Tips to Assess and Repair Shingle Roof Storm Damage

For people who live in North America, the weather is not only unpredictable, but it is also very rough during the winter months. Wind, hail, snow, ice, and sleet make driving and walking difficult for most people and also cause significant storm damage to homes, especially the roof.

A roof is very important since it provides shelter from rough weather. It is thus important for homeowners to know how to assess storm damage to shingles and to repair this damage if and when required.

Roof Shingles Repair Storm Damage

Here are some tips to assess and repair roof storm damage:

1. Check the home interior.

   • After a severe storm, the first thing to do is check the inside of the home. Start with the attic and check for signs of water leakage. You may also need to feel for the wetness/dampness with your hand if the leak is small. Next, evaluate if there is storm damage to shingles. Check to see if sunlight has penetrated the shingles and entered the attic; this is indicative of a hole or a tear in the shingles. Try and determine if there are water stains which could indicate a leak.

2. Check the ceilings and walls in every room for water leaks or water stains.

3. If the roof has a severe leak, remove all the furniture from that room and try to minimize the damage to the property.

   • You may want to use a water membrane or a tarp to contain the leak from flooding the home. If the leak is small, remove all the valuable items from underneath the damaged area and place a bucket or a container to collect the water.

4. Get onto the top of the roof and check for any dents or holes in the roof tiles/shingles.

   • It could be that some of the shingles may have been ripped off by the strong wind.

5. At the same time check the downspouts and gutters to make sure they have not loosened from the wall.

   • In some cases, the downspouts may have become bent from the wind gust. Check the gutters to ensure that they are not clogged with dirt and debris that may have accumulated during the heavy storm. If the gutters are clogged, they will not be able to carry the water away from the roof. This can result in water backing up on the roof, leading to more damage to the home.

6. While on the roof, also check the chimney to determine if it is leaning.

   •  If the chimney has suffered damage, you may be able to see loose or missing bricks and tears.

Always make sure that you use a steady ladder to get on the roof. Also, try to do this activity when there is another person with you, just in case you need help. A roof that has been damaged by the storm may be weakened, and you can easily slip from the wet shingles. If you have never been on the roof, try and inspect the roof with a pair of binoculars. If you are not the do-it-yourself type and do not have the experience or the inclination to do this on your own, call a roofer or building contractor and have them check out the roof and home for storm damage. It is best to leave home until the property has been inspected by a contractor if the home has suffered severe damage,

Once you have identified the extent and severity of the damage, you have two options: if the damage is minor, just get a contractor to do the repairs or if the damage is extensive call your insurance company first to find out how you should proceed. The important thing is not to delay repairs unnecessarily as you don’t want the roof to weaken completely. The faster the assessment, the quicker will be the repairs.

Call Lanier Roofing Today

If you have just suffered a storm and the roof of your home has suffered significant storm damage, call Lanier Roofing today. We are certified by 4 major shingle manufacturers, and we have a team of reliable roofers who will ensure you have a safe roof over your head. Call us today at 864 990 4836, and we can schedule an assessment as soon as possible. We have over 100 years of combined roofing experience, and we promise that we will restore your roof on time and also with top quality materials.