Need tips on how to spot roof damage after a storm? Maupin Roofing has the answers! Below, we’ve put together an after-storm roof inspection checklist you can use. We’ll also cover topics including the signs of roof damage to look out for, DIY vs. professional roofing repair, how to handle insurance claims, and preventative measures to follow to keep your roof (and your home) extra safe.
1. Do a Visual Check on Your Roof’s Surface
The first thing you should do after the storm passes is look for visible signs of damage. While you won’t be able to spot all roof storm damage from the ground, it’s still an effective way to find some of the bigger signs of problems right away.
What to look for:
Cracked Shingles or Missing Shingles
High winds and rain can do a lot of damage to your shingles. For example, wind-driven rain can lift them, crack them, or even tear them off completely. Check for any spots where your shingles might be missing or out of place. If you see parts of your roof that seem damaged or compromised, it could be a sign of storm damage. This could lead to water entering through the gaps and damaging the roof deck and other roofing materials.
Granules in the Gutter or Yard
Asphalt shingles lose their protective granules as time passes, especially after severe storms. Piles of granules in your gutters, on the driveway, or in the yard are clear indications that you may have damaged shingles. It can also be a sign that your roof’s lifespan might be running short if granule loss happens to be severe.
Sagging Rooflines
If you see parts of your roofline that seem to sag or dip, that could be pointing toward structural damage from water buildup or a deeper issue. This is more likely if you don’t have proper drainage. You might not notice this unless you look closely, so it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.
2. Look Inside the Attic for Water Damage
Your attic can be the first place to show signs of roof damage. If your roof is leaking, it will probably show up here before it drips down to the rest of your home.
What to look for:
Water Stains
The most obvious sign of a leak is a weak stain on your ceiling or attic walls. These stains can be yellowish or brown and may get larger over time. If you find any wet or damp areas, it’s a definite sign of water coming through.
Wet Insulation
Insulation in your attic is designed to keep your home energy-efficient, but when it gets wet, it becomes useless. So if you feel your attic insulation and it’s damp, that’s a sign that water has been infiltrating your roof.
Mold or Mildew
Mold growth in the attic is another common sign of a lingering water problem. It can appear as dark spots on wood beams or insulation. If the humidity in your attic is consistently high or if you smell a musty odor, mold could be the main cause of it.
3. Examine the Roof for Hail Damage
Oklahoma is no stranger to severe weather, including hailstorms. Hail can cause serious damage to your home’s roof, but it isn’t always obvious right away, especially if the hail was small or the damage is more subtle.
What to look for:
Dents or Dings on Shingles
Hail can leave small dents or dings on shingles. Sometimes, the damage is only visible when you get up close to the roof. Look for any areas that look out of place, especially if the shingles appear to be cracked or indented.
Granule Loss
Usually, hailstones knock the granules off asphalt shingles, which leaves them more vulnerable to sun damage and the elements. If you notice a significant amount of granules in your gutters or around your yard, it could be a sign that your roof took a hailstorm hit.
Cracks in Shingles
Cracked shingles due to hail can lead to leaks. Look for any visible damage, such as cracks or splits in your shingles, even if they’re small. These tiny cracks can allow water to seep into your roof and create bigger problems as time passes.
4. Check the Flashing and Seals Around Vents and Chimneys
Flashing serves to seal joints where your roof meets walls, chimneys, vents, and other roof structures. It’s designed to keep water from seeping into those gaps, but after extreme weather, it can easily get bent, cracked, or displaced. It’s best to get damaged flashing replaced immediately to prevent issues.
What to look for:
Loose or Bent Flashing
High winds or hail can cause flashing to become detached or bent out of shape. Check the areas around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations for any flashing that isn’t properly sealed.
Cracked or Broken Seals
The seals around vents, skylights, and chimneys are made of rubber or another flexible material. If these seals get cracked, water can sneak into your home. Look for any areas where the seal looks damaged or compromised.
Rust and Corrosion
Typically, flashing is made of metal. Over the years, it can start to rust or corrode, especially after heavy rain or snow. If you see any rust spots on your flashing, that could mean it’s time for a replacement.
5. Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters are supposed to send water off your roof and away from your home’s foundation. After a storm, damaged or clogged gutters can cause water to back up and wreak havoc on your entire roof and underlying materials. During winter, melting snow can also create ice dams, which are another risk to your home’s roof and structural integrity.
What to look for:
Clogs or Debris in Gutters
After a storm, you’ll often find leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris in your gutters. Clogged gutters can prevent water from flowing properly, which often leads to water backing up onto your roof. Look for debris buildup in your gutters and clear it out as soon as you can.
Sagging or Detached Gutters
High winds, heavy snow, or severe rain can make gutters sag or separate from your house. If your gutters are hanging loosely or appear detached, they won’t be able to channel water properly.
Water Streaks on Your Home’s Exterior
Notice streaks running down the side of your house? It could mean your gutters are overflowing. This is a sign that water is not being directed away from your home as it should.
DIY vs. Pro Roofers: What’s the Best Approach?
Many homeowners think about carrying out necessary repairs for their roof themselves after a storm, especially if the issue isn’t too severe, like shingle damage or minor water leaks. But roof repairs have to be done carefully, because doing it wrong can lead to further damage or create new problems.
It’s one thing to look at your roof from the ground or check out your attic for signs of water intrusion and damage. But getting on your roof to inspect it closely can be dangerous, especially right after a storm. Wet, slippery surfaces, loose shingles, debris brought by heavy winds, and structural damage can make roof work extremely risky without proper equipment and training.
A professional roofing contractor has the tools and experience to inspect your roof safely and thoroughly. Our team at Maupin Roofing can spot issues you might miss and make sure that the repairs are done the right way. Working with pros from the start can help prevent costly repairs due to improper methods or unsuccessful repair attempts.
Insurance Coverage for Roof Damage After a Storm
Storm damage can sometimes be covered by your insurance company. However, it’s worth noting that the insurance claims process can be tricky. Generally, though, here’s what you need to know about most homeowners’ insurance policies:
What’s Usually Covered
Hail damage and wind damage: Most homeowners’ policies cover damage caused by storms, including wind and hail. This usually includes damage to shingles, flashing, and other roof components.
Tree or debris damage: If a tree falls on your roof or heavy debris causes damage to your home, your insurance is likely to cover it.
What’s Not Covered
Wear and tear: Regular wear and tear, like old shingles that are worn out from age, is usually not covered by insurance.
Cosmetic damage: Minor cosmetic damage (e.g., a few missing granules) might not qualify for an insurance claim.
Before filing an insurance claim, it’s best to review your policy first and get in touch with a roofing professional. At Maupin Roofing, we can help document the damage and assist with the claims process.
Preventative Measures to Protect Your Roof
A damaged roof due to extreme weather can actually be avoided with the right steps. Be proactive by doing the following:
Regular inspections: Have your roof inspected at least once a year, especially after major storms.
Trim nearby trees: Trim back any overhanging branches that could fall onto your roof during a storm.
Upgrade to stronger materials: If you’re replacing your old one with a new roof, we recommend using impact-resistant materials that are better at withstanding hail and heavy winds.
Maupin Roofing Provides the Best Services in Oklahoma City
With decades of professional experience in roof repair, maintenance, and installation, we’re your top choice for roofing OKC. We act fast, do things properly, and make sure your roof is back to its best, no matter the material—asphalt shingles, wood shingles, metal roofing—you name it.
Don’t wait. If you think your roof may have been damaged, get in touch with us today.
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