Spring Storm Damage: Roofing Issues to Watch For

Springtime in Minnesota can be a mixed bag of weather. Some years, snowstorms ravage the Midwest through late April or even early May. Other years (with a little luck), the snow takes an early exit, the tulips bloom and the grass switches from a dull brown to a vibrant green. During the not-so-lucky years, spring storm damage from heavy rain, snow, hail, and high winds can wreak havoc on your home, and your roof takes the brunt of the impact.

As a homeowner, it’s important to monitor spring storm damage to your home, but it’s often difficult to evaluate roofing issues. Climbing up on your roof right after a storm can be dangerous and should be left to the professionals, but here are the most common types of roof damage to watch for.

• Leaky Roof: Heavy rain and winds from a spring storm can damage shingles and fascia, causing water to leak into your home. If you notice water stains on the ceiling or discover damp or moldy insulation in the attic, get your roof inspected immediately. If left unchecked, a leaky roof can worsen quickly and cause significant structural damage.
• Hail Damage: Minnesota thunderstorms producing hail typically start in May, and the state can have 40 days or more with hail, which can severely damage roofing materials. Asphalt shingles can dent and crack from hail stones, allowing water to seep underneath. Metal, tile and slate roofs can experience significant denting and breakage from hail and compromise the roof’s integrity.
• Ice Dams: More common in winter, ice dams can still occur in the spring. If ice accumulates at the roof’s edge and prevents proper drainage, water can back up under shingles and seep into your home. Ice dams can also weaken roofing materials and cause future damage.
• Flashing Damage: If heavy rain and wind loosen flashing, gaps can occur around chimneys, vents, skylights, or anywhere flashing is used to seal roof joints. When flashing lifts, bends or becomes dislodged, rain can seep inside your home.
• