Do you live in an area that is prone to severe weather? If so, you know how important it is to have a reliable and sturdy roof over your head. Your roof protects you and your family from the elements, so it’s important to be aware of the potential for storm damage.
While a strong roof can withstand a lot of wear and tear, it’s not immune to damage from severe weather. High winds, hail, and even fallen trees can all cause serious damage to your roof by lifting shingles and causing them to fly off. This can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage and leaks.
Here’s everything you need to know about storm damage and your roof.
How Does Storm Damage Affect Your Roof?
As a homeowner, it’s important to know the potential damage severe storms can cause to your roof. Storms can bring high winds, heavy rains, and flying debris, all of which can wreak havoc on your roof. If you’re unlucky enough to experience storm damage, it’s important to know what to do to minimize the damage and protect your home. The storm damage can include:
1. Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are one of the most common types of storm damage. High winds can cause shingles to blow off your roof, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks and further damage. If you notice any shingles missing after a storm, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible.
2. Damaged Shingles
In addition to missing asphalt shingles, storms can also cause damaged shingles. High winds can lift shingles and cause them to tear or crack. Once again, this leaves your home vulnerable to leaks and further damage. A damaged roof can lead to leaks, which can cause water damage to your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call a professional roofing contractor today.
3. Flashing Damage
Flashing is the metal or plastic strips used to seal around vents, skylights, and chimneys. Storms can cause the flashing to become loose or dislodged, leading to leaks. If you notice any severe damage to your roof’s flashing, it’s important to have it repaired.
4. Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are important in protecting your home from water damage. They help to channel water away from your roof and foundation. However, they can easily become clogged with debris after a storm, leading to water damage. If you notice that your gutters or downspouts are clogged, it’s important to clean them out as soon as possible.
5. Tree Damage
Trees are one of the most common causes of roof storm damage to roofs. High winds can cause trees to fall, which can crush your roof and cause extensive damage. If you have any trees on your property, it’s important to have them inspected after a storm to ensure they are not a danger to your home.
6. Vents and Skylights
Storms can cause damage to vents and skylights, which can lead to leaks. It’s important to inspect these areas after a storm to ensure they are still in good condition.
7. Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common types of storm damage. Heavy rains can cause water to seep into your home through the roof, causing extensive damage.
Some roofs are more vulnerable to storm damage than others. For example, roofs with large trees nearby are more likely to be damaged by falling branches or debris during a storm. Roofs that are not properly maintained or have missing or damaged shingles are also more susceptible to storm damage.
If your roof sustains any damage during a storm, it is important to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in further damage and even collapse.
Wind Damage To Your Roof
Wind damage to your roof can be a serious problem. If you live in an area prone to high winds, it is important to take steps to protect your home from wind damage. You can do several things to help prevent wind damage to your roof.
1. Well-Built Home
One of the best ways to prevent wind damage to your roof is to ensure your home is well-built. If your home is poorly constructed, it can be more susceptible to wind damage. Make sure that your home is properly sealed and insulated. These measures will help keep the wind out and reduce the damage that high winds can cause.
2. Shrubs Trimming
Another way to prevent wind damage to your roof is to keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your home. If trees and shrubs are allowed to grow too close to your home, they can act as sails and catch the wind, which can damage your roof. Trimming these plants back will help to reduce the amount of damage that they can cause.
3. Wind Breaks
For areas prone to high winds, installing windbreaks around your home is also a good idea. Windbreaks can be made from various materials, including concrete, metal, or plastic. Windbreaks will help deflect the wind away from your home and reduce the damage it can cause.
4. Roof Inspection
Finally, it is important to have your home regularly inspected for wind damage. Wind damage can often be repaired before it becomes a serious problem. However, if the damage is severe, it may require the replacement of your roof. If you have your home inspected regularly, you can catch wind damage early and take steps to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.
It’s important to be aware of the potential for wind damage to your roof. High winds can cause shingles to blow off, exposing the underlying roof deck to the elements. This can lead to leaks and further damage. By following these tips, you can help prevent wind damage to your roof and keep your home safe from high winds.
Hail Damage To Your Roof
Hails can cause a lot of damage to your roof. If you live in an area where hail is common, it’s important to know what to look for and how to protect your home.
Hail damage can occur any time of year, but it is most common during the spring and summer. Severe thunderstorms with high winds and large hail can cause significant damage to roofs, gutters, siding, windows, and even cars.
