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Storm Roof Inspection

What is a Storm Roof Inspection & Why You Need One

If you live in a region with heavy storms then a storm roof inspection is a crucial part of the long-term care of your home. During a storm, your roof takes the brunt of the damage. Hail, wind, and rain can all cause serious damage to your roof that might not be visible from the ground. That’s why it’s important to have a professional take a look at your roof after a storm. In this blog post, we will discuss what is included in a storm roof inspection, signs of storm damage, and why you should consider getting one for your home.

Table of Contents:

  1. What is a Storm Roof Inspection?
  2. What is included in a Storm Roof Inspection?
  3. Signs of Storm Damage
  4. How to Prepare Your Roof For a Storm
  5. Have a Leak, What Do You Do Next?
  6. What About Insurance?

What is a Storm Roof Inspection?

A storm roof inspection is an expert evaluation of your roof by a trained roofing professional that also includes estimations for necessary repairs or replacements. A storm inspection is a roofing inspection with an extra investigation into any potential water damage to the structure of your home post-storm.

What is included in a Storm Roof Inspection?

A storm roof inspection includes a thorough examination of your roof including:

  • Downspouts
  • Shingles
  • Gutters
  • Flashing
  • Venting
  • Chimneys

The roofing specialist will examine each element for damage, weakness, or long-term concern. After a storm, there can be multiple issues with your roofing structure and tough decisions will need to be made. If they find specific issues the inspectors will lay out potential repair options and if the repairs are too great, quote a complete roof replacement cost.

Signs of Storm Damage

Storms are devastating weather events and there are many signs that you might have storm damage to your roof.

Missing Shingles:

Take a look at your roof following a storm. If you notice any missing shingles, it’s an indication that water is seeping beneath and causing harm to your roof and building structure.

Cracked Tiles:

Inspect your roof for any cracked or broken tiles. This is usually caused by hail hitting your roof during a storm. Cracked tiles give access to water and debris to get into the underlayment and home structure.

Granules in the Gutters:

If you have asphalt shingles, you might notice black granules coming off of your roof and clogging up your gutters. This is a sign that the storm has damaged your shingles and they are no longer effective at protecting your home from water damage.

Damaged Gutters:

Another sign of storm damage is damaged or loose gutters. Gutters can be knocked loose by the high winds and rain associated with storms. If they are not properly secured, they can present a massive injury risk in your next hurricane. Also, if they’re bent or clogged, it means water will flood into your roofing system and cause massive water damage.

Stains on Ceilings/Wall:

If you see any stains on your ceilings or walls, this could be a sign of water damage from a leak in your roof. If you see any signs of water damage, it is important to have a professional inspect your roof as soon as possible.

Denting in the Flashing/Vents:

Flashings include the metal strip that is used to seal the edge of your roof. Vents are used to allow air to flow into your attic. If either of these are damaged, it means moisture or debris can get into your housing structure, leading to water damage and instability.

How to Prepare Your Roof For a Storm

There are a few things you can do to prepare your roof for a storm. First, make sure all of your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. This will help ensure that water can flow freely off your roof and away from your home. Second, trim any tree branches that are close to your house. These can fall on your roof during a storm and cause serious damage.

Even if you take every possible storm precaution, your roof can still be damaged. If this happens to you, you must know the next steps to take.

Have a Leak, What Do You Do Next?

If you have a leak in your roof, the first thing you should do is call a professional roofing contractor. They will be able to inspect your roof and determine the extent of the damage. From there, they will be able to give you an estimate of the repair costs. If the damage is too great, they may recommend a complete roof replacement. While it may be tempting to try and fix the issue yourself, this is not recommended. Roofing repairs are best left to professionals as they can be very dangerous.

While storms can be extremely destructive, remember that you are not alone. Home insurance often covers roof repairs, but it may take some time and effort to process the claim.

What About Insurance?

If you have damage to your roof from a storm, the first thing you should do is call your insurance company. They will typically send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine if it is covered under your policy. Keep in mind that most policies have a deductible that you will be responsible for paying. If your roof needs to be completely replaced, your insurance may only cover a portion of the costs. In this case, you may need to finance the rest of the repairs yourself.

It is crucial to always get a second opinion from a roofing professional. For one: top-tier roofing contractors can be the liaison between you and your insurance company (Like Roof MD). Secondly, having a second inspection quote, can keep your insurance company honest and give you leverage when working with your insurance company.

Schedule Your FREE Storm Roofing Inspection Today!

No one wants to deal with damage to their home from a storm. However, by being prepared and knowing what to do if it happens, you can minimize the stress and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. If you have any questions about storm roof inspections or would like to schedule one for your home, please contact us today.