How To Repair a Roof With Storm Damage (2024 Guide)
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This guide explains how to assess and repair storm damage to your roof, from identifying the signs of damage and contacting your insurance provider to hiring a professional contractor to perform repairs.
Signs a Storm Has Damaged Your Roof
Storms can wreak havoc on your home’s roof, regardless of the roofing materials you choose. Here are some signs that a storm has caused roof damage for both flat and sloped roofs:
Flat Roof Damage
- Blisters: Blisters are a common issue with poorly installed flat roofs. They form when trapped moisture or air expands in the heat, creating bubbles that separate the layers of roofing material. Popped blisters leave your roof vulnerable to UV damage, water infiltration, and deterioration.
- Cracks: Flat roof cracks can develop due to aging, temperature extremes, or poor installation. Cracks can also result from hail or other debris impacts. These cracks expose the underlayment and allow water to seep in, potentially causing leaks and structural damage.
- Leaks or water stains: Water stains on your ceiling typically indicate a roof leak. Don’t ignore them, as roof leaks can lead to structural issues and mold. A large leak may warrant emergency roof leak repair, which can be costly.
- Loose or missing materials: High winds can dislodge or remove roofing materials, leaving your roof vulnerable.
- Ponding water: Check for water that accumulates and doesn’t drain within 48 hours after a storm. Ponding water can compromise your roofing system’s integrity over time. It often signals a drainage issue or a sagging roof deck requiring professional attention.
Sloped Roof Damage
- Dented shingles or panels: Hail storms can dent your shingles and compromise their water resistance, though some types of shingles are more impact-resistant than others. Hail or debris may also dent some metal roofs, but they are generally more resilient.
- Granule loss: Granules protect asphalt shingles from UV damage. While some loss is normal with age, excessive granule buildup in gutters or around downspouts suggests that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. Shingles might also appear bald.
- Blisters: Roof blistering can occur on asphalt shingle roofs, especially those with inadequate attic ventilation. When the blisters pop, the protective granules on the surface of your shingles can loosen and fall off, leading to more damage.
- Interior water stains: As with flat roofs, water stains on interior walls or ceilings indicate a serious problem with your sloped roof.
- Missing or broken shingles: If you have a shingle or tile roof, look for damaged or missing shingles or tiles after a storm. They are the first line of defense for your sloped roof, and strong winds can displace them.
- Damage to flashing: Metal flashing around roof penetrations like chimneys and vents is critical for preventing leaks. Look for any dents, displacement, or gaps in the flashing.
What To Do About Storm Damage to Your Roof
Safety should be your primary concern. Wait until the storm has passed and it’s safe to climb on your roof, especially when it comes to steep or unusual roof shapes. Use a sturdy ladder, nonslip shoes, and appropriate safety gear.
Before making any repairs, document the damage. Take clear photos and take notes, including details about the damage’s size, depth, and appearance, to help your homeowners insurance company and roofing contractor.
If you find minor damage that you can safely address, consider making temporary fixes to prevent further water infiltration. Use tarps, tin flashing, or roofing cement to temporarily cover exposed areas and provide emergency roof protection.
Reach out to your insurance agent to report the damage. They’ll review your homeowners insurance policy with you and walk you through the insurance claims process if your policy covers the damage.
Seek a reputable roofing company experienced in storm damage repair. Get multiple quotes and check references before hiring anyone to ensure you choose the right roofing contractor.
Once you’ve hired a contractor, they’ll conduct a comprehensive inspection of your roof. After diagnosing all the issues, they’ll repair or replace damaged materials as needed or suggest a roof replacement.
Types of Storm-Related Roof Damage
Different types of roofing materials are susceptible to storm damage. Knowing your roof type and its specific vulnerabilities will make navigating the repair process much easier.
- Debris damage: Falling branches or roof components dislodged by a storm can puncture or dent your roof. Wind-blown debris can also cause impact damage, leaks, and even structural problems. Clay or concrete tiles are particularly susceptible to cracking or breaking under the force of impact.
- Hail damage: Hail can bruise or crack shingles, increasing the risk of leaks and water infiltration. This is common for asphalt shingles, softer metals, and older, brittle roofs. Even impact-resistant roofs are not completely impervious to severe hailstorms.
- Water damage: Any damage that compromises your roof’s watertight barrier—including dents, cracks, and loose shingles creates the potential for leaks to develop. Stains on your ceiling or walls indicate an active leak or past water infiltration. Undetected leaks can also cause mold growth or wood rot.
- Wind damage: Strong winds, especially those associated with hurricanes and tornadoes, can peel back or completely tear off shingles, tiles, or sections of rolled roofing materials. Metal flashing can bend, loosen, or be torn away. In extreme cases, high winds can cause damage to the rafters, trusses, or roof deck itself.
Even seemingly minor roof damage can worsen and lead to extensive problems if not addressed quickly. We recommend scheduling a professional roof inspection after any severe storm—even if you see little or no sign of damage.
