Posted on April 14th, 2025.

 

Your home's roof plays a fundamental role in protecting you and your loved ones from the elements. After a storm, it's natural to want to ensure that your roof is still in good condition.

However, spotting damage isn't always easy. With a few tips and a basic inspection, you can ease your mind and take necessary steps to maintain the structural integrity of your home.

Let's take a closer look at how to conduct a thorough inspection and recognize any potential storm damage to your roof.

 

How to Check Your Roof for Damage After a Storm

Start by conducting a thorough inspection from the ground. This approach prioritizes your safety while still allowing you to identify obvious signs of damage. Here’s what you should look for from a ground’s perspective:

• Missing shingles, characterized by exposed areas where shingle tabs were torn away.
• Flat or bruised areas where the granules have been scoured off the shingles.
• Deformed shingles often appear as curls or cracks.
• Sagging sections are visible from a distance, indicating water damage or structural sag.
• Presence of debris such as leaves, branches, or roofing materials collected in roof valleys.

If you are comfortable and it's safe to do so, a closer inspection using a ladder might be warranted. However, exercise extreme caution and make sure you are using a stable ladder placed on firm, level ground away from overhead power lines. Again, carefully observe for apparent issues like:

• Broken or cracked shingles that reveal the underlying layer.
• Hail damage, characterized by round dents or pockmarks.
• Mold or moss growth, indicating trapped moisture over time.
• Flashing that is damaged or detached around vents, chimneys, and skylights.
• Gutters that are sagging or filled with granules, telling of shingle erosion.

Alongside precautionary examination, incorporate these safety tips while ensuring your roof is intact after every significant storm event, safeguarding you against any unforeseen hazards:

• Never inspect during inclement weather or on wet surfaces.
• Preferably conduct inspections during daylight when visibility is optimal.
• Take a cell phone with you if ascending a ladder for emergency purposes.
• Notify a family member or friend before you climb to alert them for assistance if needed.
• Opt for smooth-soled shoes for better traction, avoiding slips and falls.

All in all, developing the habit of assessing your roof post-storm not only helps in maintaining it but also extends its lifespan. It becomes a proactive measure protecting your family and your treasured home. Indeed, adopting vigilance pays off well in the long run. Should you remain uncertain or find apparent damage, it’s best to call a professional to handle the situation proficiently.

 

Signs Your Roof Has Suffered Storm Damage

During storms, shingles tend to get torn, lifted, or even completely removed by strong winds. Consequently, damaged shingles expose your roof deck to the elements, which could lead to water infiltration and inevitable mold growth if ignored.

Moreover, looking for signs of storm damage on your metal roof can be more challenging but equally important. Dents on metal roofing are subtle yet significant signs that shouldn’t be overlooked. Such dented metal roof occurrences may not leak immediately but can compromise the integrity of the material and lead to further corrosion over time.

Another component to examine is the flashing, which provides a waterproof barrier around structures like chimneys, vents, and skylights. Any signs of displacement, bending, or detachment can hint at upcoming water intrusion into your home’s lower layers. To the untrained eye, a slightly shifted piece of flashing might seem like nothing, yet it’s often a precursor to problems that could necessitate a full-on repair service down the line.

Check for roof leaks. Even a minor leak can develop into major water damage given time. Roof leaks often lead to water spots appearing on walls and ceilings, and these are clear indicators that moisture has made its way past the roofing barrier. Those water stains aren't just unsightly; they are early warnings of structural dampness that can insidiously cause rot or, worse, compromise the structure’s integrity if not promptly addressed.

It's worth emphasizing how accumulation of organic material like leaves or sticks not only clogs your gutters but can also lead to water pooling and eventually seeping into your home. Those blocked gutters may suggest broken or shifted tiles, allowing storm debris to weigh down and cause sagging in the roofline, a dangerous precursor to water damage.

Lastly, if you notice unusual humidity levels inside during a storm or hear dripping sounds, consider them clear signals to investigate further. It's true that predicting and preventing serious repercussions hinges on attentiveness and action. Should you encounter any of these signs, entrusting a professional to validate and address the severity ensures timely, effective remedies, thereby maintaining your roof’s robustness and safeguarding your family’s safety.

 

When to Call in the Professionals for a Storm Damage Inspection

An early call to a professional can prevent minor damage from spiraling into major repairs, which might inflate your costs significantly. Moreover, some roof damages, like dents in metal roofs or tiny flashing tears, might not be visible to the untrained eye. That's where professionals step in with detailed assessments, utilizing specialized equipment and experience. They ensure that you are not missing any less obvious issues that could compromise your roof’s integrity.

By hiring a roofing expert for a storm damage inspection, you’re not only getting peace of mind but also potentially saving money in the long run. That’s because professionals can spot and fix emerging issues before they become severe and costly problems, which a regular homeowner might overlook.

Despite conducting your own visual inspections, there are particular instances when you definitely should call an expert. Here’s a breakdown of instances that warrant professional evaluation:

• If you've encountered consistent windy conditions, contact a professional if you suspect wind damage. High winds can lift and shift shingles, flashing, and other elements that may not be immediately apparent. Missed issues could lead to water infiltration, so it's best to let professionals assess potential wind damage thoroughly.
• There’s visible damage: any clear signs of missing, loose, or broken shingles, particularly after severe weather, should prompt a call. While it might seem manageable on your own, getting an expert's perspective can ensure there's no underlying damage that your naked eye might miss.
• Signs of water leakage inside your home can suggest serious underlying issues. Whether it’s ceiling stains or damp patches on the walls, these indicate that water has found its way beneath your roofing. A professional inspection can help trace and address the leak’s origin.
• Discovering granules piled up in your gutters or downspouts post-storm is a telltale sign of roof storm damage. This erosion of shingle granules, which protect the asphalt beneath, usually requires an expert’s assessment to prevent further deterioration.

No one is more equipped than an expert roofer to address these challenges and provide a tailored approach to your situation. Besides, insist on professionals who don’t just replace for replacing; inspecting the underlying roof itself prevents these installations from becoming recurring issues over your home’s lifetime.

With their detailed reports, you'll be in a better position to file insurance claims or make informed decisions about your roof's future. As you collaborate with your chosen roofer, make sure they give you a full rundown of their findings. Thus, ensuring you understand the scope of required repairs and possible preventive measures, aligning with best practices for long-term roof health. 

Related: Maximizing Roof Longevity: How Weather Plays a Part

 

Looking for Expert Help?

Your roof is a significant investment, deserving the care and attention only a roofing professional can provide. At Dave Redmon Roofing Service, we are your trusted residential roofing expert in Paragould, Arkansas. Our roof repair service is designed to keep your home safe, secure, and looking its best.

Weather conditions, age, and wear and tear can cause damage to your roof, compromising its structural integrity and leaving your home vulnerable to leaks, mold, and other costly problems. That's where we come in. What sets our roof repair service apart is our unmatched expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction.

With years of experience under our belt, we have the knowledge and skills to tackle any roofing issue, big or small. For more information, explore our repair services here.

Our team of highly trained professionals will assess the damage, provide you with a detailed diagnosis, and execute the necessary repairs efficiently and effectively. If you have questions or need further assistance, give us a call at (870) 932-7135 or email us at [email protected].