Roofs are designed to weather the elements, but during a severe storm, your home may be damaged by wind, hail, or debris. This roof damage is not always easy to see. It’s important for homeowners to be able to identify roof damage, so you can quickly restore your home’s privacy, safety, and comfort. If left untreated, your home can suffer structural damage. Learn to spot signs of damage, and contact the experts if you believe you need professional roofing services!
Signs of Moisture in the Attic, Basement, and Crawl Spaces: Storm damage isn't limited to the exterior of your home. Even if your roof appears to be intact, check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces to be sure. Damage that exposes the attic to outside air will raise the level of moisture. You can catch signs of water even before a leak starts to penetrate your ceiling. Check for airflow from outside or a damp, clammy feeling. Mold, wood rot, and leaks can reveal themselves as a musty smell, which can occur as soon as 24-48 hours after a storm.
Warped Rafters in the Attic: Rafters are structural members that support the weight of your roof. They are usually made of wood, and therefore signs of damage will be easy to spot. They should appear straight and have no water damage on any surface. If they appear wet or warped, call a roofer for an inspection right away!
Stains or Cracks on Ceilings or Walls: After any storm, take a close look at your ceilings and the top corners of the walls on the upper story of your home. Look for visible signs of damage such as cracks, wet or brown spots, or sagging in your ceiling. Then check windows and skylights for small dents or cracks. Hail, fallen limbs or branches, and high winds can all warrant the need for repairs. Remember that it is easy to overlook tiny spots, but it's best to address them before they grow into major issues.
Before inspecting the outside of your home for damage, make sure the storm has passed and that it is safe to be outside. If you see electrical hazards, downed power lines, or flooding, keep away from the area and call 911.
Walk around the perimeter of your home. Look for dents in gutters, downspouts, siding, or windows—these can be common signs of wind or hail damage to your roof. Take pictures to document damage (this will come in handy if you have to deal with insurance claims).
Shingles: Check for missing or damaged shingles. On a conventional shingle roof, damage is easy to spot. Look for shingles that are curled, cracked, or entirely missing. Cracks on the surface mean the shingle is structurally weak and could be gone the next time it rains. It only takes one missing shingle to start a leak.
Gutters: Look for rust, rot, or missing or dented sections of your gutters. Functional gutters are crucial to the integrity of your home. If there is water buildup near the base because water isn’t being redirected properly, it can pool next to your home and create mold and damage to the structure.
Roofline: Blistering or peeling paint near the roofline is typically a sign of gradual humidity buildup that results from poor ventilation of the roof and attic. Storms can aggravate and escalate these problems. Also, look at flashing, which seals roof joints, and any visible fasteners like nails or screws that may have come loose.
Document the Damage: Before you touch anything, take multiple photos of damage to any and all areas—both interior and exterior. This documentation will be crucial when you submit your insurance claim.
Safe-Proof Potential Hazards: Cover or board up any windows with shattered or jagged glass. Block off any areas that could be a danger (you could use rope if you don't have safety fencing).
Submit Your Claim: Report damages to your insurance company as soon as possible. Insurance companies generally have a limit for filing claims within a year of damage. Keep track of all conversations, details, and dates in a folder. Submit your photo documentation and any receipts you've incurred along the way (e.g., if the storm made your home uninhabitable and caused you to pay for housing elsewhere).
Schedule an Appointment with the Insurance Adjuster: It is a good idea to get a few estimates from professional roofing experts before you meet with the adjuster so that you have benchmarks for project costs. The insurance company should be the one to arrange the appointment for the adjuster to come to your home and assess roof damage, but be sure to follow up if they don't!
Depending on the extent of the damage, your roofing professional will either suggest roof repair or whole roof replacement. Make sure that any changes to the original estimate are recorded in writing. Before work begins, review the project timeline with your roofer to understand the expected duration and any potential disruptions to your daily life. Confirm that they will handle necessary permits and inspections, and ensure that the roofing materials match your home’s existing style and quality. Once the work is completed, conduct a final walkthrough with your contractor to verify that all repairs meet your satisfaction and that any debris has been cleaned up from your property.
Whether you're looking for a free roofing inspection or ready for roof repair or replacement, you can count on the experts at Team Enoch! We serve Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and other nearby communities. Give Team Enoch a call today if you have any questions about our services or about your project. Don't delay, protect your home today!