When that big storm passes through your neck of the woods, your roof absorbs the force of nature’s wrath. Your roof is subject to high winds, pounding rains, hail, and flying material, and if you have a shingle roofing repair, it is particularly at risk. Being aware of the storm damage signs and what to do after the damage occurs is very important to prevent damage to your home and save you money in the long run.
In this article, we will analyze how storm damage affects shingle roofs and walk you through what to do next, including when to call in the professionals like cjservicess for expert assistance.
The Effect of Storm Damage on Shingle Roofs
1. Wind Damage
High winds are among the most prevalent reasons for roof problems following a storm. Shingles are made to flatten out and overlap such that they repel water, but extreme winds will lift or remove them entirely. The water-tight seal is broken once a shingle is displaced, leaving your roof open to leaks.
- Indications of damage caused by the wind are:
- Missing shingles
- Shingle edges creased or curled over
- Loss of granules (appears as exposed patches)
Even a small number of raised shingles may allow water in, leading to rot, mold, and later structural damage.
2. Hail Damage
Hail may be sneaky. Although you may not notice holes, impact force may bruise shingles and dislodge protective granules that repel UV radiation and water.
Check for:
- Small circular dents or dimples
- Patches of discoloration
- Shiny or exposed areas where granules are lost
- Left unchecked, hail damage will reduce the life of your shingles and make leaks more likely.
3. Heavy Rain and Water Infiltration
Extended rain may not necessarily kill shingles outright, but if your roof has existing vulnerabilities or missing shingle roofing repair, water will seep in. Water infiltration can result in:
- Interior ceiling stains
- Mold growth in attics or walls
- Rotting wood and insulation
- Even if no exterior damage is apparent, a storm may leave moisture stuck in the roof system.
4. Falling Debris
Debris, such as branches and trees, can perforate your roof or even remove shingles. If a big branch falls on your roof, don’t think everything’s okay just because there’s no opening. Impact tends to create internal structural problems.
What to Do After a Storm Strikes
Step 1: Check the Damage (Carefully)
Once the storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, perform a visual inspection from the ground:
- Look for missing or crooked shingles.
- Check for debris or tree limbs on your roof.
- Examine gutters and downspouts for granule buildup.
Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself—it’s dangerous, especially after a storm. Instead, take photos of visible damage to document everything for insurance purposes.
Step 2: Check Indoors for Signs of Leaks
Water damage within your home can be an obvious indicator of a roof breach. Be on the lookout for:
- Stains on walls or ceilings
- Damp areas in your attic
- Mildew or mold odors
- Even small water damage must not be overlooked, as it may quickly spread.
Step 3: Call a Professional for a Complete Inspection
While some damage may be obvious, others might be hidden beneath the surface. A professional roofer can conduct a thorough inspection and assess the full extent of the storm’s impact.
This is where cjservicess is needed. With years of experience in shingle roofing repair, their crew knows what to look for and how to deal with all degrees of storm damage. They can also help with insurance claims, with detailed reports and estimates to make the process easier.
Step 4: Make Temporary Repairs if Necessary
If you can’t get professional assistance right away, temporary repairs might keep the damage from getting worse:
- Use a tarp to cover open areas.
- Position buckets under leaks within your home.
- Remove debris from gutters to avoid water accumulation.
- These temporary repairs won’t last forever, but they can hold you over until assistance arrives.
Step 5: Repair or Replace Damaged Shingles
After your roofer has evaluated the damage, they will suggest repairing specific shingles or areas of your roof. In more extreme damage, a complete roof replacement might be called for.
Shingle roofing repair is usually the affordable choice for localized damage. The professionals at cjservicess employ premium materials to match your current roof and provide an unbroken, long-lasting finish.
- Preventing Future Damage
- Although you cannot prevent storms, you can have your roof prepare for them for the future.
- Schedule consistent roof inspections (particularly prior to storm season).
- Trim tree limbs that hang too low.
- Replace old or weakened shingles.
- Maintain clear gutters and secure them firmly.
Having an experienced contractor like cjservicess maintain your roof prevents issues from taking hold in the first place. Their proactive repairs catch problems in their infancy to avoid costly replacement down the road.
Final Thoughts
Storms will devastate a shingle roofing repair, but speedy response and proper care can do wonders. Wind-blown shingles, hail damage and water penetration, your roof requires work after each serious weather event.
