After a severe storm, you need to check your roof for damage. It’s your home’s primary shield and requires a close look. Overlooking or delaying a thorough roof inspection can transform minor, easily fixable issues into catastrophic problems like pervasive water leaks, toxic mould infestations, and severe structural decay.
As seasoned experts in comprehensive roofing solutions, Remember Me Roofing underscores the critical importance of conducting an immediate and detailed post-storm roof inspection. This guide provides essential, in-depth tips to empower you to assess your roof safely and effectively, protecting your investment and ensuring the safety of your family.
Safety First: Preparing for a Meticulous Inspection
Before you even consider placing a ladder against your house, your number one priority must be safety. The aftermath of a storm is a hazardous environment, filled with risks like downed power lines, unstable trees, and slick, debris-covered surfaces.
Pre-Inspection Safety Protocol
- Survey from the Ground: Your first inspection should always be from the safety of the ground. Walk the perimeter of your home, using binoculars for a closer look at the roof’s surface, edges, and penetrations. This can often reveal significant damage without requiring you to leave the ground.
- Assess Electrical Hazards: Look for any downed power lines on or near your property. Even if a line appears inactive, assume it is live and keep a safe distance. If you see any utility lines touching or draped over your roof, do not approach. Contact your utility company and a professional roofer immediately.
- Ladder Safety is Paramount: If you determine it is safe to proceed with a closer look, use a sturdy, well-maintained ladder placed on a level, solid surface. Follow established safety protocols, such as maintaining three points of contact when climbing.
- Appropriate Gear: Wear slip-resistant, rubber-soled shoes for secure footing. Gloves can protect your hands from sharp debris or rough shingle surfaces.
- Know When to Stop: If you feel unsafe at any point, or if the roof pitch is particularly steep, or if you observe extensive damage, such as sagging or large holes from the ground, halt your inspection immediately. This is the definitive sign that you need to call a certified and insured roofing professional.
Comprehensive Exterior Inspection Checklist
A meticulous exterior inspection involves looking for more than just obvious holes. You need to examine each component of the roofing system for signs of stress and failure.
- Examine Shingles with a Critical Eye: High winds and hail are the primary culprits of shingle damage. Look beyond just missing shingles for more subtle signs. Wind can lift and bend shingles without completely tearing them off, creating creases or causing edges to curl and break the watertight seal. Hail impacts can “bruise” an asphalt shingle, creating a dark, soft spot where the underlying asphalt is exposed or a circular pattern where the protective granules have been knocked off. This damage compromises the shingle’s integrity and shortens its lifespan.
- Scrutinize Gutters and Downspouts for Clues: Your gutter system is an excellent diagnostic tool. Check inside your gutters and at the base of your downspouts for an excessive amount of shingle granules, which look like coarse black sand. This is a clear indicator that your shingles are aging or have been damaged. Additionally, look for dents from hail or sections that have been loosened or detached by wind, as damaged gutters can cause water to back up under the eaves and damage your home’s foundation.
- Assess Flashing, Seals, and Penetrations: Flashing is the metal material installed where the roof plane meets a wall or another surface, around chimneys, in valleys, and at vent pipes or skylights. It is a common point of failure. Ensure the metal is flat, secure, and free of dents or punctures. Wind can lift flashing and break the seal. Pay close attention to the rubber boots around vent pipes, as these can crack and tear over time, creating an easy entry point for water.
- Inspect for Debris and Impalement: Storms can deposit a surprising amount of debris onto your roof. While small leaves and twigs are minor, larger objects pose a significant threat. Carefully remove any branches or other debris. Be particularly vigilant for any objects that may have impaled the roof surface, creating a puncture that may not be visible from the ground.
Thorough Interior Inspection Checklist
The story of your roof’s health isn’t just told on the outside. Evidence of damage often manifests inside your home, particularly in the attic.
- A Detailed Attic Investigation: Your attic is the first line of defence on the inside. With a good flashlight, scan for these telltale signs:
- Sunlight Penetration: On a bright day, turn off the lights in your attic to maximize sunlight penetration. If you see any pinpricks of light coming through the roof deck, you have a direct hole.
