Roofs are designed to withstand harsh elements, but sometimes a heavy storm can win the battle against your roof. Although we all hope storm damage never occurs, it is essential to have a solid plan on what to do if a violent storm damages your roof. You’ll want to have contacts of a reliable local roofer handy to ensure someone can respond quickly whenever a storm ruins your roof.

Signs of Storm Damage

Here are a few signs your roof has suffered storm damage and requires immediate replacement:

Wind Damage

Missing shingles are often the first sign of storm damage. Have your roofer inspect the entire roof for damaged or missing flashing since they are the most vulnerable spots for roof leaks. Other signs of wind damage may not be easy to spot, which is why it’s best to contact a professional to assess your roof. If you notice thin horizontal lines over the shingles, it indicates granules have worn off, and the shingle seal could be broken. 

Hail Damage

Hail storms can bruise your shingles and cause an indent on the shingles. If you notice a distinct pattern of tiny round-shaped divots on the edges of your shingles or dented flashings, your roof may need replacement. An experienced roofer may also look out for repeated round spots all over your roof and flashings.

Falling Debris

Violent storms can also cause trees and other debris to fall on your roof, causing cracks in your shingles and eventually leading to leaks. If you notice debris lying on your roof after a storm, be sure to call a professional roofer to assess the entire roof for damage and schedule a prompt replacement. 

Other signs of storm damage that could call for a roof replacement include:

• Missing shingles 
• Granule buildup in your gutters
• Dings and dents in shingles due to hail damage
• Missing flashing along skylights, chimneys, and vents
• Loose or peeling sealant along roof penetration points
• Water damage in the ceiling and the attic 

Sometimes, the signs of storm damage aren’t so obvious, so it’s critical to call in a professional roofing contractor. Depending on the extent of damage, your roofer will advise whether or not to file an insurance claim to cover the replacement cost. Generally, your homeowner’s insurance covers the cost of roof replacement if your roof is damaged by a sudden and accidental incident such as fire, theft, or vandalism. It also protects you against extreme weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, windstorms, hailstorms, and heavy rains.

When filing your claim, be sure to document the damage. Keep receipts for any work done on your home. However, remember you will need to pay your policy deductible before your insurance kicks in. Review your policy details to understand how much your deductible is and what incidents your policy covers.

Did a Storm Damage your Roof?

If you suspect a raging storm might have damaged your roof, it is vital to have it inspected as soon as possible. At Texas Traditions, we have years of experience repairing and replacing roofs in the Georgetown, Texas area. Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection. Depending on the extent of damage and your policy deductible, we can help you file an insurance claim to cover your roof replacement cost.