5 Signs of Storm Damage on Your Roof You Shouldn’t Ignore
Michigan is no stranger to severe weather. This blog explores 5 common signs of damage on your roof and what to do after a storm.
Michigan is no stranger to severe weather. This blog explores 5 common signs of damage on your roof and what to do after a storm.
When severe spring and summer storms roll through Michigan, homeowners rely on their roofs as the primary line of defense against elemental damage. The bad news? Severe weather can take a toll on roofs, and when it does, that damage needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, those roofs can’t provide the defense homeowners need throughout the year.
So, what does storm roof damage look like? Let’s explore the top five signs.
The most obvious sign of storm damage to your roof is missing shingles. Most homeowners realize they’re missing shingles when they step outside and see shingle debris scattered around their homes. Missing shingles are generally caused by high wind or debris that comes into contact with the roof and impacts its surface. If you have missing shingles, contact a roofing contractor immediately.
Failure to replace or repair missing shingles increases your risk of exterior and interior water damage, wood rot, and mold growth.
The next sign of storm damage is curling shingles, which occur when the edges or corners are turned upwards due to high wind, creating a raised and wavy appearance. Although it does create a clear aesthetic issue, the primary concern with curling shingles is that it creates gaps where water can penetrate beneath the roofing material. This means you may experience leaks in your attic, walls, and ceilings, which can lead to wood rot in the roof decking.
Curling shingles will also further deteriorate; if there is another storm, any heavy wind will catch the lifted edges more easily and tear them off the roof, and the exposed areas will become more vulnerable to UV damage.
Even worse, if curling shingles aren’t addressed and another storm does tear the already-damaged shingles off the roof, your insurance company may not compensate you for these damages due to neglected maintenance.
After a storm, you may also notice a significant number of roofing granules in the areas around your gutter downspouts. Hail can knock shingle granules loose and send them toward your gutter system. Having loose shingle granules doesn’t necessarily mean your roof needs to be serviced immediately, but you should have it inspected by a professional. Granules protect the shingle’s asphalt layer. Without them, the underlying asphalt can become brittle and crack more quickly, shortening the roof’s lifespan. Asphalt is also porous, so without that protective layer, the shingles can deteriorate faster due to water damage.
We can’t overstate this enough—if you suspect damage, you should schedule a professional inspection. A professional can help you understand the severity of the damage to your roof, provide an action plan for fixing any damage, and even work with your insurance adjuster to make the claims process as hassle-free as possible.
Gutters clog when leaves, twigs, and other debris get trapped in the system, preventing water from draining properly through the downspouts. As a result, water pools in the gutter system until the blockage is dislodged, allowing water to flow freely.
Clogged gutters can become a big problem during heavy rainfall. Because the water has nowhere to drain, it will either spill over the gutter lip or, even worse, back up under the roof’s shingles. If this happens, there is a good chance that the water will damage the roof decking or underlayment.
The best way to avoid roofing damage from clogged gutters is to ensure they’re always clear. Make a point to clean out your gutters at least twice a year, once in the early spring and again in the fall, and invest in gutter guards to prevent debris buildup and blockages.
Your roof is more than the shingles. You also have the decking, underlayment, flashing, fascia, and soffit. Neither of these components should be overlooked when assessing storm damage to your roof. Look for bent gutter sections, loose brackets, loose, bent, or missing flashing pieces, exposed roof decking, and cracked or dented fascia and soffit boards. If you have a skylight, you may notice cracks or issues with its sealing after a storm. Chimney components, like caps, crowns, and mortar joints, can also become cracked or dislodged after a storm.
Many different components within your roofing system could become damaged after a storm. This is why it’s critical to schedule a professional inspection—roofing contractors are well aware of the damages that can occur after severe weather.
If you notice any of these signs of roof damage following a storm, you’ll want to take action as soon as it’s safe. Follow these steps:
This year’s storms aren’t over yet—if and when you experience storm damage, contact L&S Home Improvements. We proudly help homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan, including Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, by offering comprehensive shingle roof repair and replacement services.
We exclusively partner with CertainTeed, a brand we know and trust to deliver the quality homeowners need to stay protected year-round. Should you need a complete replacement, our team will install CertainTeed Integrity Roof System® on your home, which features proven, performance-boosting components, including a waterproofing underlayment, a second water-resistant barrier, starter shingles that provide protection in wind-vulnerable areas, and wind-resistant shingles that are available in a wide variety of colors.
As a customer-focused roofing contractor, we also guarantee complete support from start to finish. Once you accept your estimate, we’ll help you navigate the claims process so you can be better prepared when you meet with your insurance adjuster. We’ll even be happy to attend the meeting with the adjuster alongside you.
Get started today by scheduling a roofing inspection. We’re currently charging $89 for all service calls. Don’t forget to ask us about our financing options for new roofs!
