How Storm Damage Affects Your Roof In Monroe, Louisiana

November 2, 2021 at 4:00 AM
House after roof installation in West Monroe

During a bad storm, your roof will take the biggest hit. From heavy rainfall, to debris and trees, storms challenge the durability and structural integrity of your roof. That’s why it is important to familiarize yourself with the potential risks storms pose, and how to spot them before they become a bigger problem. 

Below we discuss how storm damage can impact your roof, and what you should look for in the aftermath of one. 

Wind damage. 

Heavy winds can easily damage your roof because of a handful of different factors. Strong winds can rip shingles off of your roof and cause leaks in their place. Finding leaks in your roof is important because they can cause internal damage that you may not notice on the surface. 

Wind can cause trees to fall on your roof, carry detrimental debris through the air, and act as a vehicle of destruction for other loose objects. At the right speed, these can be the cause of serious damage to your roof.

If you notice shingles around the yard, check your attic immediately for holes in the roof. Missing shingles should be replaced immediately after a bad storm to prevent further damage.

As a rule of thumb, never walk on your roof to inspect the damage. If you are in need of inspection services, always hire a trained professional to check things out for you. 

Hail damage. 

Some hail storms will put your roof to the ultimate test. Your roof will likely suffer the most when individual pieces of hail exceed one inch in diameter. The damage hail causes will look like scattered specks that penetrated your roof. However, the amount of damage ultimately depends on the size and amount of hail that falls. Short bursts of hail will cause minimal damage compared to a sustained hailstorm that doesn’t let up. 

Depending on your type of roof, the degree of damage will vary. Wooden roofs are far more susceptible to storm damage than copper roofs. Generally, metal roofs are more weather resistant than wooden ones, and will last homeowners longer.

Advice on filing an insurance claim. 

Your homeowner’s insurance will almost always cover unpreventable roof damage. While every insurance plan is different, check with your provider before filing a claim to make sure accidental damage is covered. No homeowner should ever file a claim without a qualified and trusted inspector. 

Photos are a crucial element of your claim. After the storm, make sure you take plenty of pictures of the damaged areas. When the weather reports a severe storm, try to take pictures of your roof to show a before and after comparison. This will help facilitate the filing process of your claim, and also legitimize it.

At Bad Weather Restorations, we are committed to representing the interests of our customers and helping them make informed decisions. We have a deep understanding of the stress and uncertainty that bad weather imposes. Our talented team is proud to serve the community of Monroe, Louisiana! When disaster strikes, you can always rely on us to help you file an insurance claim and complete the restoration process. 

Please contact us to receive a free quote today!