How To Identify Signs of Roof Damage After A Storm

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: How homeowners can check for damage to roofs after a storm is shared by property damage repair experts, SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall.

Storms can be very destructive. There are different types of storms like blizzards, hailstorms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, derecho storms, etc. They can cause property damage incurring costs depending on the severity of storms and the extent of the damage.

Types of Damages Caused by Storms

1. Wind Damage

Strong winds can weaken and compromise roofs, especially over time.

2. Hail Damage

Hail storms can penetrate shingles or wooden shakes leading to leaks, and water damage.

3. Water Damage

Exposure to water can result in water damage from the roof to the foundation of a building. It compromises the structural integrity of a house and can lead to mold formation.

4. Impact Damage

Latent damage that occurs over time and is not always immediately noticeable is impact damage. It causes premature aging of the structure.

Damage to the roof is common after storms. SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall shares some signs of storm damage to a roof. Identifying damage and promptly performing storm damage restoration is important to minimize the extent of damage and the cost of repair.

Signs of Roof Damage

Homeowners must wait until the storm has passed and it is safe to check the roof from outside. Attempting to walk on the roof is too dangerous and should be avoided. Instead, the following signs can be checked for.

• Leaks or signs of water damage in the attic indicate a leaking roof.
  
• The yard and house exterior must be checked for fallen tree limbs, missing parts of a fence, damage to outdoor furniture, and signs of hail damage to flat surfaces like patios and decks which can indicate a probability of storm damage to the roof. Shingle or metal pieces from the flashing of the roof on the premises show that the roof has sustained damage.
  
• Cracked windows and dents on home gutters and roofing accessories like gable vents, may indicate the roof has been damaged.
  
• The roof can be checked from the ground while walking around the house or from windows of the house that give a good view of different parts of the roof. Noting down and taking pictures of signs of storm damage like dents or missing shingles. This can help in documentation and may help in the insurance claim process.
  
  - Signs of Wind Damage
  Missing shingles, shingles that are missing granules after a storm, cracks or tears in rubber roofing, damage to the chimney, like missing bricks, a leaning chimney, damaged or missing chimney cap, leaks after wind that was accompanied by rain are all signs of roof damage.
  
  - Signs of Hail Damage
  Pockmarks on the shingles of the roof, areas of missing granules on roof shingles, round ball-like indentations on the exteriors of the home.
  
  - Signs of Damage by Debris
  Debris like tree branches on the roof, cracked or missing shingles, missing granules on shingles, or a big pile of shingle granules at the bottom of a downspout after a storm.

After the initial inspection of damage (further inspection can be done by a professional), and documenting signs of damage noticed, a storm damage restoration specialist can be approached. The insurance provider must be contacted. 

A property damage repair company like SERVPRO Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall can provide all restoration services needed after storm damage. Commercial and residential property can sustain storm damage that needs water damage cleanup and restoration, mold remediation, and structural repairs including repair or restoration to the roof. All these services may be provided by SERVPRO Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall which is a trusted leader in the water restoration industry. They can be contacted on (610) 559-9380 for fast service by a team of highly trained water restoration technicians for disasters of any size.