Most of the time, storms are fun. You can curl up on the couch with a book and some hot chocolate, watching the lightning and rain through your windows. Every once in a while, though, it happens—a storm strong enough to damage your roof. It’s important to understand the risks associated with storm damage so you can address immediate vulnerabilities before they become very expensive problems.

Surface Damage

When wind is stronger than a gentle breeze, it can cause serious roof damage. Wind can remove, crack and loosen entire shingles, gutters, and other major elements of your roof. In addition, wind often blows debris like tree branches and the occasional lawn ornament across the top of your roof, breaking off shingle corners and removing the protective granulation.

Minor hailstorms can cause damage as well, depending on the size of the hail and the duration of the storm. Hail less than one inch in diameter tends to leave pockmarks and can break off shingle corners or granulation.

After a storm, visually inspect your roof for any surface damage from wind, debris or hail. If you notice patches that require repair, it’s worth it to fix those spots. If left unattended, missing shingles and extensive pockmarks can lead to leaks and mold.

It’s important to note that note all damage is visible from the ground. It takes a trained roofing professional to address

Structural Damage

Strong winds associated with the worst storms can cause structural damage to your roof and home. Wind can lift up entire trees and land them on your roof. Large patches of shingles disappear. Your gutter, once pristine and straight, is now a jumbled mess in your driveway.

Major hailstorms are a roof’s worst enemy. Hail larger than one inch in diameter often causes structural damage underneath the surface and has the potential to knock off gutters and break skylights. Damage to the underlying roof structure can result in the usual suspects like leaks and drafts, leading to internal home damage and higher utility bills. If the damage isn’t repaired, however, the problems will likely worsen, leading to mold in your ceiling and walls, and holes that allow pests to enter your home.

Water Damage

A storm does not need to be big catastrophic enough to make the local news to be dangerous. If your roof is already damaged in any way, a little rainstorm is risky to your home’s integrity. Your roof is the first line of defense against unwanted moisture and leaks—when moisture seeps into your roof and your house, mold and drywall damage can result.

What to do next

Even if you haven’t endured a major storm lately, it’s best practice to have your roof inspected regularly to ensure that it is still working properly. Forty-eight percent of our Naples, Florida customers did not realize their roof sustained damage until after CMR inspected it. So, even if you do not suspect your roof has sustained any damage, there are damages that cannot be seen from the ground. After a storm occurs, it’s worth calling a professional to take a look. Call CMR Construction & Roofing today for a free roof inspection. It’s our pleasure to help!