How To Hire a Reliable Contractor
DIY vs. Professional Roof Repair After a Storm
Unless you have experience and the damage is truly minor, leave roof repairs to qualified professionals. Here’s a breakdown of when to DIY and when to leave it to the experts.
DIY Roof Repair
DIY roof repairs should only be considered for the absolute smallest and simplest issues, such as replacing one or two easily accessible missing shingles. Ensure you have a spotter on the ground for safety, and never work on a wet or damaged roof.
Roof work carries significant fall risks, even from a single-story house. The risk outweighs the reward if you’re not experienced with ladders, safety harnesses, and working on sloped surfaces.
Even a successful DIY patch is often a temporary solution. Patches prevent further damage until a professional assesses and executes a more comprehensive repair.
Professional Roof Repair
Roofing involves specialized materials and installation techniques. Professional roofing contractors have the expertise to properly diagnose and safely repair the full extent of the damage—which may not be immediately obvious to homeowners. They are familiar with local building codes and insured against accidents and property damage during work. Most contractors offer warranties on their workmanship, too.
A professional job done right can save you money in the long term. While a DIY fix might seem cheaper upfront, botched repairs can lead to worse problems requiring more expensive fixes later. If your work isn’t up to code, you might face fines or issues when selling your home.
Signs Your Roof Needs a Full Replacement
Storm damage is sometimes so severe that repairs aren’t enough. Here’s when to seriously consider a complete replacement:
- Older roof: If your roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan (15–20 years for basic asphalt shingles), major storm damage might be the tipping point. How long a roof lasts depends on the roofing material.
- Widespread damage: Numerous leaks, extensive missing shingles, or major structural damage suggest the whole roof is compromised.
- Sagging roof: If your roof is visibly sagging, it has severe structural problems that simple repairs can’t address.
- Frequent repairs: If you’re constantly patching problems, replacing the roof in the long run may be more cost-effective.
- Expensive repairs: If the repair estimate is a large percentage of the cost of a new roof, replacement might be the wiser investment.
Always get a professional assessment before making the final decision. A reputable roofer will advise you honestly on whether a repair suffices or if your roof’s health warrants a replacement.
How to Prevent Storm Damage
While no roof is entirely stormproof, you can take steps to minimize the risk of damage. For instance:
- Invest in routine inspections and maintenance. Have your roof inspected once a year or after major storms, and keep up with any roof maintenance recommended for your specific type of roof. Fixing small issues early prevents them from becoming big problems later.
- Keep trees trimmed. Overhanging branches are projectiles waiting to happen in high winds. Regularly trim trees near your roof to reduce the risk of falling branches causing damage.
- Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water backing up under shingles and damaging your roof. Clean your gutters regularly, especially before storm season.
- Upgrade your roof. If you’re due for a roof replacement, consider investing in better roofing materials such as impact-resistant shingles (especially for hail-prone areas) or durable metal roof options.
- Secure loose items. Before a storm, secure outdoor furniture, yard decorations, or anything that could become wind-borne debris and damage your roof.
- Ensure proper ventilation. Beefing up your attic insulation and ventilation can reduce moisture buildup and prevent ice dams, which can lead to storm-related or seasonal roof damage.
- Install a drip edge. A drip edge directs rainwater away from the fascia board (the wood trim under the edge of your roof) and into your gutters. This feature prevents water from seeping behind the fascia, which can cause rot and damage to the underlying roof structure.
To learn more about how drip edges protect your home during a storm, check out this video where general contractor Tom Silva tests different drip edge options:
Our Conclusion
You must act quickly when a storm damages your roof. Each day you delay can increase the cost to repair your roof.
Addressing issues after a severe storm can prevent further damage to your home and save you money in the long run. Prioritize safety, document damage, stay patient throughout the insurance process, and consider hiring professional roofing services to restore your roof.
FAQ About Repairing a Storm-Damaged Roof
Should you repair your roof in the rain?
No, you should not repair your roof in the rain. Rain makes your roof slippery, increasing the risk of an accident, and can prevent roofing materials from adhering properly. Repairs will be safer and more effective if you wait until your roof is dry.
What materials will you need to repair a damaged roof?
Materials needed for roof repair can vary but often include replacement shingles or roofing materials, roofing cement, tarps for temporary fixes, safety gear, and tools such as hammers and roofing nails.
What does wind damage look like on a roof?
Wind damage on a roof can look like missing or lifted shingles, damaged flashing, or large debris. High winds can peel back shingles or completely tear them away. Branches, leaves, and other objects carried by wind can also damage your roof.
What should you do if your roof is blown off?
If your roof is blown off, evacuate. Once safe, initiate a claim with your insurance company and contact a reputable roofer for emergency roof repair or replacement.
How much damage does a roof need to be replaced?
There’s no single amount of damage that automatically means a roof needs to be replaced. The decision depends on factors like the roof’s age, the extent and type of damage, and the cost of repairs versus replacement. However, replacement is often the best long-term solution if the damage is widespread, involves structural problems, or the roof is already near its lifespan.
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