You probably have had your fair share of bad weather throughout the years, regardless of where you reside in the United States. Storms can cause significant damage to roofs and other external home surfaces. Examples include tornadoes, hurricanes, hailstorms, and summer squalls that bring ferocious wind and rain.
How do you identify roof damage, and what should you do about your roof after a major storm?
Roof:
Examine your roof visually by inspecting the exterior of your home and noting any obvious storm damage. From one of your windows, you may also get an excellent view of some of your roofs. Keep a record of notes and/or snap images; this may come in handy for insurance issues in the future. Any obvious evidence of storm damage, such as dented, ripped, curled, or missing shingles, should be recorded.
Gutters, Vents, And Windows:
Examine the gutters and other roofing elements, such as gable vents and other overhangs. Cracks, shattered glass, loosened weatherstripping, and ripped screens should all be looked for in windows.
Outside Areas:
Take a stroll outside your property to check for any damage to the lawn furniture or other decorations, missing fence posts, or fallen tree branches. You may examine flat areas like patios and decks for hail damage.
Attic And Ceilings:
Keep an eye out for leaks and wet stains in these places. Even though the roof of your house might look undamaged from the outside, wind and hail can trigger hidden leaks that could result in more serious issues. Check for your attic, light fixtures, and ceilings for water leaks and spots. To see in the dark, use a flashlight.
Hire A Dependable, Trusted Roofing Contractor:
Working with a contractor you can rely on is essential. After a significant local storm, roofers and repair businesses may be busy and compete for your business by providing discounts or incentives. It’s crucial to get in touch with your home’s insurance company immediately so you may submit a claim per their guidelines or you can hire roofing experts which can help you with the insurance claim as well as roof repairs. A competent roofer is capable of:
- Professionally evaluate the damage
- Estimate the cost of repairs
- Replace or repair your roof
Types of Roof Storm Damage
Wind:
Your home’s roof may sustain noticeable damage from a hurricane- or gale-force winds, measured by meteorologists as being 74 mph or faster. The underlayment, roof deck, or waterproofing layer can become exposed to the outdoors when shingles are torn or removed by strong winds.
Strong wind gusts during less severe storms can lift and curl roofs. They are intentionally overlapped to produce a water-tight seal when shingles are laid. Lifting and curling can compromise this seal, making your roof potentially exposed to damage from wind-driven rain.
Hail:
Hailstorms are typically brief, lasting no more than 15 minutes, but they can damage shingles by poking holes in them or leaving dents, as well as loosen shingle granules. This might be an issue since these granules shield your roof from harm from the sun and rain. Hail damage can also harm your roof’s surface’s attractive aesthetic appeal.
Ponderous Water:
After significant rainstorms, roofs with poor drainage may have issues with standing water, especially on uneven terrain. Rainwater can back up beneath your shingles due to clogged gutters, which increases the risk of moisture penetrating the underlayment or the roof deck.
Debris:
Debris, ranging in size from tiny twigs to huge tree limbs, may wind up on the top of your roof depending on the storm’s strength. Lighter branches may not pose as much threat as larger ones since they can’t dent or otherwise damage the shingle surface, leaving that part of the roof open to moisture entry.
Conclusion:
After a hurricane, if you discover severe damage to your house, you must immediately contact your homeowner’s insurance company so you may submit a claim following their guidelines. To completely analyze your property’s roof storm damage, the corporation may also send its assessor or inspector. Based on the information you gathered during your storm damage assessment, including the notes and photos, its staff can assist you in filing a claim and receiving fair compensation.
Secure Your Home with a Free Roof Estimate in New Hampshire
Don’t let roofing issues linger—get peace of mind with a complimentary estimate from Conde Roofing. Our experienced New Hampshire team is ready to inspect your roof, provide honest feedback, and recommend the best solutions for your home’s unique needs. From repairs to full replacements, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Reach out today to schedule your free estimate and protect what matters most!