Storm Damage Repair 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Calling a Roof Inspector

This article originally appeared on totalheadline.com

The best and safest way to check your roof after a storm is to call a roofing inspector. However, before you make that call, you should also understand what he or she will be looking for during their assessment. This is important with respect to cost and the preservation of your home.

The roof is the most important component of a home, as a house is just not a house without this protective structure. Not only does the roof safeguard the interior from temperature extremes, it also keeps a family safe from trespassing, vandals, and fires.

Even minimal storm damage to a roof can cause major issues. For example, a leaky roof can cause water to infiltrate the walls, leading to problems with mold and permanent structural damages. Therefore, after a storm, it’s essential to have your roof inspected before tackling the problem directly.

Getting a Quote for a Storm Damage Repair

An inspector will look at your roof from a distance and will also walk the roof to check for immediate repairs. The following information will clue you in on what an inspection involves for determining a quote for storm damage repair.

Deteriorating Roof Shingles

If a storm has damaged your roof and the shingles are in a state of deterioration, it’s a red alert that you should have roof replacement. Any further storms will only make the problem worse. The age of the roof and the amount of deterioration are both factors the inspector considers.

Missing Shingles and Bare Spots

While you might not see missing shingles from ground level, it can still be a problem. For example, hail can dimple your roof or knock off the granules on asphalt shingles. Sometimes the icy downpour can crack tiles as well.

While the roof may look fine, it still may have sustained damage – the type of damage that, after a while, weakens a roof. Also, even if you’re not beset with leaks, they may eventually emerge after a short amount of time.

A Sagging Roof

Storms that hit roofs often cause them to sag, indicating that you need to immediately replace your roof. The most common causes of sagging are heavy rains and high winds. While mintor sagging may be corrected with a few replacement shingles, major forms of sagging require a more extensive upgrade or repair.

Water Damage on the Ceilings and Walls

When a roof leaks, it can trigger water stains to develop on your ceilings and walls. This type of problem can also affect your belongings. The issue can result from large-scale damages as well as from a small leak near the edge of the roof. Any water damage should be addressed, as the resulting repair bills can mount up fairly fast.

Damages to the Gutters

A howling rainstorm often strikes the gutters of a house. When water fills up the gutters, it can overflow and damage the roof, foundation, and siding. If water accesses the roof or walls, you’ll have more than a roof repair to face. Gutters should be inspected regularly – not just after a storm. Doing so will prevent some major damages from affecting your property.

Chimney Cracks and Masonry Damages

Part of a storm damage inspection for a roof also includes the chimney. After an extreme weather event, the chimney may feature cracks or damages to the masonry. Therefore, a roof repair may involve fixing the chimney too.

How Storms Affect Roofing

Different types of storms will typically cause specific types of damages.

Heavy Rains and Roofing Damages

For instance, after a heavy rain, the pouncing water can knock off the granules from roof shingles. Granules are used to deflect the sun’s rays, keeping the house cooler during the summer. After a heavy rain, the granules may wash into the gutters along with sticks, leaves and other storm debris.

A roof that is moisture-laden may create loose flashing, cause small cracks to form or cause seams to develop in vents. All of this allows water to get into the house or become trapped. Trapped moisture may lead to the formation of mold and mildew, which can affect a homeowner’s health.

Wind Storms and Roofing Problems

When winds blow hard, they can easily pry off shingles, tearing them off the home. Winds also blow down limbs that can damage a roof. An annual roof inspection can catch any wind damage that has affected a roof. Don’t wait for a wind storm to occur to check for wind-related problems. If you have overhanging limbs over your roof, remove them to safeguard your house.

Damages from Hail

Hail has a way of producing leaks in roofs and ripping off granules. Because the damage is not readily noticeable, you should have your roof checked regularly as a precaution.

Damages Resulting from Snow and Ice

When snow accumulates on a roof and stays there too long, it can lead to roof leaks or similar moisture issues. When it is freezing outside, any build up of ice can also lead to ice damming. This is where ice forms beneath the flashing. When the snow melts, the water runs down the side of the house into the gutters, where it freezes and backs up onto the roof.

When this happens, the water that is trapped beneath the ice damages the roof. To prevent the problem, have your gutters cleaned during the colder months to prevent any ice build-up.

Why an Inspection is Important

Your homeowner’s insurance will normally cover storm damages to your roof. To ensure you’re adequately covered, contact your insurance provider immediately after a storm damage inspection. Document the findings and let the insurance company know the cost of repair and/or replacement.

Always Play It Safe After a Storm as Well as Throughout the Year

You can’t skimp on repairing a storm-damaged roof, as the covering keeps you protected from the weather and other types of environmental harm. Always play it safe after a storm. Even if your roof looks okay, have it inspected to prevent a major future expense. Practice preventive maintenance and make sure you have annual inspections to keep your roof intact.