- Water Stains and Streaks: Look for dark streaks or discoloration on the underside of the roof decking and rafters.
- Damp or Compressed Insulation: Wet insulation is a major red flag. It loses its insulating properties and promotes rot and mould.
- Musty Odours: A damp, musty smell in the attic is a strong sensory clue that moisture is present.
- Inspect Ceilings and Walls in Living Spaces: Look for water stains, discolouration, peeling, or bubbling paint on the ceilings and walls of the rooms directly below the attic. These symptoms mean a roof leak has already progressed through the attic and into your living space, requiring urgent attention.
Red Flags: Recognizing Severe Structural Damage
Certain signs go beyond minor repairs and indicate a structural emergency.
- Sagging Roof Deck: A noticeable dip or sag in your roofline is a critical warning sign of failing decking or broken rafters. This poses an immediate risk of collapse and requires emergency professional intervention.
- Obvious Holes or Breakthroughs: Any visible hole from a fallen limb or other severe impact is an emergency that must be addressed immediately to prevent massive water intrusion.
- Leaning or Damaged Chimneys: A chimney that has shifted indicates a potential foundational issue or severe weakening of the roof structure that supports it.
Documentation for a Smooth Insurance Claim
If you discover damage, meticulous documentation is your best asset when filing an insurance claim.
- Photograph Everything: Take clear, well-lit photos of all damage, both from a distance to show context and up close to show detail.
- Annotate Your Photos: For hail hits, consider circling the impact points with chalk to make them more visible in photographs.
- Take Detailed Notes: Record the date and time of the storm, as well as the date and time of your inspection. Describe the damage you found and its specific location.
- Keep Receipts: If you must perform emergency temporary repairs, such as buying a tarp, keep all receipts, as they are often reimbursable.
When to Call a Professional: Avoiding “Storm Chasers”
While a homeowner’s inspection is vital, professional assessment is irreplaceable for accurate diagnosis and repair. Call a professional if you find any of the issues listed above or if you are simply uncomfortable performing the inspection yourself.
After a major storm, be wary of “storm chasers”—out-of-town contractors who flock to disaster areas. They often perform shoddy work and disappear when problems arise. Contact a reputable, local company, such as Remember Me Roofing. A trustworthy contractor will have a local address and phone number, provide proof of license and insurance, offer references, and give you a detailed, written estimate without demanding a large cash deposit upfront.
Preventative Measures for Future Storms
Post-storm repair is also an opportunity to enhance your roof’s resistance to future weather events.
- Regular Maintenance: Bi-annual inspections by a professional can identify and address minor vulnerabilities before a storm hits.
- Upgrade Your Materials: When it’s time for a new roof, consider investing in impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles and high-quality synthetic underlayment.
- Reinforce the System: Hurricane straps that connect the roof to the walls can provide a significant structural advantage in high-wind areas.
- Maintain Your Property: Routinely trim overhanging tree branches and ensure your gutters are always clear to promote proper drainage.
The Importance of Immediate Repairs
Delaying roof repairs is a gamble that rarely pays off. A small leak can saturate insulation, rot the wooden roof deck, and compromise structural trusses. This moisture can then lead to hazardous mould growth inside your walls and attic. What might have been a simple shingle replacement can escalate into a full-scale roof and interior renovation project, costing exponentially more in time, money, and stress.
Trust the Experts: Remember Me Roofing
A post-storm roof inspection is an essential, non-negotiable task for every responsible homeowner. It is your first and best defence against the long-term consequences of storm damage. By prioritizing safety, utilizing these detailed checklists, documenting any findings with precision, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can effectively manage the aftermath of a storm. At Remember Me Roofing, we understand that your roof is a complex system integral to the safety and security of your home. We see our role not just as repairers, but as educators. Our experienced professionals provide transparent and comprehensive inspections, delivering reliable, high-quality repairs that withstand the test of time and weather.
