5 Signs of Storm Damage to Your Roof

The roof over your head protects you from the elements and helps create a controlled, comfortable environment in your home. Unfortunately, just one severe storm can do serious damage to a roof, especially an aging one.

Here are five signs that a recent storm has caused damage to your roof. If you spot any of these issues, be sure to contact a professional roof repair company as soon as possible. Your homeowner's insurance may cover storm damage, so don’t wait to file your claim!

Missing Shingles

This is probably the clearest sign of storm damage to your roof. When shingles are missing, it exposes your home to the elements. Water can leak, causing damage to your floorboards, insulation, and even electrical wiring.

Hail Storm

Hail storms can cause a great amount of damage to houses, cars, and outdoor appliances. The indentations left after the impact of hail can cause shingles to crack, providing a way for water to seep into the roof of your house.

If a hail storm occurs in your neighborhood, it’s best to call a roofing expert for a thorough inspection. If your insurance policy covers hail damage, it may also require you to file a claim within a certain time period after the storm occurred.

Increased Energy Bills

A damaged roof exposes your house to the elements, which can quickly lead to damaged and wet insulation. Damaged insulation then lowers the energy efficiency of your home, leading to higher energy bills.

If you notice a spike in energy bills after a nasty storm, it’s a good idea to contact a roofing or siding expert.

Loose Granules or Balding Shingles

Granules on shingles help prevent sun and water damage to your roof. Granules naturally dissolve over time, but a severe storm can expedite that process.

If you notice bits of sand or granules around your property or if your gutters become clogged, the storm may have had a heavy impact on the health of your shingles.

Water Pooling During or After a Storm

Heavy rain can lead to water seeping into areas of your roof. Clogged gutters may also aid in this process, causing damage to your roof’s support structure. This symptom will show in the form of puddling (or ponding) on certain areas of your roof, which in turn can lead to the aforementioned water damage inside your home.

Loose or Exposed Flashing

During a storm, high winds can loosen or lift flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Try to spot any exposed flashing from the ground before getting out a ladder.

Leaks in Your Attic

After a major storm, it’s a good idea to check your attic for signs of leaks. If you notice water dripping or light streams coming from outside, you probably have a hole or leak. Check for damp spots on your insulation as well. If you fail to address a leak in your attic, you could have a mold problem, which is even more expensive to treat.

Water Stains or Bubbling Paint

Another way to tell if your roof has a leak is to inspect the rest of your home. Check the walls and ceiling for water stains or bubbling paint. If you have wallpaper, you will notice that it, too, will bubble when exposed to a water leak.

If you have a water leak, take steps to contain the leak. Move items out of the way and put a bucket or bowl under the leak to catch the water. Document the damage with pictures for your insurance company. You can also tarp your roof if you feel safe enough doing so. However, it is only a temporary fix until you can call a roofing company. 

Gutter and Downspout Damage

Since your gutters are an important part of your roofing system, any damage to your gutters or downspouts could pose problems during future storms. Sometimes, storms can cause your gutters to bend, dent, or come away from the house. Check for damaged or detached gutters around the exterior of your home.

When the weather is nicer, be sure to check your gutter and perform routine gutter maintenance to ensure they can last through Minnesota’s toughest storms.

Sagging or Warping Roof

You probably know what your roof line is supposed to look like, so if you check it after a storm and it doesn’t look quite right, you might have structural damage. If it looks like your roof is sagging or warping, call a professional roofing company right away to inspect your roof. This is important for your family’s safety.

Fallen Tree Limbs

If a tree limb falls on your house, call 911 right away. You should also call a professional roofing company. You’ll also want to call your insurance company and give them a heads-up about the damage. If you can safely get pictures, snap a few for documentation later. Don’t try to remove the limb, as it might be unsafe, particularly if it's touching electrical wires.

Trust Your Local Roofing Experts After a Storm

If you’ve experienced any of the above following a storm, Timberline Roofing & Contracting is here for you! With over 20 years of experience in roof restoration throughout the Twin Cities area, our team is ready to take on any type of storm damage to your Midwest home.

We even offer insurance assistance so you won’t have to deal with the headache of navigating your policy, setting up an inspection with your adjuster, and filing your claim.

Request a free quote online, or call us at 612-284-5389 for fast help today!