Elegant cartoon couple having tea in a room with damaged roof and leaky ceiling with crumbling plaster.

5 Roof Storm Damage Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

A roof is one of the most important parts of a home, and it’s essential to keep it in good condition. Unfortunately, even with proper maintenance, roofs can suffer damage from weather conditions, accidents, or just ordinary wear and tear. If your roof is damaged, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible. Why? Because roof storm damage can lead to water damage, which can cause significant damage to your home.

If you have recently had a storm and are wondering if your roof is in need of repair, then this article is for you. Sometimes problems can be seen immediately, such as hail damage and shingles torn off by wind. However, other problems might take weeks or months to present themselves. So it’s important to know the warning signs so that you can get roof repairs as soon as possible.

While roof storm damage can be caused by a number of different things, there are some telltale signs which typically indicate roof problems. These five roof damage warning signs should never be ignored:  

  • discoloration on shingles or siding
  • missing shingles or tiles
  • warped, buckled, or bowed rafters
  • cracked or missing flashing at chimney and vent pipes
  • paint that is blistering or peeling
Cartoon man looking up at a roof leak while a cat holds an umbrella over its head!

If you notice any discoloration on your roofing shingles or home siding, this is a major sign that you may have had roof storm damage. The roof may be leaking, and the water may be causing the building materials to break down or corrode, leading to other types of damage. If you see any signs of discoloration, call a roofing contractor right away for an inspection.

If you notice that some of your roof shingles or tiles are missing, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. A roof with missing shingles or tiles is susceptible to further damage from the weather and from water infiltration. And, of course, a roof without any shingles or tiles is not going to do its job very well!

If you notice that your roof rafters are warped, buckled, or bowed, this can be another major sign of roof storm damage. This may be caused by a roof leak, and it can lead to roof instability and even roof collapse. If you see any evidence of roof rafters that are warped, buckled, or bowed, call a roofing contractor for an inspection right away.

If you see any cracks or missing flashing around your chimney or vent pipes, this is another possible sign of roof storm damage. The flashing is in place to protect these areas from water infiltration, and if it’s cracked or missing, the roof is at risk for water damage. This can cause roof leaks and other types of damage to your home.

If you notice that the paint in your home is blistering or peeling, this is a clear sign of a leaking roof. Ceiling or wall paint may be peeling because the roof is leaking, and the water may be causing the paint to peel or blister. This is a serious problem that should not be ignored, as it can lead to further damage to your home. If you see any signs of paint that is blistering or peeling, call a roofing contractor for an inspection right away.

Roof storm damage can lead to water damage, which can cause significant roof and home damage. So if you notice any of the roof warning signs that we’ve listed in this article, it’s important to contact a roofing company you trust for necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Call Roof Lux today for emergency roof repair services before more serious damages occur!

When hail damages a roof it can range from being either very evident or quite difficult to detect. When a storm has hail that is small in diameter you might notice scuffs or scratches on the roof. With larger hailstones, roof damage may be evidenced by dents and significant loss of granules. Other signs of roof storm damage are scratches/dents on roof venting, roof guttering, roof flashings, and other roofing penetrations. If your roof suffers any of the damage listed above then there may be insurance claims that help pay for that damage. You should contact your roofing contractors if you suspect any deterioration in your roof.

These types of damages to roofing occur when external factors cause damage beyond normal wear and tear. Ordinary wear may lead to repairs or replacements but these do not happen quickly or suddenly. A roof may show normal wear when it has faded or warped shingles or a sagging ridge. Roof damage is evidenced by missing, dented, or penetrated shingles, a leaking roof, water-damaged insulation in the attic, or damaged flashings. The differences between the two are vital, especially in the case of determining whether insurance will cover a full roof replacement.

It’s best to take precautions when it comes to possible storm damage. If you are unsure but suspect roof storm damage it’s smart to request an inspection to determine the condition of your roof. According to your climate and location, the number of damaging storms that occur can be extremely variable. For example, the Midwest is well known for severe thunderstorms, heavy winds, and frequent hail storms or tornadoes. Most reputable roofers in these regions will offer emergency roof tarping and storm services.

We never suggest that anyone should climb up on their roof to assess the danger of any of the aforementioned damages. Here’s a checklist of easy preliminary ways to assess the possibility of hail damage on your roof. 

  • Look at the hoods and tops of vehicles that were exposed to the hail.
  • Look for holes and dented window screens
  • Check the higher parts of gutter downspouts for dents and scratches
  • See if there are other items with hail damage, such as grills, outdoor AC units, etc.
  • Shutters and siding will often reveal hail damage fairly easily
  • Look at any painted wood surfaces for marks
  • Check garage doors for signs of impact

If you see any evidence in these kinds of places, call a qualified roof inspector and request a free inspection before contacting your insurance company. And even if you don’t find these kinds of evidence, it may be good to have it checked out anyway, as roof shingles are more susceptible to hail damage than these other materials.

If you know that your roof is damaged, you will need to immediately repair it or replace it. First, contact your roofing company for an estimate. Most will offer free estimates. Then ask them for help with filing the claim and see if they can be present when the insurance adjuster comes to look at your roof. You should schedule the repair work as soon as possible.

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