Storm Damage Roof Repair: What to Check after a Big Storm

Are you stressed and losing sleep over the worry that your roof hasn’t survived that last big storm unscathed? There are countless ways that a storm can leave your roof with holes and scars, but with a good roof storm damage roof repair checklist, you can have more confidence in your roof’s health and the likelihood of needing repairs or replacement.

Only a professional roofer can tell the exact health of your roof and roofing accessories, but with a little guidance, you can have a fairly good idea of how well your home stands up against the wind, rain, and hail. If you have any remaining questions or concerns at the end of your own inspection, please call us! We can provide deeper insights and the care your roof needs to protect your home – let’s get started!

What To Inspect Inside

A good roof inspection has to cover every inch of your home, inside and out. Your roof protects the inside of your home, so working from the inside out is a good place to start. Additionally, checking the surface of your roof can be difficult and dangerous if not done carefully, so doing what you can without a ladder is safest for you and your roof.

• Check For Leaks: Dripping water or spreading wet spots are signs that your roof is damaged to the point of failure. Note where the leak appears inside your home – this isn’t always where it is outside, but it can help your roofers locate a hidden leak.
• Check for Sunlight: If your attic or crawlspace is accessible, go into it during the daytime and examine it without any light. This space should be completely dark, so small sunbeams will show where leaks and penetrations are located.
• Check for Stains: After checking for light, use a flashlight to examine the decking and roof support systems for stains, streaks, sagging, or swelling. These are all common signs of moisture infiltration and leaks.

What to Check on Ground Level

After a storm, your property might be in disarray. A strong storm can cause a lot of damage, from kids’ playsets being thrown over to broken windows. While cleaning and assessing damage to your siding and home at large, you can also check for damage to your roof:

• Check the Ground: While cleaning up branches and debris, you can also note any shingles or other roofing materials that might have been torn from your roof’s surface. Small metal strips could be flashing, filling small spaces where the roof meets chimneys and other penetrations.
• Look for Uplift: Shingles sticking up in the air or otherwise cracked and in disarray must be replaced immediately. Your roof requires each shingle to be in place for complete protection.
• Note Color Changes: Shingle roof tiles have granules covering their surface. These give your shingles a rough texture and bright color and serve important UV and weather protection purposes. Color changes and dark spots on your roof indicate areas where the shingles have been worn down, rendering them less effective and more likely to leak in the future.
• Look At Roof Structures: Chimneys, skylights, dormers, and other roof structures are often the first places where roof damage appears. Look at their edges, where the flashing should be, and look for any signs of damage from flying debris.
• Look For Branches: If you live in a wooded area or have large trees near your home, branches will likely be your most common cause of damage. Branches of all kinds, from heavy to light branches, can be thrown at high speeds during wind storms, causing holes or scratches.

What to Check Up Close

Never go up on a ladder or your roof if you have any concerns about your safety. It’s best to leave closer inspections to the professionals, but if you are confident that you can be safe and careful, there are a few small signs of damage that you can double-check before calling a professional:

• Loose Nails and Fasteners: Wind will tug and pull at shingles and flashing. Even if your roof appears stable at a glance, the fasteners and nails that secure your roofing in place can be loosened to the point of easy removal.
• Clean Gutters: During a storm, even small debris can be caught and stuck inside your gutters, leading to overflow and pooling water. The weight of this water and debris can even tear the gutter away from your roof. Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance are critical to protecting your water guidance system.

If you choose to inspect your roof’s surface, take the utmost care to avoid the edge of your roof and prioritize your safety! We always recommend leaving this to the professionals, but we understand the DIY urge – once you’ve inspected your roof, we can help you choose the next steps!

Remember to Document Everything!

Documentation isn’t just an insurance demand; it’s a roofing aid that homeowners must have! When you regularly take photos and take notes about the state of your home and roof, you develop a better timeline for your concerns and issues. This can be invaluable for your roofing company, telling them issues have suddenly popped up or developed slowly.

Suppose you elect to get regular roof maintenance from a roofing company. In that case, they will take more comprehensive notes and information, ensuring that your roof always receives the top-notch care it deserves!

Get Storm Damage Roof Repair Fixed By Green Rhino Builders!

When the next storm passes, don’t spend days stressing over your roof’s health or your home’s safety; get a professional opinion! Here at Green Rhino, we know the pain of leaking roofs – water damage can cause thousands of dollars of damage within days, ruin precious photos and memories, or even cause mold and fungus that endangers your health!

Don’t hesitate to get the top-tier services of a professional roofing company – call us today!