There are three main types of hail damage:
- Denting: It can cause small dents in metal roofs or shingles. These dents are usually not serious and can be repaired easily.
- Bruising: This damage is more serious and can cause shingles to crack or break. Bruising is often accompanied by other damage, such as wind or water damage.
- Piercing: This is the most severe type of hail damage and can result in holes in your roof. If your home has suffered this type of damage, it’s important to get it repaired immediately to prevent further damage.
Homeowners insurance policies often cover hail damage. If you think your home has suffered hail damage, contact your insurance company to file a claim. A professional roofing contractor can inspect your roof and provide an estimate for repairs.
Filing an Insurance Claim For A Damaged Roof
In case of roof damage, the first step is to contact your insurance company. Also, it’s important to contact a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs to ensure that your home is protected from further damage. Storm damage can be extensive and expensive to repair, so it’s important to have adequate insurance coverage in an emergency.
Here are some tips on how to file an insurance claim for a damaged roof:
- Review Your Policy: Make sure you understand what your policy covers and what is excluded. This will help you know what to expect from your insurance company.
- Take Photos: Take photos of the damage before you begin any repair work. This will document the extent of the damage for your insurance company.
- File A Claim: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Be prepared to provide them with information about the damage, photos, and your policy.
- Get Repairs Done: Once your claim is approved, you can get the repairs done. Be sure to keep all receipts and documentation for the work done.
- Follow Up: After the repairs are completed, follow up with your insurance company to ensure they have everything they need to close out your claim.
FAQs
What Should You Look For In A Roof After A Storm?
After a storm, you should check your roof for any damage that may have occurred. It is important to look for missing or damaged shingles and any cracks or holes in the roof. If you find any damage, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How Do You Deal With Roof Damage?
If you have roof damage, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine if your policy covers it. If the damage is covered, they will provide you with a list of approved roofers. Once you have selected a roofer, they will repair the damage and submit a bill to your insurance company for payment.
What Do You Do In The Event Of Storm Damage?
If your home or business sustains storm damage, it is important to take action immediately to prevent further damage. If you suspect that your roof has sustained damage, the first step is to contact a professional roofing contractor. They can assess the damage and determine if repairs or replacements are necessary. Documenting the damage by taking photos or videos of the affected areas is also important.
What Kind Of Roof Damage Is Covered By Insurance?
Insurance policies typically cover damage caused by severe weather events such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. However, checking with your specific policy is important to see what is covered. Most policies will not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or neglect.
What Is Classed As Storm Damage?
Storm damage is typically caused by severe weather conditions such as high winds, hail, or heavy rains. To be covered by insurance, the damage must be caused by an event classified as a storm.
Does Homeowners Cover Ceiling Damage?
Homeowners’ insurance typically covers ceiling damage caused by storms or other covered events. However, check with your specific policy to see what coverage they provide.
How Long Is A Roof Good For?
The average lifespan of a roof is 20-30 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of roof and the environment it is in. For example, a metal roof may last longer in a coastal area than a shingle roof.
Should A Roofer Be Present During The Claims Adjuster Visit?
It is not required that a roofer be present during the claims adjuster visit, but it may be beneficial. Having a roofer present during the inspection can help ensure that all of the damage is properly documented and that you can get the full amount of coverage you are entitled to.
At What Speed Does Wind Cause Damage?
Wind speed is a major factor in determining whether or not wind damage will occur. For example, sustained winds of 47 to 54 mph or more can cause significant damage to roofs.
How Can I Protect My House From Strong Winds?
You can do several things to protect your home from strong winds. These include removing trees and branches that could fall on your home, securing loose items such as patio furniture, and installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows.
What Is The 80% Rule In Insurance?
The 80% rule in insurance states that if the cost to repair or replace damaged property is more than 80% of the home’s total insured value, the insurer will declare the home a total loss and pay out the policy limit.
What Does A Home Inspection Include?
A home inspection includes visually examining the property to look for any existing or potential problems. The inspector will also check for code compliance and ensure that all systems are working properly.
Conclusion
While storm damage can certainly be a cause for concern, it is important to remember that most roofs are designed to withstand severe weather conditions. However, it is always a good idea to have your roof inspected after a storm to ensure that there is no hidden damage. If you find damage, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further issues.
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About the Author: Brian Stilts
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