Storm Roof Inspections & Why They’ll Save You $$$
Storm season is just around the corner, so it’s time for homeowners to start getting their homes ready—especially their roofs. Storms can cause serious issues like leaks, structural damage, and expensive repairs. The good news? A little prep work can help you avoid the worst.
Getting a storm roof inspection is the best way to spot potential problems before they turn into headaches. In this post, we’ll cover what is a storm roof inspection, the types of storm damage, and why schedule an inspection.
WHAT IS A STORM ROOF INSPECTION?
A storm roof inspection assesses damage from severe weather like tropical storms, high winds, or hail. During inspections they check for issues like missing shingles, leaks, cracks, or other damage that could affect roof integrity. They also provide an estimate for roof replacement costs, ensuring your roof is restored to optimal condition.
What types of damage can storm cause?
Storms can cause all kinds of property damage, depending on their strength and type. Each type of extreme weather brings its own set of challenges for your roof.
Heavy Rain:
Heavy rain can be a serious problem, especially if your roof already has weak spots like leaks, missing shingles, or damaged seals. Over time, water can seep through these vulnerabilities, soaking the underlayment and compromising the roof structure. This can lead to issues such as water-stained ceilings, mold growth, or damage to your attic and insulation.
Often, homeowners don’t notice this kind of damage until it’s too late—when repairs become extensive and expensive. Regular inspections before the rainy season can help you catch these problems early.
High Winds Damage:
Strong winds can wreak havoc on your roof by ripping shingles or tiles off, creating exposed areas where water can enter. Hurricane-force winds are especially damaging, often loosening or breaking asphalt shingles, particularly the thinner 3-tab shingles, which are more prone to damage. Once even a single shingle is out of place, water can start sneaking under the layers, leading to rot, leaks, and other structural issues.
High winds also target vulnerable areas of your roof, such as flashing, vents, chimneys, and ridges, weakening their integrity. Additionally, winds frequently scatter debris like branches, leaves, and other materials that can clog gutters or create further damage to your roof, compounding the risks during storms.
Falling Debris:
During storms, falling debris like tree branches, power lines, or parts of nearby structures can hit your roof with significant force. This debris can dislodge shingles, compromise flashing, or even puncture holes through the roof. Over time, these damages can lead to water leaks, mold growth, and even structural weakening of your home’s framework.
If large debris goes unnoticed, it can cause further problems as the damage worsens with each storm. Regularly trimming back overhanging tree branches and checking for loose structures near your home can reduce the risk of falling debris.
Hail Damage:
Hailstorms can leave dents, cracks, or punctures in your roof, especially on asphalt shingles, flashing, and even skylights. The impacts from hail may appear minor at first glance, but they can compromise the protective granules on shingles, exposing the material underneath to UV rays and moisture.
Over time, these small dents or cracks can expand, leading to leaks, weakened seals, and premature aging of your roof. Addressing hail damage promptly with professional inspections and repairs can prevent long-term issues.
Snow and Ice Dams:
In winter, heavy snow and freezing temperatures can create a unique set of challenges for your roof. When snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, it can form ice dams along the edges of your roof. These ice dams block proper drainage and force water to back up under your shingles, potentially causing leaks, water stains, and interior damage.
Left unchecked, ice dams can strain your roof structure and gutters, leading to long-term damage. Removing ice dams safely is essential and often requires a professional, who can also address the underlying causes, such as poor attic insulation or insufficient ventilation, to help prevent the problem in the future.
What do roofers look for in a storm roof inspection?
During a storm inspection, roofers carefully check your roof for any signs of trouble like cracks, curling, or missing shingles. They focus on vulnerable areas like your chimney, valleys, flashing, and gutters. They’ll also check your attic’s ventilation since poor airflow can trap moisture and lead to damage over time.
What are the weakest points of a roof?
The weakest parts of a home are usually where the roofing materials meet or change, like edges, ridges, and valleys. Flashing (the metal or PVC strips that keep water out) is especially prone to damage during storms if it’s not installed properly.
Gutters are another common weak spot. They can clog with debris during storms, putting your roof at risk. A pre-storm inspection by a roofer can help catch any gutter or flashing issues early.
Shingles are also key to your roof’s health. Damaged shingles leave your roof exposed, so it’s important to check for issues like granule loss. Repair any old or damaged parts of your roof before a storm to prevent bigger issues later.
WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?
Got storm damage to your roof? Call your insurance company. They’ll send an adjuster to assess the damage and check if it’s covered by your homeowners insurance.
Keep in mind, most policies come with a deductible you’ll need to pay. If your roof needs replacing, insurance might only cover part of the replacement, leaving you to pay full cost.
Next step, contact a roofing company. If you have questions about homeowners insurance and roof damage, a roofing contractor can help. Plus they will work with your insurance company. An independent inspection and quote can also keep your insurer honest and give you leverage when filing a claim.
Why should you schedule a storm roof inspection ASAP?
These inspections are usually free, helping you spot issues to fix now and those that can wait. It’s also worth checking if any of these problems are already covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
Acting early stops water from entering your home during a storm, preventing major damage and costly repairs. Getting ahead of the storm season could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Next Steps
Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements, so ensure it’s ready before storm season. Scheduling a pre-storm inspection and taking care of any roof repairs now can help you avoid costly damage later on. The earlier you act, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
If you’re in Tennessee or Georgia, Roof MD has your back. We offer free pre-storm inspections and estimates to help protect your home for the season. Already dealing with storm damage? We’ve got you covered there too, and we’ll even work with your homeowner’s insurance to make the process easier.
If you’re in Tennessee or Georgia, Roof MD is here to help! Book your FREE Roof Inspection & Estimate today and get ahead of the storm!