There are numerous ways a storm can wreak havoc on your roof. Hail and falling debris are notorious for damaging shingles, whereas the blusters of wind we routinely experience during storms can rip shingles right off your roof entirely. Heavy rain can leave behind pools of water that slip between crevices or existing weak spots to either create a leak or make an existing one worse.
Springtime in the Ozarks brings its fair share of weather extremes, from record heats to seemingly unending rain. With the bout of storms that swept through the area over the last few weeks, it’s always a good idea to get your roof checked out to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Check for Damage from the Ground
A lot of storm damage can be seen from ground level, so no need to get out your ladder. Look for shingles that aren’t properly aligned or are missing altogether. You’ll want to pay close attention to the flashing in the valleys and surrounding the chimney to see if any is missing or peeling away.
Check for Leaks
Water spots are an obvious giveaway, but leaks that haven’t yet made their way that far into your house may appear first in the attic. If you do find a leak or water spot in your home, keep in mind that the leak might actually originate from a different place. Water has a way of traveling once it’s inside the house, and water damage can be expensive to repair.
Check for Hail Damage
Hail can seriously bruise or crack your roofing shingles, leaving vulnerable places in your roof where water can get in. Short bursts of hail can cause some damage, but in cases of a prolonged hailstorm, the damage might be extensive enough to warrant a full replacement.
What to Do When You Have Storm Damage
You’ve scheduled an inspection and been told there is sufficient damage. At this point, you would file a claim with your insurance company. Your homeowners insurance policy will not cover roof damage sustained because of routine wear and tear, but in most cases, it will cover storm damage.
That said, it is important to note that damage sustained from a storm but worsened because of neglect might result in some longer conversations than you’d like with the insurance company.
Regardless, you will want to file a claim. Members of the Stay DRI Maintenance Club will have the benefit of records of former inspections to back up their claim and prove that the damage was incurred entirely because of the storm.
You don’t want to take any chances with your home. It’s always better to catch small issues rather than let them become more serious. To schedule your free inspection, call Dale’s Roofing.