Are you worried that recent storms might have caused damage to your roof, but you’re unsure where to start looking and how to catch hidden damage? Are you concerned about how unnoticed roof damage could lead to costly repairs down the road?
At RoofSmart, we have helped hundreds of homeowners just like you repair and replace their roofs after a wind storm. After being in the Greater Seattle area for 13 years, we have seen all kinds of different roof damage on all kinds of different roofs
We’ve done everything from replacing a few shingles to repairing structural damage after an entire tree went through a customer’s home.
In this article, you’ll learn about the type of damage caused by hail, wind, and snow storms, as well as the most common type of hidden damage: roof leaks. By the end, you’ll be able to identify the different types of storm damage and understand the risks of leaving your damaged roof untreated after a storm.
What are the different types of roof damage that can happen during a storm?
There are different types of storm damage that you might find on your roof depending on the kind of storm and level of severity. Each one can impact your roof in a different way, so it is important to know how to identify all kinds of storm damage.
Storm damage is typically very obvious, but sometimes minimal damage can be subtle and hard to identify. It can help to know what you’re looking for.
Damage From Hail Storms
Hail creates a lot of little dents in your roof. Depending on the size of the hail, it can cause more severe damage or lead to leaks. However, we rarely get hail in the Greater Seattle area, so this type of damage is not very common.
Image from Lifetime Quality Roofing
Damage From Wind Storms
Unlike hail, wind storms are very common here and are a big risk for causing damage to your home. After a wind storm, you might have uncovered patches where a few shingles blew off. This is usually a pretty straightforward issue to fix.
Here’s what that looks like:
However, depending on the style of your roof, it might be difficult to spot areas where shingles are missing. It would be useful to hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof (this goes for all kinds of damage.
However, a big risk during wind storms in the Greater Seattle area is trees or tree branches falling down. A tree branch hitting your roof can smash it, dent it, or puncture a hole through it. An entire tree falling can cause the same damage but on a larger scale. You’ll probably end up with structural damage to the inside of your attic or home (in addition to roof damage).
Here’s an example of some pretty bad damage after a wind storm:
Damage From Ice and Snow Storms
A sudden snowstorm can cause a build-up of snow and ice that can damage your roof. If the snow piles up enough, it can avalanche off the edge of the roof. It can also build up on top of the gutter until it becomes too heavy for it to handle and it breaks off.
Another risk during a snowstorm is falling branches. If you have a tree branch hanging over your house that gets too heavy under all the snow, it can fall on your roof. This can smash the roof or even punch a hole through it.
This is more typical on a really steep roof or a metal roof, but it can happen on any roof. Even though we don’t get a lot of snow in the Greater Seattle area, there is still potential for this type of damage.
Heavy snow on the gutter. Image from Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of L.I.
Water Damage
Another thing to keep in mind is that almost all of the damage listed above can easily lead to a leak in the roof. In a rainy area like Seattle, roof leaks happen a lot and are much more likely to appear in a roof that is damaged and unable to properly keep water out.
They are usually hard to identify and can easily cause a lot of damage before you even know that the leak is happening. To identify roof leaks, look for water stains or drip marks on the ceiling or walls.
If it’s severe enough, you might experience flooding or floors that get water-damaged. Leaks that are left for too long can lead to mold.
How do I know that the storm damage on my roof will be covered by insurance?
Storm damage that qualifies for insurance happens suddenly, not slowly over time. So if there is a sudden storm that causes damage to your roof immediately, then that is something that qualifies for coverage.
Holes, dents, smashed areas of the roof, missing shingles, and leaks or mold that formed as a result of the storm damage are all usually covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
Another point to consider while assessing the damage to your roof is that your roof might still need coverage even if the damage isn’t overwhelming.
So, even if the roof is dented and might still be usable for a while, the structural integrity has been compromised. The roof no longer functions properly, so it needs to be repaired to avoid further issues.
The point of home insurance is that you’re able to restore your home back to its full capacity.
What are the risks of not fixing storm damage on my roof?
Are you wondering if the damage to your roof is worth the hassle of getting insurance coverage? Here’s what can happen if you don’t make the needed repairs:
- Insurance won’t cover the repair: It is your responsibility as a homeowner to report any damage to your insurance company as soon as you notice it. If you don’t report it or take too long to report it, then you risk losing your ability to file a claim. After a while, it will be considered pre-existing damage and will no longer be covered under your policy.
- You’ll lose your insurance coverage completely: In order to maintain your insurance coverage, you need to make your best effort to keep your roof in good condition. This means performing maintenance, doing repairs, and reporting damage as needed. If you let your roof get into poor enough condition, your insurance company will cancel your coverage. You’ll be left with either subpar insurance or no insurance.
- You’ll get further damage to your home: Depending on the severity of the damage, neglecting it can cause further damage to your roof. In the Greater Seattle area, many types of damage lead to leaks. Leaks can quickly cause mold to grow and, if left untreated for long enough, they can lead to rotting wood and structural damage.
Overall, leaving storm damage untreated poses big risks for you as a homeowner. In the end, it will end up costing a lot of money and time. The good news is that with this kind of roof damage, the repairs will be paid for by your insurance.
What to Do Next if Your Roof Shows Signs of Storm Damage
Ignoring storm damage on your roof can lead to escalating problems, from leaks to structural damage, costing you time, money, and peace of mind. However, by understanding the signs of storm damage, taking immediate action, and working with your insurance provider, you can safeguard your home and avoid unnecessary stress.
If you suspect your roof may have storm damage, don’t wait to act. Not sure where to start? Read our article “6 Steps to Take After a Wind Storm Damages Your Roof“ to learn how to prevent further damage and get insurance coverage.
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