Puetz Construction | 8 Minute Read

Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, providing shelter and protection against the elements. However, severe weather can take a toll on your roof, leading to significant damage that requires prompt attention. Understanding the various types of storm damage and knowing what steps to take next can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home remains safe and secure. This blog will cover roof storm damage, including:

Wind damage
Hail damage
Water damage
Impact damage
Ice dam damage
Lightning damage
Snow load damage
Tornado damage
Flash flood damage

⛈️ 9 Types of Roof Storm Damage

Storms can wreak havoc on your roof, leading to various types of damage that can compromise its integrity. Understanding these different forms of storm-related damage is crucial for timely repairs and maintenance.

1. Wind Damage

Identifying Wind Damage

Strong winds can wreak havoc on your roof, especially during hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorms. Signs of wind damage include:

Missing Shingles: High winds can lift and remove shingles from your roof, exposing the underlying layers to the elements.
Curling or Peeling Shingles: Shingles that are partially lifted can curl or peel back, compromising the roof’s integrity.
Loose Debris: Branches, leaves, and other debris scattered on your roof or in your yard may indicate wind damage.

What to Do Next

Inspect Your Roof: Conduct a visual inspection from the ground, looking for obvious signs of damage. If safe, use a ladder to get a closer look.
Document the Damage: Take photos and notes of any visible damage for insurance purposes.
Secure Loose Shingles: Temporarily secure loose shingles with roofing cement or nails until a professional can make permanent repairs.
Contact a Professional: Hire a licensed roofing contractor to assess and repair the damage. They can provide a thorough inspection and ensure your roof is restored properly.

2. Hail Damage

Identifying Hail Damage

Hailstorms can cause significant damage to roofs, especially if the hailstones are large. Signs of hail damage include:

Dented or Cracked Shingles: Hailstones can dent or crack shingles, leading to potential leaks.
Granule Loss: Shingles lose protective granules upon impact, which can accelerate wear and tear.
Damaged Gutters and Downspouts: Dents and cracks in gutters and downspouts are common after a hailstorm.

What to Do Next

Inspect Your Roof: Look for visible signs of hail damage from the ground and, if safe, from a ladder.
Check for Granules: Examine your gutters and downspouts for an accumulation of granules, a sign of shingle damage.
Document the Damage: Take photos of any dents, cracks, or granule loss for insurance purposes.
Schedule a Professional Inspection: Contact a roofing contractor to assess the extent of the damage and provide an estimate for repairs.

3. Water Damage

Identifying Water Damage

Water damage often results from heavy rain, ice dams, or snow accumulation. Signs of water damage include:

Leaks and Stains: Water stains on ceilings or walls indicate a leaky roof.
Mold and Mildew: Excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, posing health risks.
Sagging Roof Deck: A sagging roof deck suggests prolonged water damage and potential structural issues.

What to Do Next

Locate the Source: Identify where the water is entering your home. This could be a damaged shingle, flashing, or a clogged gutter.
Remove Standing Water: If water has pooled on your roof, use a hose or a pump to remove it.
Dry the Area: Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out affected areas inside your home to prevent mold growth.
Call a Professional: A roofing contractor can repair the leak and assess for further damage, ensuring your roof is watertight.

4. Impact Damage

Identifying Impact Damage

Impact damage typically occurs when trees, branches, or other heavy objects fall onto your roof. Signs of impact damage include:

Broken or Cracked Shingles: Shingles may be visibly broken or cracked.
Punctured Roof: A heavy object can puncture the roof, creating holes and compromising its integrity.
Structural Damage: Severe impacts can damage the roof’s underlying structure, leading to potential collapse.

What to Do Next

Ensure Safety: If a tree or large branch has fallen on your roof, ensure everyone is safe and evacuate if necessary.
Document the Damage: Take photos of the impact and any visible damage for insurance purposes.
Temporary Repairs: Use a tarp to cover any holes or punctures to prevent further water damage.
Contact a Professional: Hire a roofing contractor to remove the debris and assess the damage. Structural repairs may be necessary.

