The storm has passed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is in the clear. Wind can lift shingles and hail can leave small impact points, while wind or hail may have damaged the layers underneath or left an opening for rain to get in.
If your Cary home has been through a major storm, taking a few steps right away can help limit water intrusion and make the repair process easier. Here’s what to do after a storm damages your roof and when it’s time to bring in a roofing professional.
1. Stay Safe and Look for Immediate Hazards
Start your analysis from a safe location, as fallen trees, damaged power lines, loose roofing materials, and unstable structures can create serious hazards after high winds or severe weather.
While it can be tempting, you don’t need to climb onto the roof to determine that something is wrong. From the ground, look for missing shingles, visible holes, debris, sagging areas, damaged gutters, or pieces of the roofing system in the yard.
If there are downed power lines or a large fallen tree near the home, stay away and contact the appropriate emergency services before approaching the property.
2. Check for Signs of Water Intrusion
Heavy rain can expose roof damage quickly. Check the ceilings and upper walls inside your home for new water stains, damp spots, dripping water, or other signs of moisture.
Pay particular attention to areas directly below the roof and around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations. Wet insulation and trapped moisture can contribute to mold growth and additional water damage if the problem continues.
If you find an active leak, move furniture and belongings away from the affected area and place a container beneath the leak if it’s safe to do so. Don’t assume the location of the ceiling stain is exactly where water is entering the roofing system.
3. Arrange Temporary Protection if Needed
Some storm damage needs to be protected before permanent repairs can begin. Emergency tarping can help keep additional rain out after severe damage, particularly when shingles have been torn away, or part of the roof has been exposed.
Temporary protection isn’t a substitute for a full repair. It’s a short-term step that gives you time to have the roof inspected and determine what needs to happen next. Especially during storm season in Cary, another rain event could occur before permanent repairs are completed.
4. Schedule a Professional Storm Damage Inspection
Once it’s safe to do so, have a roofing contractor inspect the property. A professional inspection can identify damage that isn’t obvious right away, including lifted shingles, damaged flashing, wind uplift, compromised roof edges, and areas where water may have entered beneath the roofing materials.
A thorough storm damage inspection should look at the entire roofing system rather than focusing only on the most visible problem. For example, the decking, flashing, gutters, vents, and other components may also need attention.
Morgan Roofing Raleigh offers free inspections for homeowners dealing with storm damage in Cary and surrounding communities. After the inspection, you can receive a written assessment and recommendations based on the actual condition of your roof.
5. Document the Damage for Your Insurance Claim
If you plan to file an insurance claim, document the damage as soon as you safely can. Keep records of temporary repairs and related expenses and take photos and videos of missing shingles, fallen debris, damaged gutters, water intrusion, and other visible problems to help provide useful information for your insurance company.
Your roofing contractor may also be able to provide an inspection report, estimate, photographs, and other documentation for the claim. Insurance policies vary, so your insurance company will determine what qualifies as a covered event and what costs are eligible under your policy. A roofing contractor can explain the observed damage and provide repair information, but the final coverage decision comes from your insurer.
6. Don’t Assume You Need a Full Roof Replacement
Storm damage doesn’t automatically mean you need a new roof. The appropriate repair depends on the type and extent of damage, the age and condition of the existing roofing system, and the condition of the roof deck underneath.
Some roofs may only need individual shingles, flashing, or other components repaired. More extensive wind or hail damage can sometimes require a larger repair or complete roof replacement.
A professional inspection gives you more information before work begins, so you can understand what was damaged and what repairs are actually being recommended.
What Types of Storm Damage Can Affect a Roof?
Cary homes can experience several types of storm-related roof damage. High winds may loosen or remove shingles, while hail can leave impact damage that isn’t immediately obvious.
Common problems include:
- Missing or lifted shingles
- Wind damage and wind uplift
- Hail damage
- Damaged flashing
- Damage around the roof edge
- Fallen tree or large branch damage
- Punctures or exposed sections of the roof
- Damaged gutters and downspouts
- Water intrusion
- Wet insulation
- Damaged roof decking
The severity can vary significantly from one property to another, even after the same storm. Local weather conditions, roof age, roofing materials, installation quality, and the direction of strong winds can all affect the type of damage a home experiences.
How Long Do Storm Damage Repairs Take?
The time it takes to repair storm damage really comes down to how much the roof has been affected. Replacing a few missing shingles might be fairly quick, but damage that has reached the decking or affected flashing and insulation can add more work.
Getting the right materials can also take some time. Standard shingles may be readily available, while specialty roofing materials may need to be ordered before the repair can move forward.
What If Another Storm Is Coming?
If your roof has already been damaged and another storm is approaching, contact a roofing company as soon as possible. Temporary protection may be appropriate if the roof has exposed areas or active leaks.
Don’t attempt to make repairs yourself during severe weather or climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Emergency response should focus first on keeping people safe and limiting further damage to the property.
Don’t Let Storm Damage Sit
Storm damage can leave you dealing with leaks, insurance questions, and uncertainty about what needs to be repaired first. A thorough inspection can help separate visible damage from problems that may be hidden beneath the roofing materials.
Morgan Roofing Raleigh provides storm damage inspections and repair services for Cary homeowners and surrounding Triangle communities.
The longer damaged roofing remains exposed, the more opportunity there is for rain and moisture to cause further damage. Schedule a free storm damage inspection with us to find out what happened and what your roof needs next.