21 Jan Roof Damage Assessment Checklist After a Hurricane

A thorough roof damage assessment checklist helps you identify urgent structural problems that must be addressed after a hurricane. Your roofing contractor will use your initial assessment as a basis to prioritize emergency repair work and prevent problems like leaks.

Your roof is particularly vulnerable right after a storm. That’s why it’s crucial to inspect your roof both inside and out (while standing on the ground or on a ladder) and prioritize safety by hiring a professional roofing contractor to carry out post-hurricane rooftop inspections and emergency roof repair work.

Perform an Exterior Inspection

A post-hurricane exterior inspection is crucial for identifying damage that isn’t immediately apparent. Detecting and addressing these issues promptly ensures the continued protection of your home and prevents long-term damage to your home’s interior.

Exterior Roof Damage Assessment Checklist

Check for the following obvious signs of damage to the outside of your roof:

• Check for damaged or missing shingles while standing on the ground. Use binoculars to get a better view if necessary and note the extent of the damage. You may also see noticeable sagging. This indicates a possibly compromised roof structure caused by excessive wind pressure or water damage.
• Take a ladder and examine the shingles up close when you’re sure the storms in your area are over. Position the ladder carefully, hold it firmly in place, and wear a helmet for safety. Refrain from getting up and walking on the roof.
• Check your asphalt shingles. Look for any cracks, curling, or blistering. These are early warning signs of more significant problems. If you notice that more than one-third of your shingles are curling, it’s probably time to re-shingle your entire roof.
• Examine the flashing around roof penetrations like the chimney, vents, and skylights. Note any gaps and signs of rust or damage that may indicate leaks.
• Scan for any loose or exposed roofing nails. These can lead to water leakage.
• Inspect areas where different roof planes come together. These areas are susceptible to leaks if their sealing has been compromised. Moisture in your attic or brown spots on your ceilings on the upper floor indicate your sealing has failed.
• Survey your shingles for hail damage. Telltale signs of damage include dents on your vents or soft spots on shingle roofs following severe weather.
• Snow can help you pinpoint any heat loss issues on your roof. Look for uneven snow melt patterns during winter storms to identify weak points in your attic insulation.

Conduct an Interior Inspection

Conducting a thorough interior inspection is also important to catch signs of roof damage promptly. Identifying issues early will prevent more serious and costly problems further down the road.

Interior Roof Damage Assessment Checklist

Follow these steps to inspect your roof interior:

• Go to the attic and look for signs like water stains or mold that indicate a breach in your roof’s defenses.
• Inspect your attic insulation to ensure it’s dry and intact. Wet or compressed insulation may indicate that water is seeping in.
• Survey all the interior ceilings in your home. Pay close attention to the corners and edges as discoloration or peeling paint can indicate a leak from above.
• Inspect your walls for signs of mold or moisture, paying particular attention to walls close to chimneys and vents. Compromised flashing or sealant will sometimes cause leaks in these areas.
• Take note of any sagging ceiling sections. This indicates a possible serious structural integrity issue that requires immediate professional attention.
• Pay attention to any drafts around the ceiling on windy days. These could signpost missing or damaged shingles or tiles on the roof exterior.
• Seeing rays of light coming through holes or cracks indicates serious roof damage that needs immediate repair.

Top Tip: Always take detailed notes and photos of your findings during your own roof inspection. This will prove crucial for any insurance claims you make. It will also facilitate discussions about damage and repairs with your roofing contractor.

Storm Damage Requires Emergency Repairs

Swift action is required once your roofing system is compromised, as water can quickly infiltrate your home. Trusted professionals in emergency roof repair will primarily do a quick roof repair to protect your home from mold and rot. During this process, a protective cover will be installed over the damaged area of your roof to prevent any further structural damage. Once the weather clears up, your roofing company will be able to comprehensively assess the damage and complete the required permanent repairs.

Put Safety First

Close assessment of roof damage is a hazardous job that should always be left to the professionals. This is because a comprehensive roof inspection involves getting up onto your possibly compromised roof. Homeowners who carry out inspections themselves risk their own safety and may cause more structural damage to the roof.

FAQs

1. How Do l Know If My Roof Has Suffered Damage After a Hurricane?

Look for obvious signs of damage like missing or damaged shingles, a sagging roof, or damage to the gutter guards. Refrain from walking on the roof to assess it as signs of structural damage may not be immediately obvious, and stepping on a weak spot that isn’t visible to the eye could lead to an injury or further damage to your roof.

2. What Are the Advantages of Repairing My Damaged Roof Quickly?

Repairing your roof quickly will prevent further damage to your roof’s structure and interior. This is especially important to prevent water damage to your home’s interior or further roof damage caused by weather events after the initial hurricane.

3. Should I Contact My Insurance Company Following Hurricane Roof Damage?

Yes, you should always report roofing damage to your insurance company. They may be able to cover some or all of the repairs depending on your policy, your roof’s warranty, and the cause of the damage. It’s usually best to contact your roofing contractor before getting in touch with your insurance company as expert roofers will be able to identify the damage accurately and can carry out any time-sensitive emergency repairs.

4. How Can I Protect My Roof from Future Storm Damage?

The best way to protect your roof from future storm damage is to install durable materials designed for severe weather. Replacing old roofs with newer, more durable materials will also provide a more robust shield.

A 2023 FEMA report found that newer roofing coverings suffered less damage from Hurricane Ian than older coverings (page 266 of the PDF). Installing new, up-to-date roofing materials is therefore a good investment to protect your home. Adding protective elements like gutter guards can also help to protect your roof against future hurricanes or high winds.

Protect Your Home with Help from Reputable Roofing Contractors

High winds have the potential to cause widespread roof damage during a hurricane. Any damage your roof suffers requires immediate professional attention to prevent further damage.

Assessing your own roof will give you a good idea of the repairs your roofing contractor might suggest. Always trust your roof repairs to a reputable and trustworthy roofing contractor in your area with a proven track record of success.