What to Look for on Your Roof After a Heavy Storm
There are so many different elements that can put a lot of stress on a roof. Sometimes the damage is obvious right away. Other times, everything may look fine from the ground but a small problem has already started to breach into the home.
After a major storm, it’s worth taking a few minutes to look for signs that your roof may have been affected. You don’t need to climb onto the roof to do this, and you shouldn’t put yourself at risk just to get a closer look. All you need is a basic inspection from the ground and inside your home to help you spot problems that may need professional attention.
Start by Looking at the Roof From the Ground
The first place to start is somewhere safe where you can see as much of the roof as possible. Look for anything that appears different from how the roof looked before the storm.
Strong winds can damage the roofing materials or make them loose. If there was hail, it can leave visible marks or damage on certain types of roofing. You may also notice pieces of roofing material in the yard or around the outside of your home.
Pay attention to:
- Missing or visibly damaged shingles
- Areas of the roof that appear uneven or out of place
- Loose roofing materials
- Damaged flashing around roof openings
- Debris that has landed on the roof
- Roofing materials or pieces found around the yard
You don’t have to determine exactly what happened, you are just looking to notice any changes that may warrant a closer inspection.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters can also give you clues about what happened during a storm.
Look for pieces of roofing material or branches that have collected in the gutters or around the downspouts. A small amount of debris isn’t necessarily a sign that your roof is damaged, but a noticeable change after a storm is worth paying attention to.
It’s also a good idea to make sure water can still move through your gutters and downspouts. Heavy rain can bring leaves and branches onto the roof and into the drainage system. You need the water to drain properly off of your house because it could create additional problems around the roof and exterior of the home if it is blocked.
Don’t Forget to Look Inside Your Home
Some of the most important signs of roof damage aren’t actually visible from outside. Be sure to check ceilings, walls, and areas around windows or other openings for signs that water got in. A new water stain, discoloration, damp area, or dripping water can tell you that water has found its way through the roof.
If you find any leaking, place something underneath the area to catch the water and move your furniture away from it if you can do so safely. Then you should have someone come take a look. A ceiling stain doesn’t necessarily show the exact location where water entered the roof, so simply looking directly above the stain may not tell you where the problem started.
Hail Damage Isn’t Always Easy to See
Hail can be especially difficult for homeowners to evaluate on their own because not all damage is obvious from the ground. Depending on the roofing material and the severity of the storm, hail can leave marks or damage on the roof. That’s one reason it’s important not to assume your roof is fine simply because you don’t see a missing shingle.
The same applies to a wind storm. A roof doesn’t have to look dramatically damaged to have an issue that needs attention. If you’re concerned that your home was affected by a storm, a professional roof inspection can provide a closer look at the condition of the roofing system.
Look for Problems Before They Turn Into Leaks
A roof’s job is to keep weather out of your home. When roofing materials are damaged or displaced, water may eventually find a way through. That doesn’t mean every storm will make it so that you need a new roof. Some problems may be limited to individual areas that can be repaired. Other situations may have more extensive damage and require replacement. Roof replacement Idaho Falls works with both residential and commercial roofing and offers roof inspections, shingle repair, and roof replacement.
What Should You Do If You Find Damage?
If you notice something that doesn’t look right after a storm, don’t try to fix it yourself if doing so would require climbing onto a damaged or wet roof. Roofs can be so slippery, and storm damage can make an already risky surface even more dangerous.
Instead, be sure to document what you can safely see. Take pictures from the ground and inside the home, especially if you notice water damage. If you have an insurance claim, these photos may also be useful when documenting what happened. From there, a professional can take a closer look and help determine what needs to be repaired.
A Storm Doesn’t Always Mean You Need a New Roof
Seeing a damaged shingle or a water stain can be concerning, but it doesn’t automatically mean your entire roof needs to be replaced. The extent of the damage and the overall condition of the roof both matter.
Taking the time to check your home after a major storm can help you catch problems before they become more difficult to deal with. If you notice signs of storm damage or you’re concerned about the condition of your roof, be sure to have a professional come and check it out.