When storms roll into the Houston area, there’s always a chance for damage. Knowing how to check for signs of roof damage prepares you for making a quick request for repairs rather than waiting until leaks appear days to weeks later.
Not every storm will damage a roof, but there are plenty of late Spring and Summer storms in the area that come with high winds, hail, and flying debris. Learn how to spot common signs of roof damage after a storm so you can reach out to your insurance company and E.N.G. Roofing with the right details to start the process of getting the repairs you need.
Signs of Roof Damage After a Storm
Learning how to inspect your roof for damage saves you from having to call out a professional every time there’s a major storm. Here’s the roof inspection checklist Houston homeowners need to take this step into their own hands.
From the Ground
It’s hard to spot most hail damage roof signs from the ground. But when it comes to wind damage to roof shingles, you’ll usually see plenty of visual indicators simply by walking around your home.
- Missing, lifted, bent, twisted, or loose shingles on the roof
- Shingles that are lying in the yard after coming loose
- Granules from asphalt shingles in the gutters or coming from the downspouts
- Visually scuffed, scratched, or bare shingles
- Hanging, loose, bent, or crooked gutters
- Burn or scorch marks
- Flashing, soffit and ridge vents, and other materials appearing disturbed or missing
In the Attic
Can you access your attic? Taking a quick view of the inner side of your roof, even if it’s just from the entry hatch with the help of a flashlight, provides a lot of information about the potential need for storm damage roof repair.
- Moisture, streaks, and discoloration on the inside of the attic boards that indicate leaks
- Puddles, spills, discoloration, or mold growth that indicate moisture
- Visible light coming anywhere through the roof aside from vents and skylights
- Disturbances or compression of insulation, which often indicates ongoing leaks
- Visually sagging or dented roof boards
- Corrosion on ducts, pipes, or other metal materials
On the Roof
While most homeowners learning how to check for roof damage won’t have safe access to the surface, some may have ladders or a convenient view of the roof surface. Look out for these signs of storm roof damage if you do manage to access the roof.
- Uneven or sagging surfaces
- Debris or loose flashing in the valleys between slopes
- Flashing or sealing materials missing from penetrations or seams
- Granule loss and cupping shingles
- Scattered discolorations across the roof that indicate hail impacts.
What Kind of Storms Cause Roof Damage?
While Houston homes rarely face damage from heavy snow loads or ice damming, they’re at risk all summer long instead. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to discover roof damage after hail storm, wind storm, or even tornado events.
Any storm with one or more of the following conditions could leave your roof permanently damaged:
- High winds over 45 miles per hour, with chance of damage increasing when speeds go over 55 miles per hour
- Flying debris from nearby trees, construction sites, businesses, or loose materials
- Active tornado watches or warnings in your area, which also indicate a raised risk fo wind damage
- Lightning, which can cause direct strike damage or indirect damage through your home’s wiring
- Hail, even if the pieces of ice are small or only a limited amount falls.
Not sure what happened during a recent storm because you were out of the area or asleep? Look up recent reports from the National Weather Service for a better idea of what your roof was exposed to during the storm.
What to Do Immediately After a Storm: A Checklist
- Don’t panic after a storm, even if you know you have roof damage. Stay calm and take these steps.
- Secure any essential paperwork, ensure everyone’s safety, and turn off any essential systems like gas or electricity if there is structural damage
- Move furnishings away from any water that has entered the home
- Document the damage with clear photos and accompanying text as you move anything away, not just after
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process
Contact E.N.G. Roofing for professional damage assessments, emergency tarp coverage, and advice on how to deal with your insurance company.
The Need for Professional Damage Inspections
While you can tackle the early stages of storm damage roof inspection by looking for obvious missing shingles and loose gutters, many warning signs just aren’t very visible. The majority of roof damage from wind weakens the fasteners holding on the shingles, which could create invisible openings in the roof covered by intact shingles.
Hail damage is also very hard to notice without access to the roof surface, and in some cases, even once you’re up there. Professional roof inspectors have a number of tools to scan the shingles and verify their condition, giving you clear evidence of hail damage if your insurance company is disputing a claim.
Roof Repair After Storm Damage FAQs
Can heavy rain alone damage a roof?
While rain won’t necessarily damage the roof materials like hail and wind, it tends to saturate even intact shingles and soak in to damage the wood beneath.
How do I prove my roof was damaged by hail?
Start by finding documentation from local weather stations or services that hail fell in your area. Then invest in a professional inspection to reveal all the damage affecting your insurance claim.
Can I tell if my roof was damaged from inside my home?
If you wait a few weeks and notice leaks on the ceiling and walls, you’ll know your roof was damaged. However, an attic or roof inspection to catch damage before it spreads is a better idea.
Worried About Roof Damage? Reach Out Today
After a major storm with extreme winds, hail, and flying debris, schedule a Houston roof damage inspection from E.N.G. Roofing. You’ll enjoy peace of mind and prompt roof repairs if necessary rather than waiting for leaks, mold, and other issues down the road.
