Different types of storms bring different kinds of risks to your roof. Below, we’ll cover the most common types of storm-related damage, including high winds, hail, and heavy rain.

Wind Damage

High winds can cause serious damage to your roof, especially during hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorms. Wind damage is often less obvious than other types of damage but can be equally destructive if left unaddressed. Here’s what to look for:

• Missing or Loose Shingles: Wind can lift and even tear off shingles, leaving your roof exposed to water damage. Look for bare spots where shingles are missing or for shingles that are misaligned or lifted at the edges. Even if the shingles are still in place, if they’ve been lifted, water can get underneath them and cause damage over time.

• Creased or Curled Shingles: Shingles that are creased or curled upward are a sign that the wind has gotten under them. This weakens the roof’s defense and increases the likelihood of leaks.

• Debris on the Roof: Strong winds often carry debris, such as branches and other objects, that can hit your roof and cause damage. Look for signs of impact marks or debris lodged on the roof.

• Damaged Flashing: Flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights can be loosened or torn off by high winds, compromising these vulnerable areas. Inspect these spots closely.

Hail Damage

Hailstorms are notorious for causing significant damage to roofs. Hailstones vary in size, and even smaller hailstones can cause damage, especially if they fall with enough force. Here’s how to identify hail damage:

• Dented Shingles: Hail often leaves behind visible dents or dimples on asphalt shingles. If the shingles have granules, these dents might expose the underlying asphalt layer, leading to accelerated wear and tear.

• Granule Loss: Asphalt shingles are coated with granules that protect the shingles from UV damage. Hail can knock these granules off, leaving behind bald spots. Check for excessive granules in your gutters or downspouts, as this is a tell-tale sign of hail damage.

• Cracked or Fractured Shingles: In more severe hailstorms, the impact can crack or fracture shingles. Look for shingles that appear split or shattered, as this indicates significant damage that needs immediate repair.

• Metal Damage: If your roof has metal components such as vents, gutters, or flashing, hail can cause visible dents and damage to these areas. Check for dents in the metalwork around your roof as an additional indicator of hail damage.

Water Damage and Leaks

Heavy rain during storms can lead to water damage, particularly if your roof already has vulnerabilities like loose shingles or damaged flashing. Water damage can be subtle at first but can escalate quickly if left unattended. Here’s what to look for:

• Leaking or Water Stains: One of the most obvious signs of water damage is leaks inside your home. After a heavy rainstorm, inspect your attic and ceilings for water stains or active leaks. Any discoloration or bubbling paint can indicate moisture has gotten in.

• Clogged or Overflowing Gutters: Heavy rain can overwhelm gutters, especially if they’re clogged with debris. This can lead to water spilling over the sides and pooling around your roofline, increasing the risk of water seeping into the structure. Check your gutters for blockages and signs of water damage along the roof’s edge.

• Soggy or Waterlogged Areas: Water damage can sometimes cause parts of the roof to become soggy or weakened. Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for sagging rooflines or areas where the roof seems to be uneven or waterlogged.

Impact Damage

In severe storms, flying debris like tree branches or objects carried by strong winds can impact your roof, causing significant damage. Impact damage is often more visible and can require immediate attention. Here’s what to watch for:

• Broken Shingles: If debris has fallen on your roof, it can break or crack the shingles. Large branches or objects can puncture the roof entirely, leaving holes that require emergency repairs.

• Cracked or Dented Skylights: Skylights are particularly vulnerable during storms, as they can be cracked or shattered by flying debris or hail. Inspect skylights for any signs of impact, such as cracks, chips, or broken seals.

• Damaged Roof Decking: In cases of severe impact, the roof decking—the wooden layer beneath the shingles—can be damaged. This is harder to detect visually, but if you notice sagging areas or water entering your attic, it could indicate decking damage.