Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, intense sun, and heavy snowfall, can take a toll on your home’s roof throughout the year. These weather events can cause leaks, which can result in severe damage to your roof and impact the interior of your home.
To keep up with the ever-changing seasons, it’s crucial to follow these tips on what to do after a storm damages your home.
Types of Roof Damage After a Storm
After a severe storm has passed through your area, it is critical to inspect your roof for any potential damage.
Knowing what to do after storm damage occurs is the first step in maintaining your roof’s good condition. Even minor leaks caused by heavy winds or rainfall can cause significant issues for both you and your roof in the future.
- Wind Damage
The major threats of strong wind storms are the deterioration of your shingles and debris falling onto your roof, potentially causing damage. Shingles can be lifted, come off, punctured, and create open spaces for future leaks during the next rainstorm.
Roof damage caused by wind storms is not always noticeable, especially when the flashing in your roof’s crevices is missing, making it essential to perform a thorough inspection after a severe windstorm.
- Hail Damage
Hail is a significant threat to the integrity of your roof, leading to damage during spring and fall. The dings and holes created by hail can cause immediate issues if they are severe enough. Still, sometimes they may go unnoticed for a few more storms until the true extent of the damage is revealed.
After a hail storm, performing a thorough inspection and knowing what to do after storm damage can help you avoid common pitfalls associated with hail roof damage.
- Rain Damage
Rain damage is the most common and noticeable roofing issue. Water is your roof’s enemy throughout its lifespan, and when leaks caused by other types of storms or the age of your roof start to expose the internal layers of your roof to moisture, problems begin to arise.
Mold, rot, leaks, and structural damage are all signs of rain damage and a clear indicator that your roof may need replacement.
Identifying Signs of Storm Damage
Sometimes, the signs of roof damage are obvious, such as water spots on the ceiling or curled or missing roof shingles. Broken or damaged roof flashing, wet walls, water issues around your home’s exterior, or winter ice damming may also be visible.
What to look for:
- Shingle condition. Missing shingles are one obvious sign, but pay attention to the granule buildup on your shingles and early signs of damage. Hailstorms can cause dings and dents in asphalt shingles, which should also be noted.
- Missing flashing along the edges of the roof and skylights, vents, and chimneys.
- Loose or peeling sealant around those same penetration points.
- Water damage in the attic or ceiling.
At times, the signs of damage may not be visible, and this is when it might be necessary to call in a professional roofing expert if you’re not sure what to do after storm damage. The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests that homeowners should have their roofs inspected twice a year by a professional, once in the fall and once in the spring.
Houston Restore Pros: Your Go-To Roofing Experts for Storm Damage
When a storm hits, it can wreak havoc on your roof. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand the steps you need to take to ensure your roof is fixed properly and your insurance policy covers the damage. Houston Restore Pros is here to help you navigate the process and provide you with a high-quality roofing service that will give you peace of mind for years to come.
Assessing Storm Damage and Requesting an Estimate
Once you’ve assessed the damage to your roof, it’s important to request an estimate for repair or replacement. At Houston Restore Pros, our team of experts will sit down with you to select the perfect roofing materials, from the protective underlayment to the shingles that will cover your entire roof system. We’ll also work through financing options, discuss warranty packages, and accommodate your schedule to find the perfect day to complete your new roof installation.
Understanding What Your Homeowners Insurance Covers
Understanding your homeowners insurance policy can be confusing, especially when it comes to your roof. Houston Restore Pros is here to help you navigate the ins and outs of your policy. Homeowners insurance covers your roof in cases where it is damaged for reasons outside of the homeowner’s control, such as fire, vandalism, or extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Similarly, roof damage caused by moderate weather incidents such as hail, wind, and rain are often covered by homeowners insurance.
When filing a claim, it’s important to thoroughly document any damage that occurred and keep receipts for all work done on your home. Many policies will cover these expenses when submitted with a claim. Keep in mind that coverage will often depend on the age of your roof, the area you live in, and other factors. Contact Houston Restore Pros to help you understand the specifics of your policy and ensure you’re getting the coverage you need.
Call Houston Restore Pros for Your Roofing Needs
If a recent storm has caused damage to your roof, give Houston Restore Pros a call. Our team of experts will take a good look at your home and work with you to put together the perfect roofing package for your lifestyle and budget. Contact us online to schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to any of your roofing questions.