The most important part of your house is the roof, which protects you from rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation. The roof also serves as insulation for the interior structure, keeping out cold drafts in the winter and hot air in the summer. In the event of a storm, it’s critical to inspect your roof for any damage caused by high winds or heavy rain.
Types of Roof Storm Damage
Hail Storm
Hail is made of ice and can range from a pea to a grapefruit. It can cause dents, cracks, and other types of damage to your roof. Installing a hail guard or hail screen on your roof is the best way to prevent hail damage. This wire mesh protects the top from hail damage or other storm destructions.
High Winds
High winds can cause damage to your roofing around the chimney, vents, skylights, and any other openings. It’s also critical to inspect the top after a storm for loose or damaged shingles, leading to leaks later.
Heavy Rain
If water accumulates on top of your roof during a rainstorm, it will eventually cause a leak inside your home if not repaired. Ensure that drains are clear so that they do not become clogged with debris from trees or high winds.
Tornadoes and Hurricanes
If you live in an area prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, you should know if your roof is designed to withstand high winds. Your roof should be able to stand up to 90 MPH winds in a hurricane-prone area.
Debris
Storm debris, such as tree branches and leaves, can also cause damage to your roof. Why? Strong winds can blow large objects into your roof during a severe storm. The debris can cause holes or dents on the roof that will need repair from a professional team.
Ice Dams
An ice dam forms when snow accumulates around the edge of your roof and freezes. This essentially creates a barrier between the warm air inside the house and the cold air outside, resulting in ice build-up, leading to other issues such as leaks in the ceiling below. How can you avoid this? Clear away any leaves and branches near the gutter so they don’t get stuck on top of it. Also, if you live in a cold climate, install a gutter heat cable to keep snow and ice from accumulating during the winter months.
What to do after a Severe Storm?
Safety Comes First
After a storm, it’s critical to call in a professional and reputable roof repair contractor to assess the damage. The roofer will inspect the extent of the damage, remove any fallen debris or shingles that got destroyed or ripped off, and then most likely recommend a re-roofing job for your home to properly repair it.
After a severe storm, it is not recommendable that you attempt a do-it-yourself roof repair. This is because if you accidentally aggravate the problem, it can result in significant leaks in your home, necessitating a substantial repair from a professional.
This blunder could cost you more money than calling roofing experts to assess the situation and make a recommendation. It is also dangerous to be on your roof during severe weather conditions such as high wind speeds and heavy rain, so wait until the weather has calmed down before attempting this. The inspection should cover the following areas:
The Roof
It is critical to have a professional roofer inspect the damage after a severe storm. The roofer will tell you the extent of the damage and what you need to do to repair it. They will inspect the shingles on your roof for holes, dents, or even wholly missing areas.
If there are any dents in your roof below the popped-off shingle, you should have them repaired as soon as possible before they cause an even worse problem with water leakage.
Gutters
Roofers must also inspect the gutters as part of the overall roof inspection. This is because they are responsible for removing rainwater from your home’s foundation. If it becomes clogged, it can cause water to accumulate around the perimeter of your home, where it can easily leak into your ceilings and walls. This is why it is critical to have them cleaned out regularly to avoid this issue.
Overturned Vent Covers
A visit from a severe storm can also overturn vent covers around your home, which can be hazardous for anyone walking around the property. If overturned, the contractor should replace immediately to prevent injury.
Leaks
If you discover a leak during the roof inspection, you must repair it as soon as possible. This means that you may require new shingles or some other type of repair, depending on the damage extent.
If there is any flooding in your home due to water leaking, repair it as soon as possible. It will prevent mould and mildew from growing and cause further problems with the ceiling below.
Ceiling
A professional roofing contractor will also inspect the ceiling beneath your home to ensure that severe weather does not cause cracks or leaks. If they find any, you may need to hire a reputable contractor to come out and fix it right away before it worsens.
Best Time to Call a Roofer
To avoid paying more money than necessary for repairs, contact a roofer as soon as possible after the storm has passed, so they can assess any damage and provide you with a cost estimate.
Please don’t put it off until the next day because everyone else will be calling for repairs as well! Going online to find reviews on different roofers near you and then scheduling a time for them to come out for a free estimate is your best option.
Call A Roofer Before You Call an Insurance Company
After a storm, you contact your insurance company. They will usually send out their contractor to repair your roof. If this occurs, do not sign any documents until the other contractor provides you with a cost estimate, as it may be more than what you would pay if you called a roofer yourself.
Typically, insurance companies will only cover the costs of repairing hail damage and will not cover the costs of repairing high winds or heavy rains. Most homeowners’ policies also require visible damage before covering anything related to storms and wind and rain damage. It’s critical to review your policy to determine which types of storm damage it covers.
Closing Remarks
Roof storm damage is never a pleasant experience. If not addressed promptly, it can result in extensive leaks, water intrusion, and more serious structural issues with your home. If your roof gets damaged by a storm, you should contact a roofer as soon as possible to get the process started.