No matter where you happen to live in the United States, there is a high likelihood that you have encountered your fair share of rough and unpredictable weather over the years. From the ferocious tornadoes, powerful hurricanes, and damaging hailstorms, to the intense summer storms that bring with them driving winds and heavy rain, storms can indeed wreak significant havoc on roofs and various other exterior surfaces of your home.
STORM DAMAGE CHECKLIST
How do you identify storm damage, and what should you do about your home after a major storm?
First thing to do is inspect the exterior of your home. You’re looking for clear and visible damage to the roof, siding, windows/window screens. Are there shingles in the yard or big pieces missing from your roof? Do you see pieces of siding pulled away from the house or holes in your window screens/shattered glass? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then skip down to the “Scheduling a Home Inspection”
WHAT TO DO AFTER A STORM
TYPES OF STORM DAMAGE
Hurricane-force winds, which are classified by meteorologists as reaching speeds of 74 mph or greater, pose a significant threat to structures, while gale-force winds, which range from 39 to 54 mph, can also lead to substantial impacts. These high winds can cause visible and sometimes severe damage to your home’s roof. They have the capacity to remove or tear shingles completely off, thereby exposing the underlayment, roof deck, or waterproofing materials to the harsh elements, which can lead to even further deterioration.
During less severe storms, unexpected and sudden, sharp gusts of wind can lift and curl shingles, compromising their integrity. When shingles are initially installed, they are purposefully overlapped to create a water-tight seal; however, this lifting and curling action can break that crucial seal. As a result, your roof may become vulnerable to damage caused by wind-driven rain, leading to potential leaks and costly repairs.
WIND
While hailstorms tend to be relatively brief in their overall duration, typically lasting no longer than approximately 15 minutes, the impact of the hailstones can be quite significant and sometimes devastating. These hailstones can leave behind numerous dents or pockmarks in your shingles, and they can also knock important shingle granules loose, which is a serious concern. This issue is particularly problematic because these granules play a crucial role in safeguarding your roof against the damaging effects of heavy rain and the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. Additionally, hail damage can also detrimentally affect and ruin the pleasing aesthetic appearance of your roof’s surface, significantly detracting from the overall visual appeal of your home and potentially reducing its market value.
HAIL
Roofs that lack proper drainage systems can face significant and potentially damaging problems caused by standing water after heavy rainstorms, particularly in uneven areas that fail to direct the water effectively. Additionally, clogged gutters can greatly exacerbate these issues by causing rainwater to back up underneath your shingles, which significantly increases the risk of moisture potentially penetrating the underlayment or even reaching the roof deck. This precarious situation can ultimately lead to more severe complications and costly repairs if not addressed promptly and thoroughly.
STANDING WATER
As always, safety is first. Contact a trusted, professional roofing contractor to schedule an inspection and help you with damage assessment. Many contractors offer free inspections and will know how to safely look for roof damage.
Roof: Visually assess your roof by walking around the perimeter of your house and taking note of any visible storm damage.
You might also have a good view of parts of your roof from one of your windows. Keep a list of notes and/or take pictures this can potentially be helpful later for insurance purposes. Any visible signs of storm damage should be documented, such as dented, torn, curled, or missing shingles.
Gutters, Vents, and Windows: Check for dents on your home’s gutters and roofing accessories, such as gable vents and other overhangs. Windows should be inspected for cracks, broken glass, loose weather-stripping, and torn screens.
Outside Areas: Walk around your home’s exterior and look for fallen tree limbs, missing fence posts, or damage to lawn furniture and other decorations. Flat surfaces, such as patios and decks, can be checked for hail damage.
Attic and Ceilings: Observe these areas for leaks and water spots. While your home’s roof might appear undamaged on the exterior, wind and hail can cause unseen leaks that may lead to bigger problems later. Ceilings, light fixtures, and your attic should all be inspected for water leaks and spots. Use a flashlight to see in dark areas.
Depending on how severe and intense the storm was, various types of debris can end up scattered haphazardly on the top of your roof, ranging from small twigs and branches to larger, more substantial and heavy tree limbs. Large objects can cause significant dents or impact the surface of the shingles, leaving that particular area of the roof vulnerable to potential moisture intrusion and other related issues that may arise over time. In contrast, lighter branches may not pose as serious a problem in terms of immediate damage. Therefore, it is essential to assess the situation carefully and thoroughly to determine the best course of action for roof maintenance and necessary repair.
DEBRIS
SCHEDULE & CONDUCT A HOME INSPECTION
HIRE A DEPENDABLE, TRUSTED HOME CONTRACTOR
It’s important to work with a contractor you can trust. Contractors and repair companies are likely to be busy after a large regional storm, there might even be traveling business, so it’s extremely important to make sure your contractor is licensed and insured to do business in your state.
Home contractors can:
Assess your damage with a professional eye
Provide an estimate on repair costs
Replace or repair your roof
TALKING TO A TRUSTED HOME CONTRACTOR
It’s crucial to know what specific questions to ask and what key qualities to look for when engaging in conversations with and selecting a reliable home contractor for your projects. Here are a few essential tips to assist you in making that informed decision:
Make sure the roofing contractor you’re considering is licensed, insured, and can offer warranty options
Ensure the roofing contractor has experience working with insurance companies
Check out online reviews about other people’s experiences using their services
CALL YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PROVIDER
If you find significant damage to your home after a storm, it’s essential to involve your homeowners insurance provider right away so you can properly file a claim based on their requirements.
The insurance companies call center can help you file a claim and get adequate compensation based on the notes and photographs you collected from your storm damage assessment. The company may also send its own assessor or inspector to your home to thoroughly evaluate the roof storm damage your home sustained.
