The roof of your home is designed to protect you from the elements – rain, hail, snow, and wind. Even the strongest, most well-maintained roofs can be damaged by a storm.
Knowing how to identify storm damage allows you to quickly make roof repairs and maintain the structural integrity of your property.

Know When and How to Identify Roof Damage

Roof damage may not produce a drip or leak, which means the leak may go undetected causing long-term, costly damage to your roof and home. The best way to detect roof damage after a storm is to call a professional roofing contractor and schedule a roof inspection. Many companies, including Preferred Roofing Supply, offer free 15-minute roof inspections. It is always advisable to have your roof inspected following bad weather to address potential issues before they become a major problem.

Your home is a valuable investment, and the roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. We invite you to take a few minutes and learn how to detect roof damage so you can extend the life of your roof and protect your investment.

1.    Shingles that are missing or damaged

Asphalt shingle roofing material is popular because it is inexpensive, comes in a variety of colors, and complements a wide range of home types. On the other hand, asphalt shingles can blow off, shatter, or become damaged in other ways during wind and hailstorms. If you have damaged shingles, hire a professional roofing contractor to make repairs. Having repairs done correctly ensures the integrity of your roof.

2.    Shingles with Dimples

This type of storm damage occurs after a hail storm. Because dimpling might be difficult to observe from the ground, roofers recommend scheduling a roof inspection after a hailstorm. Storm damage is typically covered by most insurance policies. The sooner you notice hail damage to your roof, the sooner you can get repairs.

3.    Attic Insulation

Your attic insulation should always be dry. If you notice water stains on your ceiling and wet insulation after a storm, you may have a damaged roof.

First, ensure that no pipes in the area have burst or developed leaks. If the pipes are in good condition or if there is no piping in your attic, it is safe to presume you have a roof leak.

4.    Discoloration on the Ceiling

Did the discoloration appear on your ceiling after a storm? Have a roofer look this over. There could be a hole in the roof, but it could also be due to missing flashing around a vent or skylight.

5.   Leaking Gutters

Who thought leaking gutters might be a source of roofing issues? Your local roofing contractor understands that leaking gutters can have major consequences for the integrity of your roof. If your gutters are leaking, it could be because they are overflowing with debris and are beginning to pull away from the roof structure. Get this fixed right away!

6.    Chimney Leaks

Is there water in your fireplace? Chimneys allow smoke to escape and prevent water from entering your home. Your chimney is an integral part of your roofing system. If water enters the fireplace after a storm, the flashing surrounding the chimney may be damaged and must be replaced as soon as possible.

7.    High Utility Bills

Most people are unaware they have a storm-damaged roof until their energy costs begin to rise. A recent storm may have caused damage that you can’t see. However, the undetected storm damage to your roof is bad enough that you’re losing energy.

Storm damage does not have to be expensive to repair or necessitate a complete roof replacement. It does, however, necessitate your attention. The sooner you notice that your roof has been damaged, the better. If you think your roof may be damaged due to storms or severe weather in your area, call Preferred Roofing Supply today and schedule a free 15-minute roof inspection.

Visit our website for a location near you. We are Atlanta’s trusted roofing supply company and if there is anything we can do to serve you, we are just a phone call away!