Summer thunderstorms can bring strong winds, hail, heavy rain, falling trees, and flash flooding, all of which can damage your home and roof. Even if your home looks fine from the ground, roofing and exterior damage may not be immediately obvious.
Taking the right steps after a storm can help protect your home from additional damage and make the repair or insurance process easier.
Check Your Roof
Before checking your home for damage, make sure it’s safe to go outside and that the storm has fully passed. Continue to monitor the weather in case another storm is approaching and be sure to stay away from downed power lines, fallen trees, flooded areas, and loose roofing, siding, gutters, or debris. Once it is safe, walk around your property and look for visible signs of damage. You may be able to spot roofing, siding, gutter, or window damage without ever needing to climb onto the roof.
Always look for any obvious storm damage from the ground; do not climb onto the roof yourself after a storm.
When checking your roof for damage, look for:
- Missing or lifted shingles
- Shingles or roofing materials in the yard
- Bent or damaged flashing
- Visible dents from hail
- Damaged ridge caps
- Tree limbs lying on the roof
Keep in mind that some wind and hail damage may not be visible without a professional inspection.
Check Siding, Windows, and Other Exterior Areas
Take a look at the rest of your home’s exterior for signs of storm damage. Strong winds, hail, and falling debris can damage siding and other exterior features.
Walk around your property and check for additional damage:
- Cracked or missing siding
- Dents
- Broken windows
- Damaged shutters
- Loose soffit or fascia
- Damaged exterior vents
- Loose or detached gutters
- Dents from hail
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia
- Excessive shingle granules in gutters or near downspouts
It is best to have any exterior damage evaluated before the next storm hits. Even minor damage can let water into your home or worsen over time, so addressing problems early can help protect your home’s exterior and prevent costly repairs.
Check Inside Your Home for Signs of Roof Leaks
Storm damage is not always visible from the outside. Checking the inside of your home can help you catch leaks early before they cause more extensive damage.
Inspect the following for leaks and puddles:
- Ceilings
- Attic
- Upper-floor walls
- Areas around skylights
- Chimneys and vents
Inside your home, watch for:
- Water stains
- Damp insulation
- Dripping water
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Musty odors
Catching a leak early can help you prevent further damage and save on repair costs. Even a small leak can turn into a big problem if it is ignored or goes unfound.
Help Prevent Additional Damage, Don’t Put It Off
Take action to prevent more damage and repairs. If you have any leaks inside your home, place a bucket underneath to prevent standing water. Move your furniture and belongings away from any leaks or water to keep them dry, or cover any belongings that can’t be moved with a tarp.
If part of the roof is exposed, arrange for emergency tarping, a fast, temporary fix to seal a damaged roof and prevent water leaks. Never attempt to tarp your own home; don’t risk climbing onto a damaged or wet roof.
Prepare your roof for the rest of Pennsylvania’s storm season:
- Trim branches away from the roof.
- Clean gutters.
- Replace loose or damaged shingles.
- Check flashing.
- Inspect attic ventilation.
- Schedule repairs before fall and winter weather arrives.
Letting damage go unfixed can cause future problems and end up costing you more in repairs. One missing shingle can expose the roof to additional rain, damaged flashing can lead to water leaks, and small openings can allow water into decking, insulation, or walls. Summer storms occur repeatedly, potentially worsening minor damage during the next storm.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Some types of storm damage can be difficult to identify from the ground. A professional roof inspection can help uncover problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.
A roofing professional can safely inspect for:
- Wind-lifted shingles
- Hail impacts
- Damaged flashing
- Loose ridge shingles
- Roof penetrations
- Soft spots or water intrusion
- Gutter and fascia damage
At Peak Exteriors, we offer free inspections to check your home for storm damage. Contact us today if a severe storm has recently hit your area.
When Should You Call a Roofing Contractor?
Storm damage isn’t always obvious. If severe summer weather has recently moved through your Pennsylvania neighborhood, don’t assume your roof is fine just because you can’t see any damage from the ground. A professional inspection can help identify wind, hail, and water damage before small problems turn into larger repairs.
Enlist professional help if you notice:
- Missing shingles
- Hail damage
- Active leaks
- Fallen tree limbs
- Sagging roof areas
- Damaged flashing
- Loose gutters or fascia
- Debris from roofing materials in the yard
At Peak Exteriors, we specialize in roof and exterior repairs. Schedule a free inspection today to check for storm damage.