspouts. This can move flashing which breaks the seal.⁶ Noticing missing shingles means your roof may have storm damage. A key step in keeping your roof safe is regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow.⁷ During storms, tree limbs or debris can cause a lot of roof issues. This includes cracks, dents, and missing shingles.

Debris Impact

After a major storm, fallen trees or branches can severely damage your roof.¹ Yet, small items from yards blown onto roofs might go unnoticed but still cause harm.⁸

Fallen Trees or Branches

A tree falling on your roof obviously leads to damage. Even small branches carried by storms can cause trouble.¹ It’s vital to have your roof checked after a storm. Some damage might not be seen from below.¹

Broken Shingle Patterns

Debris on the roof can mess up the shingles, resulting in visible damage.⁸ These signs aren’t always easy to spot without a close look.¹ Fix any shingle damage fast to avoid more serious roof issues.²

Ice Dams

In winter, areas with lots of snow often face a big problem on roofs: ice dams.⁹ These form when heat from the attic melts snow on the roof. The water freezes again at the edges, eaves, and gutters where it’s colder.⁹ This cycle quickly creates ice dams. They can cause a lot of damage, moving upwards on the roof.

Ice Buildup on Roof Edges

Ice dams can push water under shingles, leading to leaks and damage.⁹ They also harm gutters and downspouts, which may break.⁹ With the right attic insulation and ventilation, you can stop ice dams before they start.

Icicles Forming on Eaves and Gutters

If you see big icicles on your eaves and gutters, it means an ice dam is forming.² They’re formed by refreezing snow at the edge of the roof.⁹ Sweeping off icicles is a quick fix, but you must stop ice dam development to avoid roof and house damage.

Structural and Interior Signs Of Storm Damage To Roof

Your roof’s outside might show storm damage, but check inside too. Big storms can mess up the flashing around the chimney. This lets water in and the chimney might start leaning.¹ Leaks inside a chimney are often hard to see. It’s wise to get a pro to look close at the damage.¹

Roof Support or Accent Damage

Strong winds or debris can mess up your roof’s support beams or other parts. This damage isn’t always easy to spot right away.

But, if not fixed, it could cause big problems later. Make sure to have your roof’s structure checked by a pro to keep your home safe.²

Ceiling or Attic Leaks

Even a little storm moisture can cause big problems. Mold and weakening structure are just some of the serious things that can happen.

Watch for any ceiling or attic leaks. These are signs of storm water getting in. Fixing these leaks quickly is key.² It helps stop more damage and keeps your home healthy.

Damaged Chimney

Storms can easily damage your chimney’s flashing seal. This lets water in, making the chimney look crooked. You won’t see this from below.¹ Call a chimney inspector to check and repair the damage. This will keep your home safe. Also read Water damage in detail here

FAQ

What are the common signs of storm damage to roof ?

After a storm, there might not be obvious signs of roof issues. But, it’s crucial to check for damage. The roof could need repairs, which a professional inspector can point out. This is especially true after severe storms.

How can hail, wind, and heavy rain damage the roof?

Hail can dent and crack the roof’s surface. Wind may tear off parts of the roof. Then, heavy rain can cause water damage and weaken the roof’s structure. Call handy House Heroes to check how to claim hail damage to roof.

What are the signs of missing shingles?

Strong winds often blow shingles off, revealing the roof below. To spot missing shingles, look from the ground. You might also find roof pieces scattered around.

What types of shingle damage can storms cause?

Storms can cause shingles to crack, dent, or tear. This kind of damage can allow water into your home. Hailstorms often cause these issues, while winds can rip or lift shingles.

What are the signs of shingle granule loss?

Look for lots of shingle granules on the ground as a sign of storm damage. These small pieces protect the roof, wearing down over time. But, a lot of loss from a storm means you may need to replace shingles.

What other parts of the roof can be damaged by storms?

Storms can harm more than just shingles. Soffits, fascias, gutters, and flashing can all be damaged. Wind can loosen fittings and shift flashing, breaking the roof’s seal.

How can debris impact the roof?

Big debris like a tree falling on the roof is an obvious problem. But smaller debris from high winds can also cause damage. It might not be easy to see without a close look, yet, it can lead to serious issues.

What is an ice dam, and how can it affect the roof?

In winter, ice dams can form on roofs. They occur when snow melts and refreezes at the edge of the roof. This can damage the roof and gutters over time.

What other structural and interior damage can storms cause?

Storms might harm the chimney’s flashing, letting water in. This can make the chimney appear crooked. Leaks from chimneys can go unnoticed, requiring a pro’s inspection.

10 Signs Of Storm Damage To Roof