Roof Storm Damage Guide
Shingles can get cracked, break apart, or even blow off the roof after a storm.
Hailstones. Snow. Strong winds. They can all wreak havoc on a roof, ripping shingles away, smashing flashing, and creating leaks. That’s why homeowners must know how to fix roof damages before they worsen.
This guide covers the basics of roof storm damage.
Common roof damages after storms
Sometimes, homeowners are lucky when a storm rolls through and leaves the roof with only minor damage. Other times, they might find lost shingles, major leaks, and other serious and often expensive problems.
Shingle or tile damage
Shingles can get cracked, break apart, or even blow off the roof after a storm. Properly installed modern roofs will have overlapping shingle layers that can tolerate a missing piece. However, it still pays to inspect the roof after a storm (or contact a roofer to do so). Light damage may be repairable, but more often than not, damaged or loose shingles need replacing.
Other roofing types won’t fare much better in severe storms. Clay tiles are heavier and withstand winds slightly better, but they can still fall off and get damaged. Metal roofs can bend out of shape, allowing wind and rain to go under the roof and damaging the underlying layer.
Flashing damage
Flashing is an integral part of any roof. It runs along key areas, like joints and chimneys, to guard potential weak spots against leaks. Sadly, storms can leave flashing in pieces, causing cracks and holes and creating new weaknesses in the roof. Again, that’ll need fixing or replacing right away.
Leaks
Worst case scenario – a roof starts leaking after a storm. Every homeowner dreads this, as leaks can do much damage in very little time. Rot, warping, mold and even structural damage to the entire roof can occur if a leak is left to run its course.
Types of storms
Storms come in various shapes and sizes. They can all threaten a roof, but some are more dangerous:
Hailstorms
Hailstorms are some of the worst for roofs. When one of these storms comes along, balls of compacted ice fall from the sky. Those balls can be quite large and strong enough to leave holes, dents, or cracks in the shingles and roof materials they hit.
Snowstorms
Snow is also a serious nemesis for roofs. It can pile on top of the roof, weighing it down. This may lead to sagging sections, frame damage, and leaks as the snow eventually thaws and seeps through any little crack it finds.
Wind storms
Storms with strong winds are also a worry for homeowners. If the wind speeds are high enough, gusts can rip shingles from the roof and blow them away.
Act fast after a storm hits
Never underestimate storm damage, as these harsh weather events can ruin roofs overnight, and homeowners must act fast to avoid further problems. After the storm has moved on, call in a trusted roofing company to inspect the damage and carry out any necessary repairs.
Your Roofologist is a Plano-based licensed roofing contractor specializing in consumer protection in the residential and commercial roofing industry for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We offer services such as roof inspections, roof repair and replacement, and other exterior and home improvement repairs. We transform homes with ten years of experience backed by excellent service, pride in our workmanship, and a warranty. Call us at (469)535-7852.
