Common Signs of Storm Damage to a Roof

While your home’s roofing system provides excellent protection against the elements, it is still susceptible to damage in the right conditions. In the aftermath of strong storms, high winds, and hail, it’s important to inspect your roof for damage – some of which may not show up until weeks or months afterward. If you don’t, you may end up with a leak in your roof several years down the road that originated from undetected storm damage. Here are a few of the most common signs of damage to look out for:

Missing or creased shingles. While missing shingles are a clear sign that the roof has sustained wind damage, creased shingles are a little less obvious. Look for thin horizontal lines along the top of the shingles, evidence of broken shingle seals where the shingles came loose at the bottom and rubbed against those above them as they were blown in the wind.

Cracked and bruised shingles. Hail itself is hard to miss, but the damage it leaves behind is not always immediately apparent. While some hail, if large enough, can leave noticeable cracks in your shingles, sometimes it just leaves behind a bruise. These indentations can be hard for someone with an untrained eye to see but can cause miniscule cracks that will eventually allow water to penetrate your roof.

Granule accumulation. When hail pummels your roof, it loosens the protective layer of granules on your shingles. Once these granules are gone and the underlying asphalt is exposed, your shingles will break down at a much faster rate, leading to leaks and eventual roof failure if not replaced. If you notice granule accumulation in your gutters or downspouts, it’s a good indicator that you have hail damage. If you suspect hail damage but don’t see signs of granule build-up right away, check again in a couple months; it can take several rounds of rain to start washing off the loosened granules.

Call Callen for Experienced Roofing Services

            If you can’t spot any of these signs of damage from the ground and aren’t able to inspect the roof from an interior window, the best idea for your own safety is to hire a professional roofer like Callen to do the job. We can take care of any roof repairs or exterior remodeling necessary as a result of storm damage. Call Callen today at 414-765-2585 for a free estimate!