Storm Damage - Hail, Wind and Water Damage

Storms are the unannounced but unavoidable guests that pass through in a rage, often leaving a trail of destruction behind. This trail includes damage to roads, power lines, properties, farms, animals and homes. When left unchecked, this can accumulate and lead towards long term damage. Long term storm damage would include everything from roof repair to structural repair and renovations. Regular maintenance and thorough checks must be done after a storm hits, to ensure smaller repairs can be addressed immediately. Roof shingle replacement, gutter guard cleaning or complete roof replacement are areas that can be focused on, if required.

A hailstorm from three years ago can impact roofs and roof systems even without visible damage. Storm damage can have an impact on houses even in the long run if the property is not inspected for damages after a storm. There are various things that homeowners can check and do to avoid this long-term storm damage.

After a storm passes, one of the first things that homeowners should check their roof for is storm damage in the form of cracks and crevices. It is important to understand that while it may appear simple and safe for homeowners to climb the roof and check for damage- it is not the safest idea. Professionals and experienced roofers must be called to assess the damage in a secure and accurate manner. Meanwhile, homeowners can check for leaks in the attic or check with a pair of binoculars, before using a ladder. All checks must be done only after taking the necessary precautions.

How Can Storms Damage My Roof?

Being the most exposed part of the house, the roof is an easy target for all kinds of storm damage - from lightning, hail or snow. Occasional showers do little to no damage to the roof. However, if the intermittent rainfall is preceded by a heavy storm, it could add up to permanently damaging the roof.

Keeping that in mind, it is important for homeowners to know what to check for after a storm. There are different types of potential roof damage that different storms can bring.

Wind Damage:

All severe weather conditions, from tornadoes to lightning storms, hail and snow storms mostly include wind damage to property. While wind by itself can be damaging, a majority of the storm damage is caused by loose debris that may have struck the roof during the storm.

When wind speeds exceed 50 miles per hour or higher, they are then called damaging winds. Winds that come with severe hurricanes and thunderstorms are called straight winds to differentiate them from tornadoes. It is important to take necessary precautions if these winds are mentioned in the news updates about oncoming storms.

Signs of wind damage include missing shingles, visible granule loss, visible water infiltration and loose debris.

Peeling or cracked shingles are at a major risk of being lost in the wind once the speeds exceed 60 miles per hour.
With brand new roofs, it is common to notice some granule loss. The characteristic horizontal loss of granules can typically be seen after a storm. This indicates the loss of the shingle seal. As the shingles flap in the wind and come in contact with other surfaces, granules tend to rub off.
Water leaks through roofs into the attic are one of the first and most prominent signs of wind damage during storms. With the roof integrity being compromised because of the loss of granules and shingles, it allows water to leak into the roof. Attics must be searched for any moisture leaks and to avoid harmful mold or mildew in the future. Subsequently, the affected surfaces and insulation can be replaced.

Water Damage:

It is important to pay keen attention to the smaller leaks in a roof. The smaller leak and pooled moisture have the potential to quickly become something potentially damaging in the long run. It is important to carefully examine the roof for any signs after the storm.

Water damage can happen due to standing moisture that has pooled on the roof or because of torrential rains. Mold, light shining through the beams, sagging areas in the roof, wet stains and exposed seams and slow leaks are signs of water pooling, especially in the attic. Flashing light in areas of water pooling is advised to check for leaks.
Structurally sound roofs are sturdy, straight standing structures. Cracks in the ceiling, a sagging ceiling, crooked or bowing ceilings are all signs of water damage to the roof. Leaky roofs are an indication of deep-rooted storm damage. After safely locating the source of the damage, it is important to call experienced roofers who can then proceed to resolve the issues in the roof.
Other common signs of water damage are clogged rain gutters, rotting wood or peeling paint around skylights, cracked chimney and water stains or mold around the chimney.

Hail and Snow Damage:

The damage that is left by hailstorms can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. These include the wind speed, the size of the hailstones, loose debris around the house and the building materials. Hail is formed during thunderstorms when the temperature drops to or below 32°F. Hailstones are made of ice and are usually 1 to 1.75 inches in diameter. Being dense and compact they leave a greater impact and can punch through solid objects.

Missing shingles, or shingles with cracks are typically signs of hail damage. Often, shingles made of different materials react differently when struck by hail. It is important to understand and identify these differences for timely inspection followed by roof repair.
Clogged gutters must be promptly cleaned out after a storm. Broken or clogged gutters and downspouts can further lead to water damage. Water draining directly into the foot of the building can cause corrosion of the foundation, making the structure unsafe.

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