Springtime in the US brings with it extreme weather across the country. From spring thaws in the north to extreme winds in the south and everything in between, the harsh weather conditions can wreak havoc on your roof and the exterior of your home. Having a plan in place for these weather events can help protect your property and catch any damage as soon as it happens.


Common Storm Damage to Roofs


Wind Damage

Wind damage is the most common type of storm damage that affects roofs. High winds can damage all parts of your roof. Most commonly, wind causes shingles to lift, curl, or tear, leaving the structural and waterproofing parts of the roof exposed to the elements, particularly rain.

Debris
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Wind and other severe weather can cause indirect damage to a roof as well. Severe storms can result in everything from small branches to large limbs falling onto the roof. This can damage the shingles and even punch holes in the roof, leaving the roof and attic beneath susceptible to water damage.

Standing Water

Sometimes a roof is built without the drainage necessary for big rainstorms. This can cause pooling water on the roof, which will eventually penetrate the underlayment, ruining the roof deck with water damage. Pooling of water can also be caused by clogged and backed-up gutters.

Hail Damage


Hailstorms are mercifully short most of the time, but they can cause big damage in their short tenure. Depending on the size of the hail, it can leave behind dents and pockmarks in the shingles, knocking loose the granules that protect against sun and rain damage. In addition to being bad for the structure of the roof, the damage left by hailstorms is unsightly and can ruin the aesthetic of your home.

After the Storm

1. Self-Inspect
Keeping in mind that safety always comes first, take a minute to do a cursory, self-inspection of your property after a storm.Take note of anything that looks out of place: missing or damaged shingles, damaged siding and gutters, excessive granules from the downspout, branches and other debris on the roof.

2. Schedule Professional Inspection
Even if you didn’t think the damage looked too bad, it doesn’t hurt to call for a professional inspection.Most roofing contractors offer a free inspection to assess what kind and how much damage was done from a storm.Having expert eyes on the scene will help you determine if it’s worth filing an insurance claim or not.

3. Call Your Insurance Company
If the damage is quite obviously severe or your inspection determined you should file a claim, contact your insurance company right away to get started.They will send out an adjuster to assess the damage and determine whether you do have a legitimate claim.

4. Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
When it comes time to repair your roof, hire a professional contractor that is versed in insurance. Your contractor will be able to repair or replace your roof and work directly with your insurance company to do so.

With spring in full swing, storms of all kinds are inevitable across the country. Whether you’re dealing with dust storms in the southwest or squall lines out east, being prepared for the aftermath can keep things streamlined and your property protected.