Storms can wreak havoc on your roof, especially with high winds and hail. From minor cosmetic issues to severe damage, it’s essential to know the signs to look for when inspecting your roof after a storm.
Roof inspections help you spot problems early, before they begin causing internal home damage. These checks also protect your roof’s lifespan and proactively prevent expensive repairs.
When storms head through the Metro Atlanta area, you can rely on Fraser Roofing, LLC for professional roof inspections. Although there are some tasks you can handle, a complete roof inspection should be left to qualified professionals. We can help you identify signs that you might miss, which could put your home and family in jeopardy.
Safety Considerations Before Inspection
Roof inspections can be hazardous if you are not well-prepared. Never attempt to inspect your roof during a storm, and always wear non-slip shoes, safety glasses, and gloves when accessing the roof.
Ground Level Roof Inspection
Many Metro Atlanta homeowners rely on binoculars or drones to inspect their roofs from the ground. This provides a close-up view of the roof without requiring a ladder climb. If you don’t have binoculars or a drone, it may be easy to see heavy limbs and other debris that accumulated on the roof during the storm. In addition, you also might be able to see the flashing. Roof flashing often suffers damage from heavy winds, especially if it’s older. You will find flashings around skylights and chimneys. It helps to walk around the perimeter of your home to get a good view of the roof from every angle.
Checking the Roof Up Close
The best way to inspect your roof is to have a professional conduct an inspection. However, some homeowners prefer to check for damage themselves before calling professionals. If you decide to do this, keep safety in mind. Never attempt to climb on your roof if any of the following conditions exist:
- Roofs with a steep pitch
- Damage noticeable from the ground
- Slippery surfaces
- Health issues
- Mobility concerns
In these cases, you should only view the roof from a secured ladder. Whether you’re on the roof or a ladder, look for the following signs of roof damage:
- Shingles: Damage like holes, cracks, and missing pieces
- Tiles: Cracks, pitting, or missing sections
- Metal: Dents, scratches, or chips
- Soft spots: Pooling water or sagging areas
Inspect Your Gutter System
Your home needs a working gutter system to direct water off your roof and safely away from your foundation. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog your gutters after a storm. Cleaning them ensures your roof’s ongoing protection.
You should inspect your gutters for signs of damage, including separation from the roof. Detachment is common after heavy winds and rain. If you notice signs of damage, such as dents or twisted gutter sections, seek professional repairs immediately.
You should also check your gutters and downspouts for shingle granule loss. If you notice a lot of granules, you likely have shingle damage and should schedule a roof inspection. This is also a good time to make sure your downspouts function properly and direct water flow away from your home.
Check Your Attic and Ceilings for Signs of Damage
Your attic and ceilings are the first places that may begin to show signs of hidden roof damage. Look for unusual things, such as a damp attic or sunlight shining through the roof beams. Check to see if your roof insulation is wet and pay attention to any musty odors.
Water stains, drips, and wet spots on ceilings indicate that your roof is experiencing problems. Storm damage can create slow leaks, so you may not notice them immediately. Pay attention to these areas over the coming days to ensure that no water seeps in.
Special Considerations by Storm Type
Storms behave differently and can produce various types of storm damage. Understanding how different types of storms can impact your roof can help you prepare.
High Winds
Wind can damage any roof, but shingled roofs are most vulnerable. Wind ranging from 50 to 60 mph can lift shingles and cause them to separate or blow away.
Hail
Hail can damage every roofing material. It will bruise asphalt shingles, crack tiles, and dent metal roofing.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain does not cause damage in the way you might think. It usually impacts previously damaged or aging roofs the most. It can lead to pooling water, clogged gutters, and accelerated wear and tear.
Snow and Ice
Ice dams, the added weight of heavy snow, and frozen gutters can all compromise your roof. Homes in the south are not immune to winter weather damage.
Documenting and Reporting Damage
If you have homeowner’s insurance, your provider will need documentation and a report before paying on your claim. Prepare detailed notes of any damage noticed during your inspection. It also helps to take pictures and record videos of the storm’s aftermath and damage. Keep a written log of your observations, along with the dates, and contact your insurance provider immediately.
When to Call a Professional Roofer
Without a professional roof inspection, you may not be aware of the full extent of the damage. Our skilled roofers have years of experience and specialized tools that allow us to find hidden damage.
You will need a certified roof inspection to file an insurance claim and to protect your roof warranty. While it’s fine to perform a safe DIY check, it cannot replace a professional inspection. Balancing the two can help ensure the protection of your home and family.
Severe Storms Require Quick Action
After a storm, most people check the yard for fallen branches or look for water in the basement, but the roof often gets overlooked. The truth is, even a short burst of heavy rain or a strong wind gust can loosen shingles or leave behind tiny leaks that you will not notice until they get worse.
Scheduling a professional inspection gives you peace of mind and helps you understand the actual condition of your roof. Fixing minor problems promptly is far easier and less expensive than waiting until the damage escalates into something that necessitates a complete roof replacement. Neglecting your roof after a storm puts it in greater danger of damage during the next one that hits the Metro Atlanta area.
In addition to roof inspections after a storm, you also need them at least once a year. An annual roof inspection should be part of your home maintenance plan to keep your roof in good shape.
Fraser Roofing, LLC is a trusted roofing company in the Metro Atlanta area. With nearly two decades of experience, skilled roofers, and advanced tools and equipment, we handle all types of roof damage. Regular roof inspections help extend the lifespan of your roof.
Allow us to take care of all your roofing needs. Schedule your roof inspection with Fraser Roofing, LLC in Metro Atlanta today!
