Is My Roof Damage Storm Related?
Your roof could get damaged in many ways. One of the most common is a storm, and when you live in a storm-prone region, it becomes necessary to differentiate between storm-related roof damage and other roof damage. You might wonder what difference it makes if the damage was caused by the storm or not, but it makes a huge difference. It can save you money and stress. In this guide, we'll discuss how you can check for roof damage after a storm, the different ways a storm can harm your roof, things you can do to protect your roof from a storm, and much more.
Storm Damage
The Importance of Knowing if Your Roof was Damaged by a Storm
Roof damage caused by a storm is usually covered by home insurance. You can benefit from this and save a lot of money multiple times if you live in a storm-prone area. This includes wind, hail, rain, and falling debris. If the roof was fine before the storm, repairs or replacement are often covered by the insurance companies under home insurance. Insurance does not cover the repair of roofs damaged by other factors. That's why it helps to document the storm date and take photos of the storm-damaged roof to claim insurance for repairs.
Roof Types
What is Considered a Storm Damaged Roof?
Storm damage to a roof happens suddenly and is not a part of the normal aging of the roof. Missing or lifted shingles from strong winds, dents or cracks by hail, or water under shingles causing leaks by heavy rain are some common examples of storm damage. Punctures made from branches falling onto the roof during severe weather and damage to roof flashing around chimneys are also considered storm damage. Not all types of roofs get damaged in the same way. It depends on the material used in the roof and how it gets affected.
Interior Signs
Interior Signs of Storm Damage to Roof
It is important to be aware of interior signs that your roof might be damaged due to a storm. These signs can happen after or during a wind, hail, heavy rain, snow, thunderstorm, tornadoes, hurricanes, or debris storms. They can help confirm storm-related roof damage, even if the roof looks fine from the outside.
Water stains on the ceiling or walls
Dripping water or wet spots
Peeling or bubbling paint
A musty smell or visible mold
Wet or sagging insulation
Cracks in the ceiling
Light shining through the roof
Professional Help
When to call a professional for a roof inspection after a storm
Visible damage on roof.
If the storm has passed and you don't notice any visible damage, but suspect roof damage.
Leaks inside the home.
To claim insurance and make sure everything is properly documented.
Many roofers offer a free storm damage roof inspection, so it's always better to have a professional take a close look at your roof.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes Homeowners Make When Checking Roof Damage
Only looking from the ground. A closer look at the roof is necessary after a storm to stay on the safe side.
Waiting days or weeks to inspect, which leads to the development of leaks and rot
Confusing old damage with new, which causes wrong repair decisions
Ignoring small debris in gutters or tiny dents on shingles. This can often indicate bigger damage.
Fixing visible damage themselves without a professional check.
Not taking photos and notes of the roof damage caused by a storm. It is important to document everything for smooth insurance claims.
Prevention
How to protect your roof from storms?
Conclusion
A storm can cause extreme damage to your roof. While the damage might look the same as normal aging of the roof, storm damage is sudden. It could be in your best interest to know whether damage caused to your roof is storm-related, because most of the time, home insurance will cover the repair or replacement costs. You can even avoid roof damage by taking proactive measures. A damaged roof is already a stressful situation. Please do not cause more stress to yourself by not noticing the signs of storm damage.