Every roof is designed to help protect your homes from destructive elements. Sadly, some storms can be more intense than others. This is why it’s vital to ckheck your home for damage as the natural calamity passes.

When inspecting your roof, be sure to view it from a window inside the house or use binoculars from the ground. Still, it’s best to know what you’re looking for to see if you’ll need repairs or replacements. 

If you think there may be damage to your roof, look for these signs:

1. Harsh Winds

Strong winds can cause shingles to be blown off the roof, leading to leaks and other damage inside the home. Sometimes it's not easy to tell if there is damage, especially if the adhesive seal that keeps water out is broken. It is recommended to call someone who is a professional and have him take a look at it. 

When choosing shingles for a new roof, compare the wind coverage offered by different manufacturers. If the damage to your shingles was caused by winds exceeding the coverage in your warranty, You need to file for the insurance claim. If the winds were below the coverage in your warranty, contact the shingle manufacturer to file a claim.

Signs of wind damage to look for:

  • Shingles that are missing. 
  • Thin horizontal lines where the granules have been worn off, about 1-2 inches below the shingle above it. This could mean some shingle seals were not properly working and flapping in the strong wind on it.  

2. Hail

Hail is usually easy to spot since it's a widespread weather event that affects more than just one house. It can bruise shingles, causing an indentation that may be hard to see but can crack the shingle and allow water to seep in over time. You may need a professional roofing contractor's expertise to determine the damage's extent. 

In that case, you are eligible to file an insurance claim once your roof has been damaged by hail.

Signs of hail damage you should look for:

  • Other signs of hail damage around your property include dents found in your cars or any items in the yard or in your house itself.  
  • The shingles were marked with small, round divots on the edges.
  • There are indentations in the shingle where granules are missing. 
  • A large pile of granules at the end of your downspout; a small amount is average, especially on new shingles.

3. Shattered Debris

Some storms can bring branches or other debris that could fall on your roof. These items might be small by size and not cause any damage, while others could be large enough to cause concern. Use your best judgment and, if necessary, have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof for damage.

Common sign of debris damage include:

  • There is debris on the roof that needs to be cleared, and there are missing shingles.
  • Cracked shingles
  • A granule was found at the downspout; a little is normal for new shingles.

Conclusion

As a homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring that your roof is free of storm damage. By being vigilant and keeping an eye out for the signs mentioned in the article, you can avoid any further damage to your home and have peace of mind knowing that it is safe from storms.

If you're unsure, contact a professional roofing contractor for help.

Looking for the best roofing company in Los Angeles, CA, Wilmington, NC, Raleigh, NC, or Minneapolis, MN? Let To Serve Contracting get the work done for you. Call us today at 1-844-425-7663