Our roofs are what keep us safe from the harsh outdoor elements. And whether it's from rain, snow, or hail—they protect you and your valuables. But even the most robust roofing systems get damaged during severe storms. Unfortunately, these damages aren't always the easiest to spot!

As a homeowner, you must be able to identify roof damage to avoid further problems. And the sooner you address them, the faster you can restore your home's safety, comfort, and privacy. If not, prepare for worse structural damage—and higher expenses.

Let's look at what you need to look for on your roof after a storm. Plus, how to spot the different signs of damage. 

Stay Safe By Inspecting Storm Damage

Before looking for damages on your roof after a storm, stay safe by first inspecting your home's exterior. If you see any flooding, downed power lines, and other electrical hazards, stay indoors and call 911. 

On the other hand, check for damaged shingles, fallen trees, ice dams, and other debris if you've gone through a winter storm. 

If everything's clear, continue to check for potential hazards, but this time, including your roof! Be especially wary when inspecting your roof as it's among the most dangerous places for post-storm damages. After all, not only can it cause structural problems, but it's also far from your line of vision. 

Once you see any storm damage on your roof, determine the primary cause to settle it the best and fastest way possible. Here are the different signs to watch out for to determine if you're dealing with hail, snow, or water damage:

Detecting Signs of Roof Damage from Hail

Hail damage is the easiest to distinguish on your roof. After all, you'll hear and see the tiny pellets of ice hitting your home and gathering on the ground. But it's easy to spot as it leaves dents on roofs or, worse, tears shingles off. 

Hail damage may cause the following damages to your roof: 

• Damaged shingles. Hail can curl, buck, crack, or dent roof shingles. 

• Missing shingles. Severe cases of hail can tear shingles off your roof, so look for gaps. 

• Blocked gutters and downspouts. Hail can build up loose asphalt granules, clogging your gutters and downspouts. 

• Damaged flashing and downspouts. Severe hail can dent, hang, or tear flashing or downspouts. 

Looking for Signs of Roof Damage Caused by Wind

Fast and robust wind speeds can knock over the most solid structures, knocking over trees, shattering windows, and damaging roofs. It can blow shingles off a roof, exposing your roof deck and underlayment. As a result, your home becomes more vulnerable. 

If you've experienced a heavy windstorm, here's what you need to look for on your roof:

• Damaged shingles. Windstorms can crack, curl, or blow off shingles off your roof. For wooden shingles, they may become rotten or moldy. 

• Clogged gutters. Granule might build up in your gutters. 

• Damaged flat roofs. Severe cases of windstorms can crack, tear, or develop surface bubbles and wrinkles on flat roofs.

Checking for Signs of Roof Damage from Water

The effects of water damage on a roof are the most challenging to spot. After all, water can seep through your roof, damaging it from the inside out. And untreated water damage or leaks can cause severe molding and rotting. 

That's why you must detect water damage on your roof fast! It won't only affect your roof but also your home's structural foundation. 

Below are the places you must check for signs of water damage from storms: 

• Roof. Severe rainstorms may curl, crack, or tear shingles off your roof. 

• Gutters. Your gutters might build up water, pool next to your home, and eventually turn into mold. As a result, it damages your home's structural foundation. 

• Ceilings. Aside from the roof itself, it pays to check your ceilings indoors. If you see any water spots or discoloration, this indicates a damaged roof. 

• Attic. After your roof comes the attic. So, it only makes sense to check it out after a rainstorm. 

How to Fix Roof Damage? Contact Your Insurance and Hire a Roofing Contractor

If you've spotted and confirmed any of the damage mentioned, contact your homeowner's insurance and hire a roofing contractor. This way, you'll be able to address the damage fast, preventing further damage and repairs. Here's how you can do just that: 

1. Document All the Damages on Your Roof Caused by the Storm

Before touching anything, record your proof and document all damages. And these can be anything from detailed notes to several photos. I recommend documenting both the interior and exterior of your home to get the best deal from your insurance company. 

After you document everything, make sure to safe-proof all hazards in your home. 

For instance, if you have shattered windows, cover them up with a cloth or board them up if necessary. 

2. Submit Your Claim to Your Insurance Company

Report the damages to your roof to your preferred insurance company. It's better to do this as soon as possible as insurance firms may take a while to process these requests. Plus, most companies have a limit to filing claims in a year. 

To avoid any confusion, contact your insurance by email or phone beforehand.  

Regardless, don't forget to document your contacts in a folder to keep all details organized. And submit any photo documentation or receipts you've gotten in the process. For instance, you may need to show proof of housing if it's made your humble abode temporarily uninhabitable. 

3. Make an Appointment with the Insurance Adjuster and Get in Touch with a Reliable Roofing Contractor

Your insurance company will usually arrange an appointment with an adjuster for you. They're in charge of assessing the overall damage to your roof. But before meeting with the adjuster, make sure to have at least four contractor estimates to get a professional benchmark for the project costs. 

After that, contact roofing contractors to give you more details, including the costs and how long it'll take them to fix your roof. 

4. Make Your Decision

Depending on the severity of your situation, your roofing contractor may suggest making minor repairs or completely replacing your roof. Either way, at this point, you should be able to make your decision. But regardless, if it passes city inspection, you should have a fixed and brand new roof in no time. 

Conclusion

Miami has more storms than most US cities, with an average of eighty days of thunderstorms per year. These storms are frequently violent, with a lot of lightning and rain. They can be severe at times, with devastating straight-line winds and huge hail. Most of the time, this causes substantial damage to your building’s roofing system. After you’ve followed the steps above, ensure that you hire a professional roofer in Miami, FL. In that case, you’ll get the best expert roofing service you need.

Guest Contributor: Jericho Miles