There’s nothing like enjoying a good thunderstorm through the window in the comfort of your own home. That is until the roof above you starts to crack, and before you know it, the water’s leaking all over your living room. Kids, get the pots and pans, and hurry!
At RoofCrafters, we know this must feel like a nightmare that has become a reality. We’ve been helping homeowners mend their storm-damaged roofs for 30 years, and we’ve heard many horror stories. We believe where there’s a will, there’s always a way. If you’re suffering from a storm-damaged roof, RoofCrafters has you covered with any service you may need, whether it’s a tarp, roof repair, or a total replacement. We’ve got your back.
Storm damage is a pressing matter that has to be dealt with promptly to avoid any further damage to your roof and your home in general. If you’re reading this article, it’s safe to say that you’re experiencing some storm damage and unsure how to navigate it. In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of storm damage, and how to address the repair process. Let’s jump right in!
Identifying Different Types of Storm Damage to Roofs
Several types of roof storm damage can arise depending on the nature of the storm. Regardless of the damage from nature’s fury on your roof, most insurance companies will take care of any damages incurred.
The 4 most common types of roof storm damage are:
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Hail damage
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Rain damage
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Tree damage
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Wind damage
Hail Damage: Identifying and Addressing Impact
Hail is common in areas where temperatures dip low, although it can occur anywhere. Hail can be a force to be reckoned with. These chunks of ice can wreak havoc on everything around them, including your roof.
After a hailstorm, inspect your roof for the following signs of damage:
- Divots and dents on shingles
- Broken or cracked shingles
- Unusual amounts of granules in the gutters
- Dented metal on the flashing and gutters
It’s important to be proactive and check for damages before they have the chance to worsen. Hail can damage the roof’s surface and make an entry point for pests and moisture, causing problems like mold and infestations, making your bad day worse within minutes.
Rain Damage: Signs and Solutions for Your Roof
Few things are as soothing as rain rhythmically falling on your roof unless that light rain turns into a thunderstorm that causes damage to your home. In that case, rain is a nightmare and can lead to extensive property damage by flooding your house in extreme situations.
Common signs of damage by rainstorms to look out for are:
- Broken, missing, or curled shingles
- Discolored or peeled ceiling paint
- Water bubbles in the ceiling
- Stains or puddles on the roof
- Mold
A roof leak might be significant enough to require you to collect water in a bucket in extreme cases. You might experience random leaks if your roofer didn’t install it properly, which also can void your insurance coverage. Always invest in a credible roofing contractor. By doing so, you can keep your long-term costs down.
Tree Damage: When Nature Strikes Your Roof
During heavy windstorms, you might have a tree limb fall on your roof that not only can puncture the roof materials and decking but can also add extra stress to the structure. The added weight can cause the roof to leak or even collapse, which can be a treacherous ordeal.
Worse case, you have a tree fall on your home. In this case, we bring out a tree surgeon and crane so we don't create more damage when removing the tree. We'll tarp and secure your home after the tree is off the house.
Wind Damage: Protecting Your Roof from the Elements
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just strong winds that can cause damage to a roof. If your roof is made with lighter materials, such as asphalt shingles, even moderate winds can cause severe damage.
In addition to forming cracks, your roof may also be missing a few shingles here and a strong wind storm after that. Unfortunately, minor damage is comparatively harder to spot after wind storms. So, you may need to look closely at the shingles for signs of creased and torn shingles. If you see loose granules from the shingles, consider calling a professional roofer for an inspection.
After a significant wind storm, it’s not uncommon to see cracks and holes in your roof or even a water leakage. This is something that a professional roofing contractor can help you with. They’ll make temporary repairs to keep the damages at bay until your insurance company agrees to pay for the repairs. If your property has a metal or slate roof, however, the chances of a wind storm causing any damage to your roof are extremely low.
Steps to Address Storm-Damaged Roofs Effectively
When you experience roof damage during a storm, you should first turn off the power supply to reduce the risk of electrical fires. Then, if there’s a leak, ensure that you remove any furniture, electronics, expensive clothing, and personal belongings away from the leaking water.
Always ensure that you and your family are safe and evacuate your home if necessary. After you have dealt with the crisis, call up a professional roofer to deal with the problem. At times, you might be unable to get a same-day appointment with your roofer, so you should try to minimize your losses.
Navigating Insurance Claims for Storm Damage
Granted that you followed the terms of service, your insurance will cover damages that occur during storms. Call your insurance company after you call a roofer to make sure it is storm damage that will qualify for repairs or replacements covered by your insurance carrier and document the damage.
Make sure that you do the following things to remain eligible for insurance claims:
- Choosing the right roofing contractor for repairs. Insurance won’t cover you for improper roof repairs or installations that a budget contractor might do. Roofers charge according to their experience and skills, so picking the right roofer is an investment.
- DIY and Roofing: Why it's best left to professionals. Roofing is a highly specialized field, and you probably do not want to try to tackle roof installation or roof repairs yourself.
- Maintain your roof. to maximize your insurance coverage. Bi-annual inspections from a great roofer will help you diagnose and fix problems before they rack up expensive interior repairs.
- Conduct visual inspections. While visual inspections won’t tell you the whole story, you can get an idea of whether anything is out of place by looking at your roof.
- The lifespan of your roof and insurance implications. Every roof has a certain lifespan after which it starts developing problems. Most insurance companies offer limited or no coverage for roofs that are over 15-20 years old.
Always call a roofing contractor to inspect the roof after impact damages caused by hail or tree limbs falling because there might be structural damage that isn’t visible to you. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this case, as insurance doesn’t pay for anything they deem to have arisen from negligence.
Temporary Fixes for Leaks and Damage Post-Storm
For leaks, you can conduct a temporary storm damage roof repair. Identify the source of the leak and temporarily cover it up with a tarp that exceeds the leak’s size by at least 4 feet in all directions. This is only a temporary fix until your roofing contractor can schedule the permanent repairs.
Leaving the leak open can cause water to enter your house, damage your belongings, seep between the roof’s layers, and cause widespread damage that might warrant an expensive roof replacement.
Alleviating the Impact of a Storm-Damaged Roof
If a storm causes extensive damage to your roof, then you should call your roofer immediately, and then your insurance company after getting to safety. Severely damaged roofs tend to collapse and can be hazardous to life.
It's not worth your safety to try to tarp or clean up any water or interior damage on a severely damaged roof structure.
Concluding Your Journey Through Storm Roof Recovery
Dealing with a storm-damaged roof can be overwhelming, but there's a clear path to resolution. First, understand the specific type of damage your roof has sustained – be it from hail, rain, or wind. Recognizing the damage is the first step toward effective repair.
Next, connect with a skilled roofing contractor. Their professional assessment will reveal the full extent of the damage. Including any issues that might not be immediately clear. Documenting the damage with photos is important. The photos will be invaluable when you discuss the situation with your insurance claims adjuster. They'll also clarify what your policy covers.
Our learning center is a treasure trove of information. You can find answers to any lingering questions about storm damage or insurance coverage there. And if you're ready to take action and address your storm-damaged roof, we're here to help. Reach out to us on our contact page. A member of our RoofCrafters team will get in touch with you. They will be ready to guide you towards a solution. A solution that will bring peace of mind and restore the integrity of your home.
