5 minAre you looking for a storm damage roof inspection?
But aren’t sure how necessary it is or what it could possibly help?
Here’s why you might want one! Also – what a great inspection looks like, and how you can understand how to look for storm damage yourself.
Circumstances That Call for the Inspection
A post-storm roof inspection is necessary for most, but not all, circumstances. Below are circumstances that call for a post-storm roof inspection.
Visible Roof Damage
Not all roof damages are visible. You should suspect hidden damage if you can see signs of damage. For example, you should suspect damage if you can see:
- Roof debris in the gutter or around the house
- Discolorations on the ceiling
- Cracks or sagging roof sections
In such a case, contact a roofing contractor to inspect the roof and diagnose the damage’s extent.
Severe or Dangerous Storm
The nature and severity of the storm determine the risk of roof damage. For one, all strong storms cause roof damage. Thus, you should always inspect the roof after a strong storm. A moderate hailstorm is more likely to damage the roof than a moderate windstorm. Thus, inspections after hailstorms are always necessary.
Damage to Neighboring Houses
If your neighbor’s houses have suffered storm damage, then chances are that your house has also suffered damage. Multiple damaged houses in the neighborhood mean that the storm was strong, and storm strength determines damage risk.
Aging Roof
Roofing structures and materials deteriorate and weaken over time. The age-related deterioration is one of the reasons all roofing systems have finite lifespans. Thus, aging roofs require inspections after relatively minor storms that are unlikely to damage newer roofs.
What is considered storm damage to roof?
Storm damage isn’t just the obvious big stuff:
- Shingles blown off
- Big damage that is visually obvious from the ground.
- Ripped shingles
It also can include hail hits that are small and not obvious at first:
- The granules are what protects the underlying asphalt shingle.
- When the granules are gone, the sun quickly damages the structural integrity of the shingle.
- This can cause leaks and blistering in the shingle.
What should you look for in a roof after a storm?
Marks that indicate that the shingle was hit by hail. Bent or blown off shingles. Other obvious damage to the integrity of the shingles. Dings, or hits on the roof vents. Chalk can be used to indicate or reveal damage during storm damage roof inspection.
Dealing With The Threat of Weather: When to Get A Storm Damage Inspection
Weather is one of the biggest threats to your roof’s integrity. For example, a severe storm can crack shingles, drive rain through the roof, or even rip off your roof. Post-storm roof inspections can help you identify and rectify such damages. Below are specific benefits and circumstances that call for a post-storm roof inspection.
Post-storm roof inspections have numerous benefits.
Below are some reasons for the inspection.
Initiate Prompt Repairs
The sooner you diagnose your roof’s damage, the sooner you repair it. The post-storm inspection is part of the diagnosis. Prompt repair is necessary to minimize the associated costs and get your choice of a roofing contractor before others book them.
Enhance Your Safety and Health
A storm-damaged roof is dangerous in multiple ways. For example, the roof may allow water into the house and trigger mold growth or electrical damage. The roof may also collapse the next time an extreme storm hits it. These damages are rare with prompt repair, but their risks increase with repair delays.
Prevent Further Damage
Even moderate storms cause some roof damage. For example, a moderate hailstorm can dent your roof and strip granules from asphalt shingles. Subsequent storms and radiation from the sun will affect the damaged roof more than they would a sound roof. Prompt repairs prevent such accelerated damages.
Initiate the Insurance Process
Your insurance company requires evidence of storm damage and repair quotes from several roofing contractors before initiating the claim process. A post-storm roof inspection can help you fulfill the requirements. The roofing contractor you choose for the roof inspection can even help you process the insurance claim.
How do I get a storm damage roof replacement inspection?
If you want to get a storm damage inspection, we strongly suggest working with a licensed, insured, and highly-rated local roofing contractor.
You should get your roof inspected if it has suffered storm damage recently, or even in the past. For one, storm damage is not always instantaneous. Storm damage accumulates over time before suddenly overwhelming the roof. Secondly, past storm damage means your roof is not as storm-resistant as you would like, even if the past storms that damaged the roof weren’t severe.
If you feel it’s time for a storm damage inspection, contact Tectum Roofing today.
Tectum Roofing has over a decade of experience in the roofing industry. We promise you a thorough post-storm damage roof replacement inspection. We will also help you claim insurance compensation and fix the roof.
