How to Deal With Roof Storm Damage

Your roof is an integral part of your home. As such, it needs to be regularly maintained to continue protecting your home and adding strength to its overall structure.

The Life of Your Roof

Normal wear and tear make changes to your roof over time, causing damage that will ultimately result in the need for replacement. Inclement weather such as driving rain, strong winds, hail, ice, and snow can speed up the process of degeneration and weaken your roof, causing potential damage to the interior of your home as well. Knowing what to look for after a weather event will give you valuable insight as to how to best maintain your roof.

Different Types of Damage Sustained by Storms

Roof damage is directly related to the type of weather event causing it. It’s important to understand what various types of damage look like as well as what to do about each incident. The most common types of damage seen on roofs are due to the following weather events.

High Winds

High winds are one of the most common causes of roof damage to both residential and commercial properties. These winds often accompany storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or thunderstorms, and they can cause catastrophic damage to your property. High wind gusts can easily strip shingles and tiles from your roof, rip your gutters out of place, and lead to water damage. If your roof is not in good condition, this damage will make its way into your home’s interior.

Look for flyaway tiles and shingles as well as misplaced flashings and gutters. It’s also important to examine the attic or ceilings upstairs for water damage. Over time, extensive water damage will weaken the structural integrity of your home, so prompt attention and cleanup are necessary. Water damage can also cause mold and mildew buildup, which can cause allergies and respiratory symptoms.

Hail Damage

Hail is an unfortunate byproduct of severe thunderstorms. Ranging in size from that of a pea to nearly softball-sized hail, this icy onslaught can really wreak havoc on your home, causing anything from minor dings to complete holes in your roof.

If you’ve experienced a recent hailstorm, you’re likely to see damage in the form of dings, dents, and breaking of other roof components. Call in a professional insurance adjuster to assess the level of damage and make recommendations for repair or replacement.

Snow and Ice

Snow and ice buildup occurs in the winter months, putting an enormous strain on your roofline. This heavy material is too dense to stay on your roof; in sliding off, it can bring shingles and tiles with it as well as snap off gutters and downspouts on the way down. Keep up with regular removal of ice and snow to avoid damage.

Snow and ice also cause excess moisture from runoff to pool in low-lying areas of your roof, leaving you susceptible to water damage inside and outside your home. Regular removal of the excess moisture will add years to your roofline and protect its structural integrity.

What to Do If You Suspect Storm Damage

Your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover roof damage from circumstances beyond your control, including inclement weather. Every insurance plan has different amounts of coverage; check with your insurance agent to see what you are covered for as well as what portion of the deductible will be your responsibility in the event that you must file a claim.

Speed up the insurance claim process by taking “before” and “after” pictures of your roof. Any time you update your roofline with repairs or replacement, take new “before” photos so that you can prove that you were maintaining your roof before storm damage occurred.

Lastly, call a trusted contractor who can help you navigate the roof repair and roof replacement process and get you back on track. At Big Rock KangaROOF, we are proud to provide our valuable clients in the Little Rock area with roofing solutions that protect and add value to your home. From repairing storm damage to full installation and maintenance plans, we have all of your roofing needs covered. If you suspect you’ve incurred storm damage as a result of a recent weather event, don’t delay. Call us today for an assessment of your roof and property, and we’ll take care of the rest.