Storms come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, each one potentially leaving its own mark on roofing systems. If you've experienced roof damage as a result of a spring storm, you might be wondering what qualifies as storm damage for insurance purposes. Most storm damage falls into one of the four possible categories listed in the article below.
1. Wind Damage
Strong winds aren't the only possible threat to a roof. If your home's roof uses a lighter material, like asphalt, then even lighter winds could rip away the shingles and cause damage.
Unfortunately, it's relatively more difficult to notice minor damage after a wind storm, so you might need to look closely at your shingles to see if there are any cracks, creases, or tears. Loose granules may be a sign to call a professional for a closer inspection.
A professional contractor can make temporary repairs that stop the damages from getting worse until your insurance company agrees to cover the cost of a repair.
2. Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms
Heavy spring storms can cause substantial damage to roofing systems, even potentially making them fail and collapse in the worst-case scenario. Holes in your roof can also collect standing water that weakens the shingle adhesive.
If your roof doesn't have a good drainage system, rainstorms may well cause irreplaceable damage to its deck. In rainy climates, asphalt shingles, Spanish tile roofing, and metal are all ideal options; discussing this information with a reputable roofing company can help you make the best decision to move forward with.
3. Hail
It's not usual to undergo a very long hailstorm in the spring compared to wind and rainstorms. Even so, the damage they cause and the danger they pose are quite similar. It's hard not to notice when a hailstorm is happening, but if you're interested in whether or not they damaged your roof, look for the following:
- Missing asphalt granules on shingles
- Shingle bruising or dents
- Piles of granules on the bottom of the roof
- Round marks across the roof
If any of these visible signs of hailstorm damage appear on your roof, it's a good idea to get in touch with a professional roofing company to conduct a more thorough inspection.
4. Ice Storms
Ice storms can still happen in the spring! If you live in a region that experiences that often, you might need a professional to add an additional layer to your roof to protect it. Ice storms easily cause structural damage, and then the ice melts down into water that sneaks into your home. Leaks and cracks are quite common after an ice storm, but pitched roofs will help get rid of the threat of water damage.
The Bottom Line
If any of the above examples sound like your roof, you almost certainly have storm damage. In that case, contact your insurance company to report the damage, and then consider contacting an expert to come out and conduct an inspection for repair. The longer you delay fixing roof damage caused by spring storms, the larger the damage becomes which would lead to new roofing damage.
