How to Spot Roof Storm Damage

No matter the time of year, encountering rough weather in Nebraska is inevitable. From tornados, heavy rain, strong winds, hailstorms, and blizzards, the ever-changing weather in Nebraska can wreak havoc on your roof and other exterior home surfaces. Fall, just like any other season, has its hazards. How do you identify damage and what should you do after a major storm? Browse this guide to understand the types of roofs and exterior storm damage and learn what steps you should take to spot roof storm damage.

Types of roof storm damage

Wind

Severe storms can bring sudden, sharp gusts of wind that can lift and curl shingles from your roof. When shingles are installed, they’re purposefully overlapped to create a water-tight seal, and this lifting and curling can break this seal. This could potentially leave your roof vulnerable to damage from wind-driven rain.

Hail

While hail storms tend to be relatively short, the effects of a hail storm can leave dents or pockmarks in shingles and knock shingle granules loose. These granules are meant to help protect your roof against rain and sun damage, so deterioration of these granules could be problematic. Hail damage also ruins the aesthetic and curb appeal of your roof’s surface.

Standing Water

A roof without proper drainage can experience problems with standing water after big rainstorms, especially in uneven areas. Clogged gutters can also allow backed-up rainwater underneath your shingles, which allows moisture to potentially penetrate the roof deck or underlayment.

Debris

Depending on the severity of the storm, debris can accumulate on the top of your roof, everything from small branches to large tree limbs. These larger objects can dent or impact the surface of shingles, which leaves that area of the roof vulnerable to moisture intrusion, whereas lighter branches may not be as big of a problem.

Roof storm damage assessment

Roof: Visually assess your roof by walking around the perimeter of your home and taking note of any visible storm damage. You may also have a good view of parts of your roof from windows inside your home. Make sure to keep a list of notes and/or pictures for insurance purposes. Any visible forms of damage such as dented, torn, curled, or missing shingles should be documented.

Gutters, Vents & Windows: Check for dents on your home’s gutters and roofing accessories, such as gable vents and other overhangs. Windows should be inspected for cracks, broken glass, loose weather-stripping, and torn screens.

Outside Areas: Take a walk around your home’s exterior and look for fallen tree limbs, missing fence posts, or damage to outdoor furniture. Flat surfaces, such as decks and patios, should be inspected for hail damage.

Attic & Ceilings: Observe these areas for signs of leaks and water spots. While your home’s roof may appear undamaged on the exterior, wind and hail can cause leaks that may go unnoticed and lead to bigger issues down the road. Ceilings, light fixtures, and your attic should be inspected for water leaks and spots.

Hire a dependable, trusted contractor

It is important to schedule and conduct a roof inspection with a trusted, professional Omaha roofing contractor. Siefken Contracting has years of industry experience to bring to every customer. Siefken also offers a free inspection to assess damage after a storm and repair the damage with high-quality materials.

Call your homeowners insurance provider

If you find significant damage to your home after a storm, it is essential to involve your homeowners’ insurance provider right away so you are able to properly file a claim based on their requirements. You can then work with your agent to file a claim for adequate compensation based on your notes and photographs from your roof storm damage assessment. The company may also send their own assessor or inspector to your home to thoroughly evaluate the damage your home sustained.

If your home has sustained roof storm damage, contact the Omaha exterior professionals at Siefken Contracting to help you figure out your next steps.