The Hidden Impact Of Storms On Your Roof
You can't always see storm damage
As a homeowner, understanding how storms can damage your roof and knowing what steps to take is crucial for protecting your investment. Here we’ll provide some real information and often-overlooked insights to help you navigate the aftermath of storm damage.
Types of Storm Damage
While most homeowners are aware of obvious damage like missing shingles, many storm-related issues are less visible:
- Wind Damage: Winds as low as 50 mph can cause damage to roofs. What's often overlooked is that wind damage is cumulative – repeated exposure to moderate winds can be as damaging as a single, high-wind event.
- Hail Damage: Hail damage affects about 1 in 35 homes annually. And a lesser-known fact is that hail as small as 1 inch in diameter can cause significant damage to roofing materials.
- Water Damage: Water damage accounts for over 25% of all homeowners insurance claims. What's rarely mentioned is that even minor leaks can lead to a 10-25% loss in your roof's R-value, affecting your home's energy efficiency.
Hidden Damage
Many homeowners focus on visible damage, but hidden issues can be more problematic:
- Granule Loss: As little as a 20% loss in granules can reduce a shingle's lifespan by up to 60%.
- Structural Weakening: Repeated storm exposure can weaken roof decking, even without visible damage. This can lead to sagging and eventual collapse if not addressed.
- Microfractures: These tiny cracks, often invisible to the naked eye, can lead to major leaks. Microfractures can expand by up to 300% during freeze-thaw cycles.
Long-Term Consequences
The impact of storm damage extends beyond immediate repair needs:
- Energy Efficiency: A damaged roof can increase energy costs by up to 30% due to poor insulation and ventilation.
- Mold Growth: Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water intrusion. What's less known is that certain types of molds can eat through roofing materials, exacerbating damage.
- Property Value: Roof damage can decrease a home's value by 10-15%, even if the damage isn't immediately visible.
Detecting Storm Damage
Early detection is key to preventing long-term issues:
- Professional Inspections: Professional inspections should be done twice a year, and after any major weather event. Studies show that early damage detection can catch up to 50% more issues than homeowner assessments.
- Technology Aids: Infrared technology can detect hidden moisture issues. Infrared inspections can be up to 35% more accurate in detecting hidden water damage when compared to visual inspections alone.
Immediate Actions After a Storm
Taking prompt action can significantly mitigate damage:
- Document Everything: It’s been reported that insurance claims with thorough documentation are 40% more likely to be approved.
- Temporary Repairs: When possible, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Be sure to keep all associated receipts, as these costs are often reimbursable.
- Avoid DIY Assessments: Falls from roofs account for one-third of all fall-related construction fatalities. Professional assessment is safer and more thorough.
Long-Term Prevention
Proactive measures can enhance your roof's resilience:
- Impact-Resistant Materials: Homes with impact-resistant roofing materials are 50% less likely to suffer hail damage.
- Regular Maintenance: Roofs with regular maintenance last 20-30% longer than those without.
- Tree Management: Keeping trees trimmed at least 10 feet away from your roof can help prevent damage during storms.
Navigating the complexities of storm damage can be challenging for homeowners, which is where professional help becomes invaluable. Graduate Contracting offers comprehensive storm damage assessments. Our experienced team can provide detailed reports, assist with insurance claims, and offer expert repair services to ensure your roof is restored to its optimal condition.
Understanding the full impact of storm damage on your roof and taking prompt, informed action is crucial for protecting your home. By being aware of these often-overlooked aspects and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your roof, safeguarding your home for years to come.
A severe storm just rolled through your neighborhood, leaving a trail of downed branches and flooded streets. While you’re relieved that your family is safe, a new anxiety begins to set in: what about the roof? In Central Texas, storms can pack a powerful punch with high winds and hail, both of which can inflict serious, and sometimes hidden, damage to your home's most critical line of defense. Knowing what to look for after a storm is crucial. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a simple repair and a catastrophic failure leading to major interior water damage. At Graduate Contracting—where we are not only roofing experts but also licensed insurance adjusters—we want to empower you to safely assess the situation and take the right steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a post-storm inspection, helping you identify potential damage and know exactly when to call for professional help. Immediate Steps: Safety & Documentation First Before you even think about the roof itself, your priority must be safety. Carefully navigate your property and take these initial steps. Prioritize Safety : Walk your property's perimeter and check for immediate hazards like downed power lines, fallen trees, or broken glass. If you see downed lines, stay far away and report them to your utility company immediately. Document Everything : Before moving or cleaning up anything, use your smartphone to take date-stamped photos and videos of any damage to your property (trees, fences, etc.) and the debris left by the storm. This initial documentation is invaluable for any potential insurance claim. Check for Interior Leaks : Quickly check the ceilings on your top floor, inside closets, and around light fixtures. If you see active dripping or new, wet stains on the drywall, place buckets underneath to catch the water and call a professional roofer for an emergency tarping service to prevent further damage. Your Safe Inspection From the Ground You can spot a surprising amount of damage safely from your yard. Under no circumstances should you get on a wet or potentially damaged roof. Grab a pair of binoculars and walk the perimeter of your house, looking for these specific signs of wind and hail damage: Wind Damage Checklist: Missing or Lifted Shingles : Scan all roof slopes for shingles that are completely gone or have their edges/corners flipped up. A lifted shingle has a broken sealant strip and is a primary entry point for rain. "Creased" Shingles : Look for a distinct horizontal line where granules have been worn off. This indicates the shingle was violently bent backward by the wind and is now severely weakened. Damaged Soffit and Fascia : Check the trim, vents, and boards along the eaves of your roof, as wind can easily tear these elements loose. Hail Damage Checklist: Dented Gutters, Vents, and Flashing : This is the most obvious sign of hail. If your soft metal gutters , downspouts, and roof vents are dented, your shingles have almost certainly been damaged as well. This is key evidence for an insurance claim. Damage to Other Property : Check for dents or chips on your A/C unit, window screens, and siding. This serves as collateral proof of the storm's intensity. "Bruised" or "Bald" Spots on Shingles : Hail impacts knock off the protective granules, leaving a "bruise" that exposes the underlying asphalt mat. This damage, often invisible from the ground, compromises the shingle and drastically shortens your roof's life. The Professional Assessment: When to Call the Experts If your ground-level inspection reveals any of the signs listed above, it is critical to call a trusted, local roofing contractor for a professional inspection. A Hands-On Inspection is Non-Negotiable : Our trained experts will safely get on your roof to perform a detailed, hands-on assessment. We will identify hail bruising, check the integrity of sealant strips, and inspect all flashing for damage that is impossible to see from the ground. Comprehensive Photo Documentation : We take detailed photographs of every instance of damage, providing you with the clear, undeniable evidence required to file a successful insurance claim. Expert Insurance Claim Assistance : As licensed adjusters, we speak the same language as your insurance company. We can help you navigate the entire claims process , from filing the initial claim to meeting with the adjuster on-site to ensure all damage is identified and that you are treated fairly. A post-storm roof inspection is not something to put off. The damage from one storm can leave your home defenseless against the next one. If you've experienced a recent storm or suspect your roof has sustained damage, don't wait for a leak to confirm it. Contact Graduate Contracting today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation storm damage inspection.
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