Shelter In A Storm: What To Know About Roof Damage After A Storm

16 May 2023

Storms can cause a great deal of damage to a home and particularly a roof. If a recent storm has left you with roof damage, you will need to speak to a professional roofer to learn more about the condition of your roof. Read below for an idea of what can happen to cause your roof to need a replacement or repair after a storm. 

Storm Damage: What to Expect

Various types of storm damage can occur to a roof, including:

• Wind Damage: High winds can lift and remove shingles, leaving the underlayment and roof deck exposed to the elements.
• Hail Damage: Hail can cause dents or cracks in shingles, dislodging the protective granules and leaving the shingles vulnerable to water damage.
• Heavy Rain: Heavy rain can cause leaks and water damage to the roof, particularly if there are any existing vulnerabilities such as missing or damaged shingles or inadequate flashing.
• Falling Debris: Strong winds or heavy rains can cause debris such as tree branches or other objects to fall on the roof, causing damage to shingles or even puncturing the roof.
• Ice Damage: In colder climates, ice dams can form on the roof, causing water to back up under the shingles and damage the roof structure.

Making Roof Repairs

To repair storm damage to a roof, it is important to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs. The repairs may include:

• Shingle Replacement: If there are missing or damaged shingles, they will need to be replaced to prevent further water damage.
• Flashing Replacement: If the flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights is damaged, it will need to be replaced to prevent leaks.
• Roof Deck Repair: If the roof deck has been damaged by water or fallen debris, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
• Gutter Repair: Gutters can become damaged during a storm and may need to be repaired or replaced to prevent water damage to the roof or foundation.
• Ice Dam Removal: In colder climates, ice dams may need to be removed to prevent water from backing up under the shingles and causing damage.

Have storm damage to a roof assessed by a qualified roofing contractor. It is also important to address any storm damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the roof and the underlying structure of the home. Contact a company like Dana Logsdon Roofing for more information.