With the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season predicted to be ‘above normal,’ homeowners and business owners are taking precautions to mitigate property damage. Although preparations such as trimming limbs, removing diseased trees and having your gutters cleaned and roof inspected are important, after severe weather passes and you and your family are safe, it’s time for action. In today’s blog, we’re covering the basics of getting your roof inspected after the storm.
1.Be Informed About Wind Damage
Review indicators of wind damage by roof type.
- Owens Corning covers some risks that high winds may pose to shingles, which include the tearing of or removal of shingles and the lifting and curling of A compromised roof is more vulnerable to damage from heavy rains and severe weather.
- The Tile Roofing Alliance reports that “with proper attachment, clay and concrete roof tiles can sustain winds over 125 miles-per hour that would have stripped off most other roofing ” Note the mention of proper attachment, meaning poorly anchored tiles are at risk.
- Metal roofs fare better than their shingle counterparts, though the risk of wind damage increases when components are missing or poorly installed.
- Be aware of uplift, which signals wind damage to membrane roofing ( photo examples from the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, formerly RCI, Inc.)
2. Assess Your Property Outside and In
When it’s safe, walk your property and be on alert for storm damage signs. Take notes and photos. If the damage is severe, the signs are more obvious. However, you may also find smaller pieces of metal fascia or loose shingles on the ground. Angie’s List recommends readers “assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls.” Don’t exclude gutters and windows from your analysis. As for your home’s interior, hone in on attic space, ceilings and light fixtures. Owens Corning has a reminder for readers: “Even though your roof may appear undamaged from the outside, wind and hail may have caused leaks that can lead to problems later. Check ceilings and light fixtures for signs of water and inspect your attic closely with a flashlight.” Depending on the severity of damage, it may not be safe to explore your property yourself.
3. Be Mindful of Hail Damage
Similar to wind damage, signs of hail damage vary by roofing type.
- GAF reports that asphalt and composition shingle damage most commonly presents as “indentations and/or fractures on the shingle’s ” Additionally, they advise property owners to “look for indentations on metal flashings, siding, chimney caps, or even skylight flashings.” A random pattern where “clusters of granules” have come off is yet another sign.
- Hail damage to wood shingles may present as splits, impact marks or
- Regarding a sign of hail damage to a metal roof, Kenton Shepard and Nick Gromicko for NACHI write: “One of the easiest ways to determine whether hail has fallen is to look at aluminum combustion vent ”
- Tile roofs typically resist damage from hailstones as big as 5” (about the size of a golf ball) according to the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (cracks and chips are telltale signs).
- A recent article in Professional Roofing Magazine outlines the signs of hail damage on membrane roofs, which differ from one system to They may include a displaced or cracked pitch, fractures and displaced granules.
4. Rely On a Professional Team
GAF outlines three worthwhile reasons to seek the help of professionals when it comes to storm damage and your roof. At the top of their list is safety, followed by the benefits of having someone with a trained eye inspect your property. They also point out clear communication from a professional to the insurance adjuster (which can save you money, time and frustration).
At Bone Dry, we are a full service residential and commercial roofing company serving the Southeast since 2003. Learn more about our team and know that we believe in doing things right, both in our work and in our actions.
5. Report A Claim
Timeliness in reporting and ample documentation will go a long way in the reporting process. We recommend contacting your insurance company by phone as soon as possible. Understand your policy, save receipts, take photos, complete the required paperwork and work closely with a team of professionals.
Make sure you partner with the best roofing company in your area. Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in Charleston, SC, Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in St. Simons, Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in Athens, GA. You can contact us today to talk about your roof inspection at 1-855-BONEDRY.
