Key Takeaways:
- Storms can cause significant damage to roofs, and homeowners should inspect their roofs after severe weather events.
- Post-storm roof damage can be caused by high winds, hail, heavy rain, or any other conditions that come with inclement weather.
- Suppose you leave it unaddressed due to a lack of understanding or not recognizing the danger signs. This could lead to water leaks inside your home, mold growth, and even void insurance claims.
- Homeowners should look out for shingle damage; leaks around corners/windows/walls; loose flashing around chimneys/vents/skylights; clogged gutters, and water pooling on the roof as red flags post-storm.
- It is essential to check with your insurer about coverage for storm damages before making repairs or replacing parts of the roof if necessary to avoid costly mistakes later down the line.
How often do you think about your home’s roof? While the walls, windows, and doors are our home’s sentinels against the elements, our roof often stands valiantly behind them. Not only does it protect our home from the weather, but depending on its structure also adds to a home’s charm. Our humble roof is perhaps one of the least recognized heroes in any home, yet where would we be without it? Especially considering how stormy it gets during May in Maryland.
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has described tornadoes and storms as standard from April through November, so residents must prepare for the impending disaster.
When storms roll through your neighborhood, the last thing you want to worry about is damage to your rooftop. Unfortunately, post-storm roof damage is a genuine concern – and can cost homeowners a fortune if they underestimate its importance or overlook it entirely. Too often, people don’t pay enough attention to their roofs in the aftermath of any weather system. This can leave issues unaddressed due to a lack of understanding or not recognizing the danger signs. Don’t make this costly mistake. In this article, Level Up Innovations LLC discusses why inspecting your roof after severe weather events is so important. We’ll also uncover several red flags you should watch out for, along with some actionable advice on handling any potential damage you discover!
Why Should You Inspect for Post Storm-Roof Damage?
You must inspect your roof for damage after a storm. Post-storm roof damage can be caused by high winds, hail, heavy rain, and any other conditions that come with inclement weather. Even if it appears in good shape from the ground or an upper-floor window, take the time to inspect it thoroughly. A professional roofing contractor should always check out potential damages and make repairs as necessary. Doing this could save you money because significant issues will likely be addressed before they become too costly to repair.
What Are the Dangers of Avoiding a Roof Inspection?
1. Leaks
It can lead to water leaks inside your home, which may cause long-term damage to your walls, ceilings, and even your home’s foundation.
2. Mold Growth
Avoiding inspection may also lead to mold growth in areas where water leaks. Mold can cause various health issues, so it is essential to identify any potential water damage and make repairs as soon as possible.
3. Voided Insurance Claims
Submitting a home insurance claim is excellent if you need repairs and have previously signed up for coverage. After inclement weather, you must contact your insurer immediately regarding any roof damage that may require replacement or repair.
Home insurance typically covers the cost of such damages. Still, it can be denied in case of neglect on the part of the homeowner. So, urgency is crucial in the matter of post-storm roof damage inspection. Be sure to consult with your insurance provider whether such damages are taken care of, as some insurance policies may not cover them.
4. Weakening of the Roof’s Structural Integrity
The integrity of your roof might be weak due to various factors such as age, wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, improper installation, or even a manufacturing defect. Post-storm roof damage can further weaken it and make the structure more vulnerable. To ensure your safety, always get the roof inspected by an expert roofing contractor after a severe storm hits.
Roof Red Flags to Look Out for Post-Storm
1. Shingle Damage
After a storm, take a careful look at the shingles of your roof. Suppose you see any missing, cracked, or deteriorated shingles. In that case, this could signify that the roof has been damaged by wind speeds and needs repair.
2. Leaks
Stay alert for water leakages around roof corners, windows, and where the roof meets the walls. Such signs could indicate extensive damage due to powerful winds or downpours associated with severe weather. The sooner leaks are repaired, the better — leaving them to persist could result in costly repairs as it would affect your foundation.
3. Loose Flashing
After a storm, it’s essential to check all flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for any loose edges or evidence of corrosion due to moisture seeping through seams in your home’s structure.
4. Clogged Gutters
Your gutters can be easily clogged by leaves and debris from a storm, causing water to back up into your roof and down the walls of your home. Having these gutters inspected for blockages post-storm is imperative.
5. Water Pooling on the Roof
Do you notice any water pooling on your roof? It could indicate a problem with the roof’s design or drainage system. A post-storm roof inspection should include a thorough analysis of the drainage system to ensure everything is in good working order.
How to Deal with Post-Storm Roof Repair and Restoration
After a storm has passed, homeowners must take proactive measures to restore their roofs and prevent future damage. Here are some tips for dealing with post-storm roof repair and restoration:
1. Call Your Insurer
It’s important to check with your insurance provider about any applicable coverage for storm damage. In some cases, insurers will cover repairs or even part of the cost of a new roof if it sustained significant damage during a storm.
Related: How To Appeal An Insurance Restoration Claim
2. Schedule an Inspection
Even minor storms can do long-term damage to roofs that homeowners might not be able to spot from the ground. To ensure your roof is in good condition after a storm, consider having it inspected by a qualified roofing contractor who can identify any potential problems before they become even bigger issues down the line.
3. Make Repairs Now!
If you find significant damage after an inspection, you should address it as soon as possible. Post-storm roof repairs can help prevent further damage and save you time, money, and frustration. Roofs left unrepaired or neglected can cause long-term structural problems that must be addressed through complete roof replacement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, never underestimate the importance of post-storm roof damage inspection. Roof damage can lead to long-term structural problems if left unattended and unchecked. You should look for common signs of roof damage and have a qualified contractor inspect your roof after any storm. If needed, repair the damaged areas quickly to prevent further issues and protect your home from further destruction.
Ensure Quality Roof Repairs and Replacement by Turning to the Expert RoofingContractors in Leonardtown, MD
Level Up Innovations LLC is a trusted and certified roofing contractor in Leonardtown, MD, that offers quality repair and replacement services for homes affected by storm damage. With years of experience in the roofing industry, we provide exceptional roofing services for residential and commercial properties in Maryland. Get in touch with us for an honest consultation on your damaged roof following the storm season. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today and receive a free estimate.
