How To Check For Roof Damage After A Storm 

Here in Mississippi, we know that storms can roll in hard and fast, leaving behind more than just puddles—they can seriously damage your roof! Whether your roof is made of asphalt shingles or a metal roofing system, storm damage can lead to expensive problems if it’s left unchecked. Right after a storm, it’s important to assess the damage as soon as possible to protect your home from leaks and other issues.

If you want to be prepared for the upcoming storm season, this blog post aims to help with tips on checking your roof thoroughly for storm damage caused by wind, hail, and rain.   

If you’re dealing with storm damage right now and need immediate help, don’t wait—give us a call today at (601) 520-3183 for a professional roof inspection. We’re here to help you assess any damage and get your roof back in top shape.

Safety First: Don’t Rush Onto The Roof

Before we dive into the actual inspection, let’s get one thing clear: never rush onto your roof right after a storm. It might look tempting to get up there and take a close look, but your safety comes first. Wet shingles, loose debris, or structural damage could make it too risky to walk around. Instead, start your inspection from the ground and take a cautious approach.

Quick Tip: A good pair of binoculars can be a lifesaver when trying to get a closer look from the ground. 

Look For Signs Of Damage

Not all roofs are the same, especially here in Mississippi. Different roofing materials endure storms in different ways, so it’s important to know what to look for depending on the type of roof you have. Here’s how to check for damage based on the material:

Asphalt Shingle Damage 

Let’s start with the material that most readers are likely to have on their roofs: asphalt shingles. 

Asphalt roof shingles are the most common type of roofing material, but unfortunately, it’s also one of the materials that can easily get damaged due to strong storms. 

Shingles are lightweight and quite thin compared to other materials, which makes them vulnerable to damage. Here are some signs that indicate shingle damage: 

Missing or Cracked Shingles:

This is the biggest problem you will face with asphalt shingles. Strong winds can blow shingles off or cause them to crack. When the shingles are missing, the underlayment becomes exposed to the elements, leading to water damage. 

Also Read: How Do You Replace A Missing Shingle? 

Lifted or Curled Shingle Edges: 

High winds can also cause the edges of your shingles to lift up, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks.

Granule Loss: 

Check your gutters or downspouts for an excessive amount of shingle granules (those small, sand-like particles). Granule loss indicates wear, and storm damage can accelerate this process.

Metal Roofs

Though not as common as asphalt roofs, metal roofing systems are becoming quite popular in storm-prone regions as they are durable, and last longer than shingle roofs. However, even with better durability, signs of damage on a metal roof include: 

Dents or Punctures:

Hail storms can dent or even puncture metal panels, leading to future leaks if proper repairs are not made in time

Loose or Damaged Fasteners: 

Though it’s not very usual, high winds can loosen the screws or fasteners that hold metal panels in place.

Rust Spots:

If a storm has exposed bare metal, you may start to see rust form, especially in the humid Mississippi climate. 

Tile Roofs (Clay or Concrete)

Tile roofs are beautiful and durable, but they can be fragile when faced with heavy impact or strong winds. Check for:

Cracked or Broken Tiles:

These are the most common issues after a storm. Even if the cracks are small, they can lead to bigger problems if water begins to seep through.

Dislodged Tiles: 

Sometimes tiles can shift out of place or fall off the roof entirely, exposing the underlayment to the elements.

Check Your Gutters And Downspout

While the roofing material installed on your home is the first line of defense and unfortunately suffers the most damage, it’s not the only part that you need to check for damage after a storm. During storms, your gutters can also become damaged.  

Here are some signs that indicate damage: 

• Bent or damaged gutters: Strong winds can bend or detach gutters from the roofline, which affects how well water drains off your roof. If gutters aren’t directing water properly, it could pool on your roof and lead to leaks.

Inspect the Attic for Leaks or Water Damage

You might think roof inspections are all about looking outside, but damage can occur just as easily to the interior of your home. When the storm hits your area, you should check the attic as it can certainly give you clues on whether your roof has suffered from storm damage. 

Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:

• Water stains on the ceiling or walls: Dark spots or discolored patches mean water is getting in somewhere, even if you can’t see a leak yet.
• Dripping or damp insulation: Wet insulation is a sure sign that a leak has occurred, and you don’t want to ignore this since wet insulation loses its effectiveness and can lead to mold growth.
• Sunlight shining through: This one’s obvious, but it’s worth mentioning—if you can see sunlight peeking through any gaps in the roof deck, water is bound to get through, too.

Examine the Roof Up Close, If It’s Safe

Once you’ve done the ground inspection and checked the attic, you might be thinking about getting up on the roof itself. This step is optional, and only for those who feel completely safe and comfortable doing so. If you’re nervous or unsure, it’s best to leave this to the pros.

If you decide to go for it, here are some safety tips and what to look for:

• Wear non-slip shoes: Roofs can be slippery after a storm, so make sure you have proper footwear.
• Inspect vents and chimneys: Make sure the storm hasn’t loosened any roofing materials around vents or chimneys, as these can be common places for leaks to start.
• Check roofing materials: Now that you have a better view, check the roofing material up close and look for signs that indicate damage based on the type of material. 

Call Our Roofing Professionals Today! 

At the end of the day, a professional inspection might be your best option when it comes to handling storm damage. All of the signs that we talked about in this blog post are vital and can lead to further damage if they’re not addressed quickly. 

This is where our team of experts can help you! B&A Roofing is a premier roofing company in Hattiesburg, MS, ready to serve home and business owners with all their roofing needs, especially when it comes to storm damage. For moments of crisis, we offer emergency services such as roof tarping and insurance claim assistance so you don’t have to worry about the state of your roof. Give us a call today at (601) 520-3183 to find out how we can help you!