Did you know that Texas has more hail storms than any other state in the US? Hail, winds, and rain can really wreak havoc on your roof, leaving you scrambling to find a solution.
Even if the storm damage is mild, it can still cause significant problems with leaks in the future, so you’ll need to know what to look for. It’s also essential that you know how to prevent storm damage from occurring and what steps to take after a storm to have it fixed immediately.
Keep reading this guide to learn how to prevent and fix roof damage due to a storm.
How to Prevent Storm Damage
Whether you own a home or commercial property, it’s important to take steps to prevent roof storm damage. Taking measures to prevent storm damage throughout the year and securing your home before a storm can make a massive difference in the lifespan of your roof.
You’ll need to take steps that include:
Review Your Insurance Policy
The good news is that a typical homeowners insurance policy will cover damage to your roof and the cost of replacing it. However, many insurance policies only cover this if it’s due to acts of nature or specific weather events.
Other policies have higher deductibles or may only consider the damage to your shingles as cosmetic damage and deny coverage.
So, you’ll need to do your homework and check to see exactly what your insurance policy covers to prepare for any potential storm damage costs.
Remove Debris From Your Roof
It’s easy to think the branches and sticks on your roof are harmless, but this can quickly change when a storm hits.
Any type of debris can cause a lot of damage when it’s blown around by harsh winds. They can scratch away granules from an asphalt roof or even puncture the surface of the roofing membrane.
As a result, you can experience problems after a storm, like water leakage, so it’s best to keep your roof clear of all debris.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
If your gutters are clogged with debris, rainwater will get backed up, forming puddles on your roof. If the water remains on your roof, it can start to leak into parts of your home.
So, ensure you either clean your gutters yourself or hire someone to clean them regularly to prevent these issues from occurring.
Check Your Roof for Loose Shingles
When you hear storms are in the area, take this time to check your roof for any loose shingles. If you don’t do this from time to time, it’s possible that storm winds will blow them off, leaving your roof more susceptible to leaks.
Check Your Attic
Your next step is thoroughly checking your attic for signs of water damage and mold growth. You’ll need to check for things like stains or watermarks, a musty or earthy odor, and peeling paint.
Additionally, any signs of mold in your attic indicate you have moisture and need to figure out where it’s coming from.
Trim Your Trees
You’ll need to walk around your yard to inspect the trees. Check for any loose or dead limbs that have the potential to snap off during a storm and cause damage to your roof.
You’ll need to trim these branches or call a professional company to take care of them for you.
Regular Maintenance
It’s also essential to keep up with regular maintenance by getting your roof inspected at least twice a year. The best time for a roof inspection is during the spring and fall when the weather is milder. It also ensures your roof will be prepared for seasonal storm hazards.
A professional roofing company will keep your roof in good repair by checking the condition of your roof overall and making recommendations for any repairs you might need. During a roof inspection, they’ll check for issues, such as:
- Worn or cracked shingles
- Loose seams on metal roofs
- Rust on metal roofs
- Loose or missing shingles
- Mold issues
- Moisture on the underside of the roof
- Debris and blocked vents
How to Spot Storm Damage
After there is a big storm, you’ll need to know how to spot any damage to your roof. Sometimes the storm damage is hidden, and you won’t notice the effects of water damage or leaks for weeks to months.
Other times the damage is minimal at first, so you don’t notice it immediately.
Before you do anything to assess the damage, make sure you and your family are safe. Severe thunderstorms can knock down powerlines and level debris in your yard and street.
Some things you can look for include:
Wet Spots on Your Ceiling
You’ll immediately notice water spots on your ceilings if you have a significant leak. Other times, wet spots on your ceiling will show up weeks after the water seeps through damaged shingles, into your attic, and eventually your upper floor ceilings.
If you’ve had a major storm, you can take a flashlight and check for any wet spots in your attic.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
After the storm passes, it’s best to go outside and evaluate your roof to look for wind damage. You’ll need to check for missing, curled, or broken shingles.
Usually, the damage is evident from the ground, but you can also use a ladder to take a closer look.
If you find damaged or missing shingles, you’ll need to get them repaired immediately to prevent further water damage to your home.
Dented or Discolored Shingles
If you’ve had a storm with hail, you’ll need to look for hail damage to your roof. Hail damage can vary depending on wind speed, the age of your roof, and the materials on your roof. Hail damage can also be challenging to spot if you don’t know what to look for.
It’s also important to realize that hail damage can often be more severe than it initially looks. When hail hits a shingle, it basically bursts through the first granule layer, exposing the darker asphalt underneath. You’ll notice this damage as darker round spots on your shingles. Hail can also cause cracks and dents to your shingles.
A good way to check for hail damage to your roof is to check your gutters. If you see dings or dents on your gutters, then your roof has likely been damaged too.
Additionally, gutters will typically fill up with granules from damaged shingles, so make sure to check for clogged gutters.
Finally, you can also check your siding and deck for any dents or cracks from the hail. If you notice damage to them, it means you’ll need to get a roof inspection.
Storm Damage Roof Repair
Once you’ve walked through your property and assessed the damage, you’ll need to find a professional roofing contractor in your area immediately.
To make sure you hire a reputable company, you’ll have to do some research first.
If you’ve never had to deal with significant roof repairs in the past and aren’t familiar with roofing contractors in your area, start by checking google for “roofing contractors near me.”
You’ll need to check their overall experience and that they’re able to work on all types of residential roofing, including shingles, metal, and tile.
Also, check their website for professional memberships and a good Better Business Bureau rating so that you know they’re in good standing.
What to Expect During Storm Damage Roof Repair
If you have significant damage to your roof, you’ll need to have your roof covered with a tarp initially so no more water gets inside.
You’ll also need to contact your insurance company right away to report the damage and file a claim. Companies like Redemption Roofing will assist you with filing your insurance claim and will meet with insurance adjusters to minimize your stress.
They’ll then do a storm damage inspection to assess the overall damage your roof has sustained from the storm. Professional roofers are trained experts and can spot storm damage quickly.
It’s not always easy to tell immediately if your roof will need to be completely replaced after storm damage. So, a professional roofing company will thoroughly evaluate your roof structure and gutter system. This way, they’ll be able to detect even small leaks right away and recommend the repairs you’ll need so you don’t have problems in the future.
Fix the Storm Damage to Your Roof Today
If your roof has had storm damage, it’s best to call in a professional roofing company to ensure it’s fixed the right way.
Look no further than Redemption Roofing for all your roofing needs. We offer services such as roof repair, roof replacement, and roof inspections and can fix the storm damage to your roof quickly and efficiently.
We have over 35 years of expertise in residential and commercial roofing with high-quality work and fair pricing.
Make sure you contact us today for a free estimate to get started!
