We’re constantly being bombarded with advertisements about things we need. And many people would agree that we don’t actually need most of what gets sold to us. With that in mind, why would you continue to read about yet another home service like roof storm damage inspections?
Well, there’s a big difference between the structure that protects your home and a new pair of shoes. Plus, since many reputable roofing contractors offer free inspections, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. After reading, you may be surprised to learn just how much you really need to schedule a storm damage inspection.
Types of Storm Damage That Can Affect Your Roof
It doesn’t take an intense hurricane or tornado to cause damage to your roof. Even big gusts of wind or small pieces of hail can compromise your roof, leaving your home susceptible to leaks and expensive property damage.
Storms can cause a wide array of roof damage, including:
- Granule loss: High winds can loosen roofing granules, causing them to be lost and leaving the roofing material vulnerable to the elements.
- Missing shingles: Shingles can be ripped off of your roof during a storm, exposing the underlayment to potential damage.
- Cracked shingles: While missing shingles are obvious, cracked shingles can be harder to spot. However, they can still leave your roof vulnerable to leaks.
- Hail damage: Hailstones can crack, dent, or break shingles, leaving your roof open to water damage.
Why You Need a Storm Damage Inspection
If you live in an area that’s prone to storms, it’s important to have your roof inspected regularly to ensure that it can withstand high winds and other weather conditions.
A storm damage inspection will help you identify any weak points in your roof so that you can make repairs before they become bigger, more expensive problems. In some cases, damage from a storm may not be immediately apparent, but an inspection can help you spot potential problems so that you can address them before they cause serious damage to your home.
How Often Should You Have a Storm Damage Inspection?
Ideally, you should have your roof inspected once a year, but if you live in an area that’s prone to severe weather, you may need to have it inspected more frequently. While you don’t need to call your roofing contractor after every rain storm, it’s a good idea to get an inspection on the books after any:
- Storms with strong winds that cause flying debris or break tree branches
- Hail storms
- Major thunderstorms
What Gets Covered in a Storm Damage Roof Inspection?
A roofing contractor will start by doing a visual inspection of your roof to look for any obvious signs of damage. They may also use a drone or other technology to get a better view of your roof.
Once they’ve done a visual inspection, they’ll likely get on your roof to take a closer look. During this time, they’ll be looking for:
- Missing, damaged, or loose shingles
- Granule loss
- Cracks or splits in shingles
- Holes or punctures in the roofing material
- Buckling or curling shingles
- Any other signs of damage that could lead to leaks or water damage
If you have an attic, the roofing contractor will also go inside to check for any signs of leaks or water damage. Once they’ve completed their inspection, they’ll provide you with a report that details any damage they found and what needs to be done to repair it.
Keep in mind that most reputable roofing companies will offer free inspections and/or price estimates. However, some companies charge a small fee, so be sure to inquire about the details before scheduling your inspection.
What to Do If You Have Storm Damage
If your roof is damaged, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage. In some cases, roofing contractors may be able to make repairs on the spot. However, in other cases, you may need to schedule a time for the repairs to be made.
It’s also wise to file a homeowners insurance claim if your roofing contractor confirms the presence of damage. These situations are exactly why you have an insurance policy in the first place— so you don’t have to pay for damage that wasn’t your fault.
Be sure to hire a roofing company that has experience helping homeowners file insurance claims and communicating with insurance companies. Having the right roofing partner can make all the difference if your insurance company tries to make things difficult for you. If your claim is approved, your insurer will send a check to cover some or all of the cost of repairs.
Either way, it’s important to get the damage fixed as soon as possible so that you can avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
What Could Happen If You Neglect to Schedule an Inspection?
If a storm (or two or three) rolls through your neighborhood and you don’t ever set up a roof inspection, you could be in for some serious trouble. Here are a few scenarios that could play out if you don’t stay on top of roof maintenance:
- Your roof suffers damage that leads to leaks, water damage, and/or mold growth inside your home.
- Your roof is so damaged that it needs to be completely replaced— an expensive proposition that could have been avoided with regular inspections and prompt repairs.
- You waited too long to file an insurance claim, so you’re no longer eligible for insurance coverage.
Got Storm Damage? We’ve Got Roofing Solutions
If you value your home and want to keep it (and the people and belongings inside of it) in good condition, then it’s essential to schedule a storm damage roof inspection after any major inclement weather. Thankfully, if you live in North Carolina, the team at Scro’s Roofing has over 25 years of experience expertly dealing with roof storm damage and insurance claims. We even have hundreds of 5-star reviews to prove it!We offer free, no-obligation inspections for storm damage. Schedule yours today!
