Rough weather will cause asphalt shingles to suffer severe damage. Strong winds can lift them off their nails. Plus, tree branches can come from anywhere and damage your roof. If you're unsure about what to do after a storm passes, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Identify the Different Types of Roof Storm Damage

Storms cause various types of damage. Let's learn more about each of them below.

Wind

Winds higher than 74 miles-per-hour, also known as gale-force winds, will loosen asphalt shingle nails and blow them off. Roof geometry and material dictate the roof's resistance to strong weather. For example, gable roofs with narrow overhangs have good wind resistance, but an aerodynamically designed hip roof endures wind damage better.

Wind damage signs to watch out for include torn, curled, and bruised shingles. Outside the roof, check the local surroundings for toppled trees and power lines.

Hail

Hailstones can cause dents and bruises on asphalt shingles. They also cause small hidden pockmarks that dislodge protective shingle granules and weaken the material. That said, hailstorms are a homeowner's nightmare because it causes severe aesthetic damage to roofing systems. 

Hailstorms are destructive; even a 15-minute deluge can cause severe roof damage. That said, call a local certified roofer to inspect and assess your roof's current condition.

Pooled Water

Water runoff can clog gutters with dust, debris, and leaves. The pooled water on clogged systems will cause lipping and sagging by pushing against all directions. Furthermore, the water can soak your underlayment, sheathing, and fascia.

Your roofers will use ladders to head up to your gutters, clean the debris, and remove clogging. Then, they will inspect the gutter's structural condition and other issues. After their maintenance repairs, your gutters will work well and effectively by the next storm.

What to Do After a Storm?

Storm damage can shorten your roof's lifespan without immediate repairs. However, if you follow these steps, you can claim roof insurance and restore your roof's condition without paying for anything. Learn more about each step below.

Roof Inspections

Call your local roofer for roof inspections. They can identify visible and hidden roof damages. Most offer free roof surveys and will bring ladders to check your roof's exterior condition. Their assessment serves as initial data you can use to make an insurance claim.

The roofer will check your roofing system's top layer of asphalt shingles or roofing materials for damage. Then, they'll check the gutter, vents, windows, attic, and ceiling for possible damage and issues.

Contact Your Insurer

After your roofer assesses and makes emergency storm damage repairs, you can contact your insurer. Refer to your policy's claims guidelines with this step. Most often, insurers will have you call them and then send them the roofer's photos and documentation of damage. Then, your insurer will conduct their own inspections, discuss repair or replacement details with your roofer, and set a date for repairs and replacement.

Count on SJ Winn Construction to help you with storm damage roof repairs. Our experienced team of professional roofers ensures excellent results in all our roofing projects. Call us today for emergency storm damage repair and general roof services!