5. Ice Dam Damage

Identifying Ice Dam Damage

Ice dams form when snow melts and refreezes at the roof’s edge, causing water to back up and seep under the shingles. Signs of ice dam damage include:

Leaking Roof: Water stains on ceilings or walls during winter suggest ice dam issues.
Damaged Shingles: Shingles may be lifted or damaged by the ice buildup.
Gutter Damage: Heavy ice dams can pull gutters away from the house.

What to Do Next

Remove Snow Safely: Use a roof rake to remove snow from the roof’s edge, being careful not to damage the shingles.
Melt the Ice: Apply a calcium chloride ice melt product to the ice dam, avoiding rock salt, which can damage shingles.
Insulate and Ventilate: Improve attic insulation and ventilation to prevent ice dams from forming in the future.
Call a Professional: A roofing contractor can assess and repair any damage caused by ice dams and provide solutions to prevent future issues.

6. Lightning Damage

Identifying Lightning Damage

Although less common, lightning strikes can cause severe roof damage. Signs of lightning damage include:

Burn Marks: Scorched or burn marks on the roof where the lightning struck.
Structural Damage: Lightning can cause significant structural damage, including cracked or broken rafters and beams.
Electrical Issues: A lightning strike may lead to electrical issues, including damaged wiring or electrical fires.

What to Do Next

Ensure Safety: If your home is struck by lightning, ensure everyone is safe and evacuate if necessary due to potential fire risk.
Inspect for Fire: Check for signs of fire, especially in the attic and roof area.
Document the Damage: Take photos of any visible damage for insurance purposes.
Contact a Professional: A roofing contractor and an electrician should assess and repair any structural and electrical damage.

7. Snow Load Damage

Identifying Snow Load Damage

Heavy snow accumulation can place excessive weight on your roof, leading to structural damage. Signs of snow load damage include:

Sagging Roof: A visibly sagging roof suggests the weight of the snow is too much for the structure to bear.
Cracking Sounds: Creaking or cracking sounds may indicate the roof is under stress.
Interior Cracks: Cracks in walls or ceilings inside the house can be a sign of structural strain from snow load.

What to Do Next

Remove Snow Safely: Use a roof rake to remove excess snow, being cautious not to damage the shingles or roof structure.
Monitor for Damage: Keep an eye out for any signs of further damage, both inside and outside your home.
Contact a Professional: A roofing contractor can assess the structural integrity of your roof and make necessary repairs.

8. Tornado Damage

Identifying Tornado Damage

Tornadoes can cause catastrophic roof damage due to their intense winds and flying debris. Signs of tornado damage include:

Missing Sections: Large sections of the roof may be missing or severely damaged.
Debris Penetration: Flying debris can puncture the roof, creating holes and compromising its integrity.
Structural Damage: Tornadoes can cause significant structural damage to the roof and the entire home.

What to Do Next

Ensure Safety: After a tornado, ensure everyone is safe and avoid entering a severely damaged home.
Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes.
Temporary Repairs: Use tarps or plywood to cover holes and prevent further water damage.
Contact a Professional: Hire a roofing contractor to assess and repair the damage. In cases of severe structural damage, a structural engineer may be needed.

9. Flash Flood Damage

Identifying Flash Flood Damage

Flash floods can cause water to pool on your roof, leading to leaks and structural issues. Signs of flash flood damage include:

Pooling Water: Visible standing water on the roof, especially if the roof is flat or has poor drainage.
Leaks and Stains: Water stains on ceilings or walls indicate leaks caused by pooling water.
Damaged Flashing: Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights may be damaged by floodwaters.

What to Do Next

Remove Standing Water: Use a pump or a hose to remove standing water from the roof.
Inspect for Leaks: Check your home for any signs of water intrusion and address them promptly.
Document the Damage: Take photos of any visible damage for insurance purposes.
Contact a Professional: A roofing contractor can assess and repair any damage caused by flash floods and ensure proper drainage is in place.

🙌 Shield Your Roof, Save Your Home

Storm damage to your roof can be overwhelming, but identifying the signs and acting quickly can prevent further damage and lower repair costs. Prioritize safety when inspecting and addressing roof issues. If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage or the next steps, trust our team at Puetz Construction. Our experts provide reliable advice and ensure your roof is properly restored. Protect your home and gain peace of mind with our trusted services. Contact us at Puetz Construction today for all your roofing needs!