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What Should You Expect For Your Roof Following A Severe Storm?

4 January 2023

Byron Gutierrez

Storm damage is one of the most common reasons for residential roofing repairs and premature replacements. Storms can cause potentially severe damage to a roof, and some problems may not be immediately apparent. Even if you don't have a tree poking through your shingles or rainwater flooding your living room, you may still have significant hard-to-spot damage.

While hail often takes center stage as the most likely culprit for storm damage, it's far from the only aspect of a storm that can harm your roof. Rain, wind, flying debris, ice, and even snow can cause damage, weakening parts of your roof or leaving it vulnerable to future storms. Knowing what to expect and what you should do can help you deal with damage before it causes more problems.

What Steps Should You Take After a Storm? 

Always conduct a thorough inspection of your home following a storm. Climbing onto your roof can be dangerous, so you can conduct most of your inspection from the ground unless you feel comfortable using a ladder and know how to take proper safety precautions. Look for obvious signs of damage, including:

• Missing shingles
• Sagging areas
• Portions of the roof that appear darker than others
• Embedded debris
• Loose shingles

Call a roofing contractor immediately for an inspection if you can spot any damage. It can be challenging to judge the severity of the problem without experience, so you'll want a qualified contractor to provide an estimate so you can open an insurance claim as soon as possible.

Will You Need to Replace a Storm-Damaged Roof?

As with most other roofing issues, the extent and severity of the damage will determine whether a repair is viable for your situation. While most roofing damage is technically repairable, fixing many severe problems across the entire roof is often not cost-effective. Once the damage is widespread enough, it makes more sense to install a new roof.

The age of your roof can also be a consideration when determining your next steps. Just as an auto insurance company will be less likely to total a new car following a major accident, it's less likely that you'll need to tear off and replace a new roof for some minor storm damage. On the other hand, even relatively small amounts of damage may justify replacing a roof already well past its prime.

The best way to determine the correct course of action for your roof is to consult with an experienced contractor sooner rather than later. Inspecting your roof soon after a storm will make it easier to spot damage and, ultimately, pursue a claim for repairs or a replacement with your insurance company.

Contact a roofing contractor to learn more. 

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