How to Spot Roofing Damage After a Storm

Florida is known for its violent storms. That's why you should know how to spot roofing damage after a storm hits. Don't know how? Here's your guide.

Severe storms pose more of a threat than for your safety. They can cause serious damage to your home. The first area that's affected is your roof. To keep your roof intact, you must identify the signs of roof damage immediately after a severe storm. But many of these damages go unnoticed. Fortunately, experts are here to tell you the most common roofing damages and what to do about them. Here's your guide to roofing damage after a major storm.

The Storms That Cause Roofing Damage

While any storm can damage your roof, certain storms cause the worst damage. With that being said, there's no reason to call a roofing contractor after a small thunderstorm. The key to identifying post-storm roof damage is knowing which storms cause the most damage. Before you inspect your roof, here are the storms that pose the biggest threat to your roof.

Hail

Hail poses a threat to anything; you, your home, your car, and many other areas. Hailstorms range between releasing pellet-sized hail and hail the size of a softball. Smaller hail will just bounce off your roof, but larger hail pellets can destroy your roof.

Wind

While it's rare for the wind to blow off your roof, wind can be the catalyst for other types of roofing damage. The best example is a tree falling on your roof. This usually happens during a hurricane or other storm where heavy winds are present.

Water

More homeowners experience water damage - and left untreated, it can cause permanent roof damage. Water damage can cause multiple issues; it can weaken your overall roof's structure, can cause mold growth, leaking, staining, and damages to certain roofing parts such as the shingles.

Identifying Roof Damage

There are many storms that can cause roof damage and many areas of the roof can show the effects. This is why identifying roof damage isn't a job for a normal homeowner. But knowing some general best practices can help you notice any issues. Here's how to check your roof for common storm damages.

Your Interior

The interior of your home is the easiest way to look for storm damages. Severe issues leak from the exterior into the interior. It's also easy to notice changes on the ceiling and the walls. Here are some red flags to look for.

Leaking or Staining Roof

The easiest way to discover water damage is in the form of leaking or staining. When water seeps from the exterior into the interior, it stains on your ceiling. This causes staining from water damage. In severe cases, cracks occur and the water seeps through the cracks. This causes leaking. Both of these issues can compromise your roof's structure. This is why repairs are usually necessary during the first signs of water damage.

Light Passing Through

If you're not experiencing a leak, you could still have cracks in your roof. The other common sign of a cracked roof is light passing through. Fortunately, cracked roofs are easy to fix and a common repair for contractors.

Moldy Odor

When an area has too much moisture, mold thrives. If there are no physical signs of water damage, you'll definitely smell mold growing in your home. Unfortunately, it's still difficult knowing where mold is growing without a professional inspection.

Expensive Energy Bills

A healthy roof is well-insulated. That means you require less energy, which could mean less AC when it's warm or less heat when it's cold. If it's impossible to cool or heat your home, your roof may be the culprit.

The Exterior

Interior signs are easier to spot but may take a long time to develop. But damage signs on your roof's exterior appear quickly. While most signs need to be observed up close, some can be seen from the ground. Here's what to look for.

Broken, Cracked, or Missing Shingles

Immediately after a severe storm, such as a hailstorm or a hurricane, go outside and take a look at your roof. You'll immediately notice shingle damage. This can appear as broken, cracked, and even missing shingles. Many contractors can easily replace your shingles. But it's important you call a contractor immediately after you notice shingle damage.

Chipping Roof

While large cracks and splits are noticeable, chipping is harder to spot. But like cracking and splitting, chipping leaves your roof vulnerable to more damage. These chips are also a great way for water to enter and damage your roof even further.

What Each Major Storm Can Do to Your Roof

While these are general signs to look for, you should know the specific ways a storm can damage your roof. Here are common damages caused by certain storms.

Hail

Larger-sized hail causes dents, cracking, and missing shingles. After a hailstorm, get on your roof and take a close look at your shingles. Identify any damaged shingles. If you suspect shingle issues, call a roofing contractor.

Wind

Wind can also cause broken or missing shingles. Wind can be the catalyst for trees, branches, and debris to fall on your roof. While you check for shingle damage, check and see if you can find branches or debris on your roof.

Water

The easiest way to discover water damage is by looking for water stains or leaks inside your home. But on the exterior, you can find soggy shingles, asphalt, or wood. Look for a musty scent on the exterior and the interior of your home.

Do You Need to Call a Roofing Contractor?

Property damage from storms is all too common. And your roof takes the biggest hit after a storm. If you're in Broward and suspect you have roofing damage after a storm, you need a reliable roof inspector to repair or replace your roof. We have an emergency service if you sustain extreme roof damage after a storm. If you need roof services or repairs, email us for a free quote.