3 Easy-to-Miss Signs of Storm, Hail and Wind Damage to Your Roof

When a strong storm hits, your home can take quite a beating. While most of the time, your roofing and siding can handle it, there are instances when the high winds and hail storms leave their mark. This is when it is crucial to know the most common signs of storm damage so you know whether or not your home is ready to keep you and your family safe when the next storm hits.

Unfortunately, you can’t foresee whether your home will experience storm damage, but you can still prepare. That’s why we’re listing some of the most common signs of storm damage on homes, so you can get ready and know what to look for the next time your home is hit by severe weather.

Shingle Granule Loss

If you have an asphalt shingle roof and see dark spots on your shingles that look like holes/dents, that could be granule loss. The tiny granules that cover your asphalt shingles can slough off from hail. These holes then become susceptible to leaks if left unrepaired.

You can also check for granules in your gutters or downspouts, which means they got hail damage and flowed down into the gutters. This is a good sign to seek a roof inspection from your local roofing contractor.

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Dented Metal Flashing

The main purpose of the metal flashing material on the roof is to direct stormwater away from your roof and prevent water leaks.

During a heavy storm, impact from the hail or debris may dent the flashing on your home’s exterior. It’s important to repair or replace this roofing material immediately to prevent your roof from leaking.

Torn, Creased, or Missing Shingles

Missing shingles, dented, cracked, or lifted shingles are signs that your roof is damaged. If your home was hit by severe hail, you would want to look extra close for cracked or damaged shingles. While some storm damage can be difficult to see from afar, these dents can have tiny cracks that will let water seep in and risk further damage.

Dark Spots on the Roof

Another easy-to-miss sign of storm, hail, and wind damage to your roof is the presence of dark spots. These spots can appear as small discolorations or stains on your shingles and can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Algae growth: Algae can grow on your roof, particularly in damp or humid conditions. This can lead to dark spots or stains on your shingles.
• Fungus or moss growth: Fungus and moss can also grow on your roof and cause dark spots or stains.
• Weathering: Over time, the sun, wind, and rain can cause the surface of your shingles to break down, leading to dark spots or discoloration.
• Impact marks: Dark spots can also be caused by hail or debris hitting your roof during a storm.

While dark spots on your roof may not seem like a major concern, they can indicate that your roof is not properly protecting your home from the elements. Additionally, dark spots can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a damaged or rotting roof. If you notice dark spots on your roof, it's important to have a professional inspect your roof to determine the cause and any necessary repairs.

Note: Keep in mind that dark spots on the roof don't always indicate hail or storm damage, they can be caused by other factors like lack of maintenance and cleaning, roof age, and UV exposure.

Leaks or Water Damage

One of the most obvious signs of storm damage to your roof is leaks or water damage in the attic or interior of your home. However, these signs can be easy to miss, especially if the damage is not immediately visible. Here are some things to look for:

Water stains on the ceiling or walls: If you notice any discoloration or water stains on your ceiling or walls, it's likely that your roof has been damaged and is allowing water to seep in. Water stains can be caused by shingle damage, ice dams, or even clogged gutters.

Musty or moldy smell: If you notice a musty or moldy smell in your attic or upper levels of your home, it could be a sign of water damage caused by a leaky roof.
Sagging or warped roof decking: If the decking that supports your roof is sagging or warped, it could be a sign of water damage caused by a leaky roof.

Leaks during rain: If you notice leaks during rain or snow, it's a sign that your roof is not properly protecting your home from the elements.

It's important to address leaks or water damage as soon as possible, as they can lead to further damage and can even cause mold or other health hazards if left untreated. Regularly inspecting your roof for leaks and damage, and having a professional inspect your roof after a storm, can help you catch and repair any damage before it becomes a bigger problem.

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Damaged Soffit and Fascia

It's not just the shingles that take a battering during storms—check for signs of damage on other areas around your roof. Soffits, fascias, gutters, and flashing can suffer damage too, and they're all designed to keep water away from your home's interior.

Strong winds can loosen fittings, gutters and downspouts can clog with storm debris, and flashing can move out of place, breaking the seal. After a storm, watch out for signs of dents, cracks, or loosening of these roof sections. The stronger the storm, the more severe the damage can be.

Damaged Siding and Gutters

Even a strong wind caused by a storm or small hailstones can cause damaged sidings and broken gutters, especially if they're made of aluminum or other soft materials. This can be addressed with temporary repairs but, if left untouched, puts your home at immediate risk of leaks.

Dents can loosen your sidings or create small gaps or cracks that allow water to seep in and damage the structural integrity of your home’s exterior and interior.

After having a qualified roofer inspect your roof, contact your insurance provider and inform them about the storm, wind, and hail damage. Your insurance company will send someone to determine the extent of the damage and then send an estimate of the repair costs. Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a roof claim. Keep your roof from sitting with damage for a long time.

Storm damage remediation is an essential part of protecting your home and peace of mind. To get started, just contact our expert team today.

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Worried about roof damage after a severe weather event? Need a roof replacement due to heavy rain or hail event? Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, natural wear and tear, or other elements, turn to the experts at Dynamic Roofing Concepts, Inc. for quick and efficient repair services. Call us at (813) 657-7663 to book a free inspection, or fill out our contact form to request a quick estimate today.