After the Storm: A Homeowner’s Guide to a Storm Damaged Roof
The sound of a severe storm passing is often replaced by a new worry for homeowners: is my roof okay? In North Carolina, this is a familiar feeling. A storm damaged roof can range from a few missing shingles to catastrophic failure, and the aftermath can be stressful and confusing. Knowing what to look for and what steps to take immediately after a storm is critical to protecting your home from further damage.
Acting quickly is key, but it’s equally important to act correctly. This guide will walk you through how to identify storm damage, the steps to take to secure your property, and how to navigate the repair and insurance process. We’ll also cover why North Carolina’s weather makes our roofs particularly vulnerable.
Identifying a Storm Damaged Roof: What to Look For
After a storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, one of the first things you should do is a visual inspection of your roof and property. Some damage is obvious, but other types can be subtle.
1. Wind Damage
High winds are a primary cause of storm damage, especially to asphalt shingle roofs. Wind doesn’t just rip shingles off; it can lift them, breaking the sealant strip that bonds them together.
- Missing Shingles: Look for shingles on the ground around your home. Any bare spots on your roof are immediate entry points for water.
- Creased or Lifted Shingles: From the ground, you might see shingles that look bent, curled, or lifted. This indicates that the protective seal has been broken, making them highly susceptible to being torn off in the next storm.
- Damaged Flashing: Check the metal strips around your chimney, vents, and skylights. Wind can loosen or bend this flashing, creating a direct path for leaks.
2. Hail Damage
Hail can be incredibly destructive to a roof. The damage it causes is not always as obvious as missing shingles, but it can severely shorten your roof’s lifespan.
- Dents and Dings: Look for dents on gutters, downspouts, and metal flashing. If you see damage on these metal components, your shingles are almost certainly damaged as well.
- Bruising on Shingles: Hail impacts look like dark, circular “bruises” where the protective granules have been knocked off. This exposes the underlying asphalt to UV rays, causing it to deteriorate rapidly.
- Cracked Shingles: Large hailstones can crack shingles, especially on older, more brittle roofs. These cracks can be difficult to see from the ground.
3. Debris and Water Damage
The most immediate threat from a storm is often from falling debris and the resulting water intrusion.
- Fallen Limbs or Trees: Any impact from a large object can cause significant structural damage to your roof’s decking and supports, even if it doesn’t create an obvious hole.
- Water Stains in the Attic or on Ceilings: After a storm, check your attic for any signs of moisture, dark stains on the wood, or wet insulation. This is the clearest sign that your roof’s defenses have been breached.
The Critical Importance of Timely Action in North Carolina
In many parts of the country, a small roof issue might wait a week or two. In North Carolina, that’s a risk you can’t afford to take. Our climate can turn a minor problem from a storm damaged roof into a major catastrophe in a matter of days.
The Challenge of Consecutive Storms
North Carolina’s storm season, particularly during the summer and fall, often brings systems in quick succession. A roof weakened by one storm is extremely vulnerable to the next. A few lifted shingles can be torn off completely by the next thunderstorm, leading to widespread water damage. Procrastinating on repairs means you’re gambling against the next weather forecast.
Humidity and the Threat of Mold
Our state’s high humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for mold. When water enters your attic through a storm-damaged area, it doesn’t just sit there; it creates a damp, dark environment where mold can begin to grow in as little as 24-48 hours. Once established, mold can ruin insulation, drywall, and wooden structures, and remediation is a costly and complex process.
Navigating the Insurance Claim Window
Most insurance policies have a time limit for filing a claim after a storm occurs. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to get the coverage you’re entitled to. The sooner you have your roof inspected and the damage documented, the smoother your insurance claim process will be.
Steps to Take After You Discover Storm Damage
- Prioritize Safety: First and foremost, do not climb on your roof, especially when it’s wet. Leave the close-up inspection to professionals who have the proper safety equipment.
- Document Everything: Take clear photos and videos of all the damage you can see from the ground, as well as any leaks or water stains inside your home. This documentation will be essential for your insurance claim.
- Perform Emergency Tarping: If you have an active leak, you need to prevent further water from entering your home. A professional roofer can quickly and safely install a tarp over the damaged area as a temporary fix. This is a critical step that also shows your insurance company you are mitigating further damage.
- Call a Reputable Local Roofing Contractor: This is your most important call. A trusted local roofer can perform a thorough inspection, provide professional documentation of all damage (including what you can’t see from the ground), and give you a detailed estimate for repairs.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: With your roofer’s inspection report in hand, you can now file your claim. Your contractor’s detailed assessment will be invaluable in ensuring the insurance adjuster understands the full scope of the damage.
Choosing a Contractor and Working with Insurance
After a major storm, “storm-chasing” roofing companies from out of state often flood affected areas. They may offer deals that seem too good to be true, but they often deliver subpar work and disappear when problems arise.
- Choose Local: Always work with a licensed and insured local company with a permanent address and a proven track record in your community. A local contractor like Carolina Professional Roof Systems understands North Carolina’s building codes and weather challenges.
- Check Reviews and References: Look for a company with strong online reviews and ask for references from past customers.
- Get a Detailed Estimate: Your contractor should provide a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the cost of materials and labor. Be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign a contract on the spot.
- Let Your Roofer Meet the Adjuster: A good roofer will offer to be present when your insurance adjuster inspects the roof. They can point out damage the adjuster might otherwise miss and ensure the scope of work is accurate.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Home Today
A storm damaged roof is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. By taking swift, smart action, you can protect your home from further harm, navigate the insurance process effectively, and restore the safety and security of your property. The investment in a prompt, professional inspection is your best defense against the long-term consequences of storm damage.
The Roof Contractor You Can Count On
Carolina Professional Roof Systems is a local, fully insured contractor with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and consistent 5-star Google reviews.
Our Service Areas
We are proud to serve properties throughout North Carolina, including:
Charlotte
Greensboro
Winston-Salem
Raleigh
Durham
And surrounding communities
Contact Carolina Professional Roof Systems for reliable and professional roof installation & roof restoration services from a family-owned roof service company. We are here to help protect your investment.
If you suspect your roof was damaged in a recent storm, contact Carolina Professional Roof Systems today for an immediate, comprehensive inspection and a free, no-obligation estimate.