When severe weather rolls through—be it heavy rain, hail, or howling winds—your home’s interior isn’t the only thing at risk. Storms can cause roof damage in subtle or obvious ways that are often easy to overlook. Identifying roof damage early can save you from leaks, mold, structural issues, and costly repairs in the future. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common indicators of roof damage after a storm and explain what steps you should take next to protect your home.
1. Visible Roof Damage: Missing or Damaged Shingles
Roof damage often appears as missing, cracked, or curled shingles. After a storm, walk your property (from a safe distance) and look for shingles in gutters, under eaves, or along your yard. Damaged shingles compromise your roof’s waterproofing ability and require prompt attention.
What to do: Document any missing or damaged shingles by taking clear photos. Schedule a professional roof inspection within a few days to evaluate the extent of the damage and get an estimate for repairs.
2. Granules in the Gutters or on the Ground
Shingles are coated with mineral granules that protect them from UV rays. After a storm, you may notice excess granules in your gutters, downspouts, or on the lawn. While a few are normal over time, a sudden excess is a sign of roof damage.
What to do: Clean your gutters and inspect shingles for bald patches—areas where granules are worn away. Call your roofer to assess if shingle replacement is necessary.
3. Water Stains Inside Your Home
Water stains on your ceiling or walls indicate active leaks, often caused by roof damage. These brownish-yellow marks typically appear after rain or snowmelt and signal moisture penetration into your home’s structure.
What to do: Place a bucket under active drips and gently remove wet insulation if accessible. Contact a reputable roofing contractor—like E.W. MacDowell Roofing—to detect and repair the leak before mold develops.
4. Damaged Flashing Around Roof Penetrations
Roof features like chimneys, vents, skylights, and pipes are sealed with flashing—a metal material designed to keep water out. Storms can bend, dent, or pull up flashing, creating gaps for water to penetrate and resulting in roof damage.
What to do: Inspect the flashing around all penetrations. If you notice gaps, rust, or loose flashing, secure a roofing professional to reseal it using quality materials and proper techniques.
5. Cracked or Broken Tiles (for Tile Roofs)
If you have a tile roof, hail or wind-driven debris can crack or break individual tiles. Even one damaged tile can allow rainwater to seep into the underlayment. Tile roof damage may be less visible, so your roof inspection should include a close-up look or drone survey.
What to do: Hire an experienced roofer to inspect for cracked or displaced tiles. Repairing the problem right away prevents leaks and protects the layers beneath.
6. Curled or Buckled Shingles
High winds can loosen shingles, lifting their edges or causing curling and buckling. These damaged shingles can allow water to penetrate, compromising the integrity of the roof deck and underlayment.
What to do: Make a note of any raised or deformed shingles. A licensed roofing contractor can assess if replacement is required.
7. Sagging Roof Deck or Support Structures
This is a serious form of roof damage that indicates structural compromise. A sagging roof line often means the decking or framing underneath has become saturated or weakened.
What to do: If you notice sagging, treat it as an emergency. Contact a roofing specialist and structural engineer immediately. Avoid staying inside until the roof structure has been assessed and reinforced.
8. Millboard or Structural Rot Around Roof Edges
Check soffits, fascia boards, and roof edges for soft, crumbling wood after a storm. Repetitive exposure to moisture from roof damage can cause rot and compromise your home’s exterior trim and structural integrity.
What to do: Replace any rotted millboard or fascia and treat the surrounding structures for defects. Your roofer should examine both the roofing material and underlying wood, making repairs as needed.
Document the Damage: Take timestamped photos of any signs of roof damage—inside and out. This visual record supports insurance claims and helps roofing professionals assess the work needed.
Call a Professional Inspector: Schedule an inspection promptly. Experts from E.W. MacDowell Roofing can conduct a full evaluation using industry tools, like drone or ladder surveys, to detect hidden damage before it becomes costly.
Contact Your Insurance Company: If your home is insured, file a claim as soon as possible. Your insurer may cover storm-related roof damage repairs. Provide the documentation collected and follow their guidance.
Act Quickly on Repairs: Delaying attention can worsen roofing problems and lead to interior damage like mold and compromised electrical systems. Don’t wait—book reputable repair or replacement services.
Invest in Preventive Measures: After repairing the damage, ask your roof specialist about storm-proofing options, such as high-wind-rated shingles, ridge vents, and upgraded underlayment. Strengthening your roof makes future storm damage less likely.
Experienced Experts: Over 20 years of servicing Palm Beach County, including storm damage restoration.
Licensed & Insured: We’re fully compliant and ready to provide peace of mind and reliable repair work.
Fast Response: Rapid combined inspection and repair services to protect your home quickly.
High-Quality Materials: We use only top-grade shingles, flashing, underlayment, and structural lumber.
Preventive Advice: We provide customized recommendations to strengthen your roof against future storms.
Storms can leave behind visible and hidden threats to your home’s roof. Recognizing the signs of roof damage—if it’s missing shingles, interior stains, or structural sagging—can prevent long-term headaches and costly repairs. Acting quickly, documenting the evidence, and hiring a qualified professional ensures your home remains safe, dry, and structurally sound.
If you suspect storm damage to your roof, don’t wait. Contact E.W. MacDowell Roofing today for an inspection and fast repairs.
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