When a powerful storm rolls through your neighborhood, the aftermath can leave your roof vulnerable to damage. Storm damage can be serious, whether it’s caused by:
- Heavy rain ⛈️
- Hail 🧊
- Strong winds 🌬️
- Falling debris 🌳
Understanding the types of storm damage, recognizing signs, and knowing when to take action can make a significant difference in preserving your home’s integrity and avoiding costly repairs.
Ready to get your roof repaired after a grisly storm?
But not sure where to start?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about storm damage roof repair, from identifying common problems to deciding when to call in the professionals and even exploring insurance coverage options.
Types of Storm Damage
Before diving into the specifics of storm damage roof repair, it’s crucial to understand the various types of damage that your roof can sustain during severe weather events:
- Hail Damage: Hailstones can cause significant damage to your roof’s shingles or roofing materials. Dents, cracks, or granule loss are common signs of hail damage.
- Wind Damage: Strong winds can lift and tear off shingles or even cause the entire roof to shift. Loose, missing, or damaged shingles may indicate wind damage.
- Water Damage: Persistent rain or leaks can lead to water damage. Look for discolored patches on your ceiling, water stains, or mold growth inside your home.
- Tree and Debris Damage: Falling trees or debris can puncture your roof or damage shingles. Obvious signs include holes, punctures, or displaced shingles.
- Snow and Ice Damage: Snow accumulation and ice dams can put immense pressure on your roof. Look for sagging sections, ice buildup, or water leaks during thawing.
- Lightning Strikes: Though less common, lightning strikes can cause fires and structural damage to your roof. Always have a professional inspect your roof after a lightning strike.
Checklist of Signs of Storm Damage: 6 Things To Look For
To determine whether your roof has sustained storm damage, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection. Here’s a checklist of signs to look out for:
1) Missing or Damaged Shingles ✅
Inspect your roof for any shingles that are missing, curled, cracked, or broken.
2) Granule Loss ✅
Check your gutters and downspouts for an excessive amount of granules. Granule loss can weaken shingles and make them less effective in protecting your roof.
3) Dented or Pockmarked Shingles ✅
Hail damage may cause dents or pockmarks on shingles, making them less efficient in shedding water.
4) Water Stains and Leaks ✅
Check your attic and ceilings for any water stains, mold, or signs of water infiltration.
5) Displaced Flashing ✅
Look for loose or damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these areas are susceptible to leaks.
6) Roof Debris ✅
Remove any debris such as branches, leaves, or other materials that may have accumulated on your roof during the storm.
DIY Repairs You Can Do
If you identify minor storm damage to your roof, you may be able to perform some DIY repairs to prevent further issues. However, keep in mind that more extensive damage should be left to professionals. Here are some DIY repair steps you can take:
- Replacing Missing Shingles: Carefully remove and replace damaged or missing shingles with new ones. Ensure you use the same type and color to maintain uniformity.
- Fixing Small Leaks: Use roofing cement or sealant to patch small leaks temporarily. For more significant leaks, it’s best to contact a professional.
- Clearing Gutters: Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup and potential damage from overflow.
- Trimming Overhanging Branches: If nearby trees pose a risk of falling branches during storms, trim them to reduce the chance of roof damage.
- Reinforcing Flashing: If flashing is loose or damaged, you can secure it using roofing nails or screws. Apply roofing cement to seal any gaps.
When to Leave It to a Professional
While DIY repairs can address minor storm damage, there are instances when it’s crucial to leave the job to a professional roofing contractor. Here are some situations when professional intervention is necessary:
- Extensive Damage: If a large portion of your roof is damaged or missing, it’s best to have a professional assess the situation and provide a comprehensive repair plan.
- Safety Concerns: Climbing onto your roof can be hazardous, especially after a storm. Professionals have the necessary safety gear and experience to safely handle repairs.
- Complex Repairs: Repairing flashing, underlayment, or structural damage requires specialized knowledge and skills that professionals possess.
- Warranty Preservation: Many roofing warranties may be voided if repairs are not performed by licensed professionals. Check your warranty before attempting DIY repairs.
- Insurance Claims: A professional roofer can provide a detailed assessment and documentation needed for insurance claims, increasing the chances of a successful claim.
Insurance Coverage for Storm Damage Repairs
One common concern among homeowners facing storm damage roof repair is whether their insurance will cover the costs. The answer depends on several factors, including your insurance policy, the extent of the damage, and the cause of the damage.
Coverage Types:
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover storm damage, including wind and hail damage, unless you have a specific exclusion in your policy. However, coverage for flooding, earthquakes, or other natural disasters may require separate policies.
Deductibles:
Review your insurance policy to understand your deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Deductibles can vary, so be sure you know what yours is.
Documentation:
To facilitate the claims process, document the damage with photos and keep records of repair estimates, receipts, and communication with your insurance company.
Professional Assessment:
Having a professional roofer assess the damage and provide a detailed estimate can help support your insurance claim.
Prompt Reporting:
Notify your insurance company promptly after discovering storm damage, as some policies have strict time limits for filing claims.
A Roofing Contractor You Can Count On
Storm damage roof repair is crucial to protecting your home from the elements and ensuring its long-term integrity. Whether you opt for DIY repairs or enlist a professional’s help, promptly addressing storm damage is essential to safeguard your home.
Whether you need simple roof repairs or are looking at a full roof replacement, the team at Springfield Roofing can help! Contact us today to tackle roof damage head-on!
