how to identify roof damage with a roof inspection

Name: Custom Exteriors, LLC
Address: 404 Broadway, Eagle, CO, 81631, US
Telephone: 970-460-8714

As an exterior remodeling contractor based in Colorado, we have personally experienced the damage the harsh weather can cause. We have helped hundreds of customers across Colorado and even replaced storm-damaged roofs, windows, and siding on our own properties. While our exteriors are designed to withstand the elements, your roof can take a serious beating. Have you experienced a heavy windstorm or hail the size of a golf ball or larger? If so, your roof may be damaged even if there are no signs of damage on your other exterior systems, like your windows or siding.

We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help homeowners like you with the knowledge you need to take control of their homes. It will allow you to conduct safe, basic roof inspections from the safety of the ground. While not always, typically, there are signs of roof damage that can help you determine whether or not you need a professional roofer to come take a look.

Join us as we discuss some post-storm tips developed from decades of experience in the roofing industry. From safety precautions to asphalt shingle inspections, we’ll help you understand what to look for and decide your next steps based on the information you gather. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave the heights to the professionals, this guide caters to all levels of expertise.

Remember, the aftermath of a storm can be difficult for homeowners. But with the right information, you can confidently address possible storm damage. Let’s dive in and discover how to protect your investment.

Safety First: stay inside until the storm has passed

Unfortunately, most of us have experienced the stress of a damaging storm that affected our home or business. Some of the more damaging storms we have worked on have left customers with broken windows, skylights, and water leaking inside their homes. When working in an emergency situation, our first consideration is always the safety of our team and the property owners. Of course, everyone involved wants action taken, such as emergency tarping and clean up; however, waiting until the storm has passed to do so is imperative. While it is stressful to see your home or business impacted by damaging weather, your first consideration should be to keep your family and yourself safe.

During a roof inspection in the aftermath of a storm, remember this golden rule: Safety comes first, and it comes only once. Keeping this in mind, it should be at the core of every action you’ll take. At the same time, it might be tempting to get on your roof to see what’s what immediately, but have patience. Allow the storm to pass before you even consider the inspection. Why? Because inspecting a roof while battling wind gusts or enduring rain is a risk we strongly advise against.

You can track the path of any local storm on your local Accuweather page.

The Roadmap to a smart roof inspection: 4 steps to safety

Once the skies have cleared, it’s time to get a handle on the damage caused by the storms. So, here is your step-by-step path to identify roof damage in the storm’s aftermath.

It's important to be patient in the aftermath of a storm. Your findings will be more accurate if you aren't fighting severe weather to get them.
Once the storm has passed, ensure it is safe to go outside. Check for fallen trees, powerlines, or any debris that could cause injury.
Check for visible damage to your siding, windows, gutters, or paint. Damage to these other systems likely indicates roof damage.
If damage is visible after your ground inspection, it's time to call in the experts. They are trained to safely inspect and identify any damage incurred.

When looking for roof damage after a storm, signs that you may need a professional roof inspection include:

Missing shingles on your roof or shingles on the ground around your home.
Damage to your windows, siding, or paint.
Signs of damage along the ridge or eaves of your roof.
Signs of pooling water on your roof or leaking into your property.
Dents or damage to the metal vents on your roof.

If you encounter any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional roofing company to do a formal inspection of your property for hail damage. Additionally, if you experienced extremely high winds or hail over an inch in diameter, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected even if you don’t see damage from the ground level. Unrepaired roof damage can cause problems such as leaks, mold, mildew, ice dams, and more. Most local roofers will provide a no-cost roof inspection.

What to do if you think you have roof damage

If your post-storm inspection leads you to believe you may have hail damage or you experienced a weather event severe enough to justify an inspection, it’s important to contact a professional roofer. Professional roofing companies have HAAG-Certified Roofing Inspectors on staff who can guide you through the insurance replacement process and identify all the damage that needs to be addressed, ensuring your home is brought back to its pre-storm condition.

It’s easy to spot a missing shingle, but what about the underlying issues that aren’t immediately visible? Choose a roofing professional who can spot potential problems before they escalate. Water intrusion, structural issues, and hidden damages should fall within their expertise.

precision and prevention: Tailored solutions for your needs

Roof systems demand a level of precision that extends beyond the obvious. The roofing professional you choose should meticulously inspect your roof’s components—vents, chimneys, skylights. This inspection should thoroughly check for any signs of damage. By identifying issues sooner, you are saved from costly repairs. This also helps to prevent further damage to your home’s structural integrity.

Over the years, we can’t count the number of issues that we have seen that could have been prevented with a proactive approach to the damage. Unfortunately, many property owners don’t see signs of immediate damage and just assume their roof is fine. This has resulted in interior damage, mold, mildew, structural issues, and more. It’s a good practice to have your roof inspected after every major weather event involving winds in excess of 70 mph or hail larger than one inch in diameter. We also recommend our customers conduct routine maintenance on all of their exterior systems to catch damage that may otherwise go unnoticed.

A stronger home starts with you

Now armed with this knowledge, you’re ready for the inevitable next storm. Performing a thorough ground inspection after a storm is your key to catching problems early. This translates into fixing them on time and keeping your roof in great shape for years to come. Remember, a bit of effort now can save you from major repairs later.

Here at Custom Exteriors, we have a team of seasoned professionals who understand the ins and outs of storm damage. Our experts have the experience and skill to identify even the most subtle signs. An untrained eye could miss some of these. Your walk-around inspection set the stage. Now, it’s our turn to perform the professional assessments that follow.

Custom Exteriors doesn’t just offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Your home is unique, and our solutions are tailored to your property’s specific requirements. Our professionals take the time to understand your needs and deliver recommendations that align with your goals. Your home isn’t just a structure; it’s your sanctuary, and we treat it as such.