How to Inspect a Roof for Storm Damage

It’s never a good time to find out that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. But you may be able to mitigate that pain by checking your roof for damage after severe weather. Waiting for damage to present itself or a leak to grow means it will worsen, often resulting in more money spent repairing or replacing your roof.

This article will discuss how you can inspect for storm damage to determine whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.

How to check for roof damage

There are many different types of roofs, which all require other inspection methods. No matter the style — you should always begin by inspecting your roof’s exterior. However, unless you are experienced in roof repair, you should never go up on your roof. You can assess for damage by staying on the ground and looking with the naked eye or with a pair of binoculars.

After a storm passes, check for any debris blown on top of your roof. The reason why is that it could have damaged your roof when it hit or create additional damage if it’s not removed right away. If there’s apparent damage, such as a hole, call a roofing professional immediately.

Types of roof damage

If you’re checking your roof regularly, you may notice warning signs of storm damage that has occurred. In some cases, roof storm damage may require you to call an expert to assess if there is any trouble. Here are the different types of damage that your roof can suffer:

• Water damage
• Wind damage
• Hail damage
• Snow damage
• Ice damage

How to assess damage to different roof types

Storm damage can show up in a surprising number of ways. If you suspect your roof has been damaged, have a roofing expert come out and inspect it. They will be able to tell you what to look out for and be aware offer the future. Here’s a look at the common roof materials and ways storm damage may present itself.

• Asphalt-shingled roofs. On this type of roof, you should look for loose, broken, or cracked shingles after a storm. Look for any blistering or bubbling shingle, as that indicates that moisture has made its way into the shingle’s interior. Any damage should be replaced immediately to avoid leaks or further structural damage.
• Wood shingles and wood shake roofs. Wood roofs require more vigilance and care from homeowners than asphalt composition-shingled roofs. You’ll want to keep an eye out for any separated, broken, cracked, or damaged shingles or shakes.
• Tile roofs. While tile roofs are more expensive to install, they are more durable and provide additional protection against high winds. Look for broken or chipped tiles or for any separation between tiles where water might seep in after a storm.
• Metal roofs. These roofs are the easiest to spot damage on. For example, if a hail storm passes through, you’ll see the dents on your roof. Check for any openings in the metal after a storm that could cause water to leak into your home and any signs of rusting.
• Flat roofs. With flat roofs, it’s easy to spot damage after a storm. Have a professional look for any pools of water, indentations, or tears in the seams where moisture could gather, or water could seep through.

Contact us for more!

If your roof is damaged or needs replacing, get in touch with our team at Bad Weather Restoration today. We can perform an inspection to diagnose the issues that you’re having and let you know whether you need a roof replacement or repair. Give us a call at 318-353-ROOF or send a message using our contact form. We look forward to helping you keep a strong roof over your head.