If your area recently experienced storms or severe weather, you may be wondering if your roof took any damage. However, storm damage can often be difficult to spot until it starts affecting the interior of your home.
That’s why you need to schedule an inspection with a qualified roofing specialist as soon as it is safe and reasonable to do so. At RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors, we’ve seen it all. Our highly-trained contractors can help you assess the storm damage and its extent before advising you on the best course forward.
Different types of weather inflict different kinds of damage. A roof hit by a hailstorm won’t look the same as one that just went through an ice storm.
Wind Damage
Winds don’t have to be strong to inflict damage. Even moderate winds can harm roofs made from lighter materials like asphalt shingles. Older roofs and roofs with previous storm damage are also more susceptible to damage from lighter winds. Wind damage can cause creased, torn or missing shingles and loose granules.
Heavy Rains and Thunderstorms
Heavy rain can be extremely hazardous to roofing systems, leading to leaks, holes and, in extreme cases, structural failure or collapse. Additionally, if your roof lacks proper drainage, storms can lead to standing water, which weakens the adhesive between shingles and can cause irreparable damage if left untreated.
Hail Damage
Hailstorm damage can significantly shorten the overall lifespan of your roof. The stones leave lots of bruises, dents and granule loss that compromise the structural integrity of traditional asphalt shingles, leaving your roof susceptible to more damage from the next storm. The tricky part about hail damage is that it is hard to detect. Oftentimes you need an inspection from a licensed roofing contractor to accurately assess the damage.
Ice Storms
Ice storms and freezing rain can exacerbate existing roof damage and cause larger problems. The water and snow melt seep into any existing cracks or holes, and when it freezes, it makes them larger. Low-pitch roofs, more common in warmer climates, can even collapse under the weight of accumulated snow and ice.
The important thing is to assess the storm damage as soon as possible. You can contact your homeowner’s insurance and arrange for them to send an inspector or schedule an inspection with a local professional yourself and submit a claim to your insurer. It’s important not to hesitate to take action after the storm or weather event has passed.
The insurance claim process can seem overwhelming, but the experienced staff at RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors are here to help. We know the ins and outs of the claims process and have worked with many of the nation’s largest providers. We’ll help lead you through the process from start to finish and beyond.
Contact us today to schedule a free inspection. Or, check out our learning center to read more about the insurance process. In the meantime, we recommend you look over your insurance policy to understand your coverage.
To find your nearest RAFTR Roofing + Exteriors roofer, click here.
Atlanta, GA
Dallas, TX
Detroit, MI
Nashville, TN
Charlotte, NC
Louisville, KY
Austin, TX
San Antonio, TX
Grand Rapids, MI
3075 Breckenridge Blvd
Suite 470
Duluth, GA 30099
