There are lots of ways your roof could get damaged. One of them is a storm, and when you live in a storm-prone region, it becomes necessary to differentiate between storm-related roof damage and other roof impairments. You might think what difference it makes if the damage was caused by the storm or not, your roof is wrecked either way, but it makes a huge difference. It can save you money and stress. In this guide, we'll discuss how you can check for storm damaged roof, the different ways a storm can harm your roof, things you can do to protect your roof from a storm, and much more.
The Importance of Identifying a Storm Damaged Roof
Roof damage caused by a storm is usually covered by home insurance. You can benefit from this and save a lot of money multiple times if you live in a storm-prone area. This includes wind, hail, rain, and falling debris. If the roof was fine before the storm, repairs or replacement are often covered by the insurance companies under home insurance. Insurance does not cover the repair of damaged roofs due to other factors. That's why it helps to document the storm date and take photos of the storm damaged roof to claim insurance for it later.
What is Considered Storm Damage to Roof?
Storm damage to a roof happens suddenly and is not a part of the normal aging of the roof. Missing or lifted shingles from strong winds, dents or cracks by hail, or water under shingles causing leaks by heavy rain are some common examples of storm damage. Punctures made from branches falling onto the roof by severe weather and damage to flashing around chimneys are also considered storm damage to the roof. Not all types of roofs get damaged in the same way. It depends on the material used in the roof and how it gets affected.
| Roof Material |
Common Storm Damage |
| Asphalt Shingles |
Missing shingles, hail marks, leaks |
| Metal Roofing |
Loose panels, dents, seam leaks |
| Clay Tiles |
Cracked or shifted tiles |
| Concrete Tiles |
Cracks, heavy load stress |
| Slate Roofing |
Broken or slipped slate |
| Wood Shingles |
Splitting, rot, and missing shingles |
| Flat roofs |
Punctures, pooling water |
Interior Signs of Storm Damage to Roof
These signs after or during a wind, hail, heavy rain, snow, thunderstorm, tornadoes, hurricanes, or debris storm help confirm storm-related roof failure, even if it looks fine from outside.
Water stains on the ceiling or walls
Dripping water or wet spots
Peeling or bubbling paint
A musty smell or visible mold
Wet or sagging insulation
Light shining through the roof
When to Call a Professional for a Roof Inspection after a Storm!
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Visible structural roof failure
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If the storm has passed and you don't notice any visible damage, but suspect roof damage.
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For claiming insurance and making sure everything is properly documented.
Many roofers offer a free storm damage roof inspection, so it's always better to have a professional take a close look at your roof.
Mistakes Homeowners Make When Checking Roof Damage
Only looking from the ground. A closer look at the roof is necessary after a storm to stay on the safe side.
Waiting days or weeks to inspect, which leads to developing leaks and rot
Confusing old damage with new, which causes wrong repair decisions
Ignoring small debris in gutters or tiny dents on shingles. This can often indicate bigger damage.
Fixing visible damage themselves without a professional check.
Not taking photos and notes of the damage caused by a storm.
How to Protect Your Roof from Storms?
Inspect your roof regularly for any kind of damage
Keep nearby trees trimmed and branches away from the roof.
Keep your gutters clean. Blocked gutters can lead to leaks or ice dams during rainstorms.
Use a waterproof coating to add protection to the roof
Use storm-resistant materials when installing the roof.
After the storm has passed, clear debris, if any, and inspect for leaks.
Call a professional if needed. Taking early action reduces repair costs. Waiting too long might lead to the full replacement of the roof.
Storm Damaged Your Roof? We Can Help.
Contact Brazos Valley Roofing Experts
A storm can harm your roof badly. While the damage might look the same as normal aging of the roof, storm damage is sudden. It would be in your best interest to know whether the damage was caused by a storm or not if you have home insurance, because it covers the repair or replacement cost of your storm damaged roof. You can even avoid roof damage by taking proactive measures. A damaged roof is already a calamity nobody should add to it by taking the wrong steps and costing themselves a handful of money when it could all have been avoided by being informed.
