While some states are more prone to costly weather events than others, no one is entirely protected from roof damage from storms.
Hail, rain, snow, tornadoes, and hurricanes can all damage a roof. Over time, even minor damage can lead to expensive repairs including damage that requires water damage restoration from a company like Rainbow Restoration®.
This article will cover the types of damage storms can cause, what to look for after a severe weather event, and the first steps to take after finding signs of storm damage to a roof.
Table of contents:
- Types of Roof Damage Caused by Storms
- How To Check for Roof Damage After a Storm
- 8 Telltale Signs of Storm Damage on a Roof
- What To Do After Sustaining Roof Storm Damage
- Trust Rainbow Restoration for Storm Damage Restoration
- FAQ About Roof Storm Damage
Types of Roof Damage Caused by Storms
Even if it’s not storm or hurricane season, it’s good to understand the property damage extreme weather can cause.
- Hail damage: Hail damage to a roof is common and costly. Hail can dent metal flashing and gutters and crack or damage shingles and tiles.
- Wind damage: Wind from tornadoes and hurricanes can damage chimneys and gutters, rip tiles and shingles from a roof, and even remove sections of a roof. Wind can also cause trees to fall on a house.
- Water damage: Water damage from heavy rain can strip away the protective granules on asphalt shingles and infiltrate gaps and holes. On flat roofs, the weight of standing water can cause leaks and even collapses.
- Snow and ice damage: The weight of snow and ice can collapse a roof or cause tiles to crack, and freezing and expanding ice can create leaks or cause gutters to fall off.
How To Check for Roof Damage After a Storm
When examining a roof for storm damage, limit any examination to what can be seen from the ground or from a window. It’s best to leave the full evaluation to a professional due to the dangers of climbing onto a roof following a storm.
- Walk around the house and look for shingles on the ground, large amounts of granules under downspouts, and tree limbs on the roof.
- Use binoculars to look for loose, missing, or broken shingles, as well as holes and damage to chimneys and flashing.
- Check that gutters and downspouts are still connected securely to the structure.
- Look for water damage or standing water in the attic.
If signs of storm damage to the roof are present or if the roof is leaking, contact professionals right away. Trying to figure out how to repair storm damage on a commercial roof or replacing a residential roof is best left to professionals. The work can be dangerous and, if not done correctly, could further damage the property.
8 Telltale Signs of Storm Damage on a Roof
While some storm damage is difficult to see, there are several signs to pay attention to after a storm.
1. Missing or damaged shingles
One sure sign of wind or hailstorm damage is missing or damaged shingles. Asphalt shingles usually come in strips, making a sizable section of the roof visible if shingles are missing. Look for any broken or curled shingles, too.
2. Granule loss
Check gutters and the area under downspouts for granules, which usually look like small, dark-colored rubber balls or sand. While a few granules being washed away after a storm is normal, big piles could mean significant damage.
3. Damage to other roof areas
Use binoculars or look out a window to examine flashing, gutters, fascias, and soffits for damage. If there are dents, dings, missing pieces, or rust, it likely means these components are damaged.
4. Tree debris on the roof
If a storm was powerful enough to down a tree or tear off tree limbs and deposit them on the roof, there could be significant damage. If possible, go into the attic and look for holes or leaks the tree may have caused.
5. Ceiling or attic leaks
If water is leaking through the ceiling or into the attic, contact a water damage restoration professional right away. Even a small leak can be a sign of severe damage. Look around for standing water, stains, or damage to items that could have been caused by water.
6. Ice dams
Ice dams can be difficult to detect until it’s too late. An ice dam is formed when ice builds up along the edge of a roof. As the ice dam grows, it prevents water from draining off the roof. Over time, the weight buildup can allow water to seep into and potentially damage the structure. Look for interior water stains and icicles hanging below exterior gutters.
7. Chimney damage
When checking for chimney damage, look for cracks in the chimney’s masonry missing chimney cap, or debris on or near the chimney. Examine the fireplace for moisture and even mold or moss.
8. Increased energy bills
If there is no obvious physical damage after a storm, check the property’s energy bills over the next few months. Increasing energy costs may point to smaller-scale damage to the roof that allows heat or air to slowly escape. While this isn't a sure sign of damage, it may be a good idea to check the attic for new signs of water damage or have an inspector check the condition of the roof more closely.
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What To Do After Sustaining Roof Storm Damage
It’s a good idea to call a professional roofing company to assess and address roof damage after a storm. A restoration company, such as Rainbow Restoration, can help mitigate water damage to the interior property and tarp the roof to prevent further damage during roof repair or replacement.
1. Document any damage
Examine the roof from the ground. Look for:
- Missing or broken shingles and tiles
- Standing water
- Holes
- Debris from trees
Make note of anything that doesn’t look right. These notes can help during the claim and repair process.
2. Call the insurance company
Contact the insurance company after documenting the damage. Have policy information ready and be prepared to wait — the time after a storm means they are likely dealing with a high volume of calls.
3. Call a restoration company for further protection
Call a residential or commercial restoration company after initiating the insurance claim. A restoration company can help take steps to prevent the damage from getting worse and restore the building to its best possible condition. Some of the steps they take may include:
- Assessing damage
- Tarping the roof before permanent repairs
- Drying and restoring the interior of the building
- Performing mold remediation if necessary
- Cleaning up debris
The steps the restoration company takes to restore a building will vary based on the damage sustained.
Trust Rainbow Restoration for Storm Damage Restoration
If a property is located in one of the states most likely to be hit by hurricanes, tornadoes, or other extreme weather, it’s vital to understand how to recognize roof storm damage. If a commercial property or home has been hit by a storm, call Rainbow Restoration. With the experience necessary to handle water and wind damage restoration, Rainbow Restoration can return a structure to its best possible condition.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Rainbow Restoration is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Rainbow Restoration location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
FAQ About Roof Storm Damage
As an industry leader we believe setting the highest standards in water, fire, and mold damage restoration requires a continuous focus and dedication to education and improvement. This commitment to exceptional service also includes using our experience and expertise to answer your restoration questions.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about storm damage restoration.
What is the best way to describe a damaged roof?
To describe a damaged roof to an insurance adjuster, roofer, or water damage mitigation service provider, include details like:
- Condition of shingles (missing, cracked, curled, or chipped)
- Location of the damage
- If water is pooled on the roof or leaking into the property
- Chimney damage
- Dented flashing, gutters, or shingles
- Mold growth
Mention anything abnormal following a storm or provide them with information about pre-existing damage and whether or not it has gotten worse.
What does roof storm damage look like?
Roof storm damage can take many forms, including:
- Cracked, broken, or missing tiles and shingles
- Dented gutters and flashing
- Damage to a chimney
- Standing water
- Sagging areas
- Holes, dents, or divots
- Large piles of granules near downspouts
What is considered storm damage to a roof?
Any damage caused by a storm is considered storm damage. Some damage may be visible, like broken or missing tiles or shingles, while some damage might be invisible at first, like a slow leak.
How much damage does a roof need to sustain to be replaced?
If a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or there is heavy damage that threatens its structural integrity, a replacement may be necessary.
