Living through an intense storm in Jacksonville, FL. can be nerve-wracking. Not to mention the stress of potential roof damages that could go with it. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily DUUUVAL life, you don't need the added inconvenience of urgent roof repairs. But, being proactive and inspecting your roof for storm damage after each significant weather event. You can save yourself a headache later on.
At RoofCrafters, we're more than just a roofing company. For 30 years, we've been a trusted partner to homeowners navigating the aftermath of storm-inflicted roof damage. We've seen everything from minor wear and tear to catastrophic damage. Through it all, we've learned one thing: with the right care, every problem is solvable.
Don't wait to take action. Often, by the time the damage manifests, it has already escalated, leading to severe roof and interior problems that can be expensive to fix.
Regular roof inspections after severe weather events can help you maintain your roof's integrity. This could save you large repair costs in the future. If you're wondering how to identify and assess storm damage on your roof, you've landed on the right page. In this guide, we'll walk you through the common signs of roof damage. Which weather conditions cause them, and how to conduct an effective roof inspection post-storm. Let's dive in!
Assessing Storm Damage: A Comprehensive Guide to Roof Inspection
Usually, the rain on its own is not strong enough to cause substantial damage to a sound roof. However, when you add wind, flying debris, and a torrential downpour to the mix, the roof may take a serious hit. In some cases, the damage can be obvious, but you should still take the time to check as some signs are hard to spot right away.
A good roof is meant to withstand the elements, however, some Northeast Florida storms are more intense than others. There are many signs to look for when you believe there may have been damage to your roof. As always, safety is a priority when checking for storm damage. We don't recommend you climb on the roof, so try to assess roof damage by walking around the property.
If possible, you can use binoculars from the ground to see more clearly. If in doubt, call a professional roofing contractor to come to assess the roof damage. In the meantime, here are some warning signs your roof may have some storm damage.
Spotting the Signs of Wind Damage on Your Roof
More than half of all severe weather events in Duval County cause wind damage. Any wind exceeding 50 miles per hour is classified as damaging wind. Also, you have what's called “straight-line” winds which are thunderstorm winds that have no rotation and can reach well over 100 mph. Such significant wind can cause shingles to fly off the roof deck, and missing shingles can lead to leaks and other interior damage.
You may not easily spot other wind damage, especially if the adhesive seal that provides a water-shedding surface is broken. Calling a local roofing company in Jacksonville to help you detect other wing damage will give you an idea of your roof condition. When checking your roof on your own, always follow the proper safety precautions.
All manufacturers are transparent about the wind warranty on their shingles, but comparing different manufacturers' wind coverage can help you select your shingle selection on a new roof. If the winds that caused the shingle damage were above the manufacturer’s wind coverage, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. Otherwise, contact the shingle manufacturer to file a claim. Although roofing manufacturers cover severe winds in their warranty, the estimated wind speed a roof can endure is based on a newly installed and well-maintained roof.
Potential signs of wind damage:
- Missing shingles: Cracked or peeling shingles are at major risk of being lost once wind speeds exceed 60 miles per hour.
- Visible Granule Loss: Loss indicates where the shingle seal was broken. Granules rub off as shingles flap in the wind and come into contact with other surfaces.
- Water Infiltration: Most visible leaks that penetrate through to the ceiling of the house are the direct result of wind damage.
Identifying Hail Damage on Your Roof
Hail is a form of solid precipitation that happens in strong thunderstorm clouds at temperatures of 32°F or below, the same range at which snow is possible. It consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice, each of which is called a hailstone. Usually the most damaging are between 1 inch and 1.75 inches in diameter. While hail is rare in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s not impossible.
The hailstones are compact and can punch through solid objects. Hail can bruise a shingle causing an indentation that may be hard to spot. Those balls of ice can crack the shingle allowing water to infiltrate over time. After a hailstorm, you may need the assistance of a professional roofing contractor to determine the scope of the damage. If you have hail damage, you will need to file an insurance claim.
Usually, hail is not something that you can miss. A hail event is typically significant in terms of widespread damage, and you may not be the only one affected in your neighborhood.
Potential signs of hail damage:
- Missing or Hail-Damaged Shingles: Hail damage can result in the immediate loss of shingles that were intact before the storm started. Look for cracks and indentations in the shingle where granules are missing.
- Clogged or Broken Gutters and Downspouts: A large pile of granules at the end of your downspout. A small amount is normal, especially on new shingles.
- Other Hail Damage Around the House: Dents on cars or other metal on your house or in your yard. (mailbox, garage door, windows)
- Dents and Cracks: A specific pattern of small round-shaped divots on the edges of the shingles.
Spotting Damage from Fallen Debris
After strong Northeastern Florida storms, you may notice loose debris around your home such as yard waste, outdoor furniture, and so on. This could indicate that something struck your roof during high winds. As some storms get stronger, tree branches or other fallen debris can land on your roof. Clear debris away as soon as you can to minimize risk and look for characteristics of broken shingle patterns to assess impacts.
Some items are small and won’t cause an issue. other items are so large that may cause serious damage. You may need to have an experienced storm-damage roofing contractor inspect your roof to see the extent of the damage.
Potential signs of debris damage:
- Visual identification of debris on the roof deck
- Missing shingles
- Cracked shingles
- Roof debris on the ground
Identifying Water Damage in Jacksonville, FL
Water damage can happen when high winds uproot a tree which then falls onto your roof causing the rain to get into your home. It’s not just water from high wind that damages a structure. Even a small amount of standing moisture from a storm can lead to serious damage. That is the reason why checking your home and surroundings carefully after winds die down is important.
Signs of water damage include:
- Damage to roof supports: This may not always be obvious. Check the areas where the water seems to pool during and after heavy rain even if the shingles appear to be completely intact. Also, check the flashing around your vent pipes and chimney.
- Visible attic issues and moisture: Check your attic for any signs of moisture penetration that can disclose leaks.
Effective Steps to Navigate Storm Damage to Your Roof in Jacksonville, FL
Recognizing signs of storm damage is the first step to mitigating the impact on your roof. Once you've discerned the type of damage you're dealing with, it's time to chart the course of action for repairs. This involves contacting a reputable Jacksonville-based roofing company to schedule an inspection.
The roof estimator from the selected company will carry out an inspection, pinpointing the severity of the damage. You'll then receive an estimate and the next steps for the repair work. In no time, your storm-inflicted roof damage will be a thing of the past!
Ready to address your storm-damaged roof? Feel free to reach out to our family at RoofCrafters. Upon submitting your request, our friendly client experience agent will contact you to arrange an inspection. To get started click the schedule my inspection button below. If you're still unsure about requiring an inspection or have questions, our learning center has resources to help you.
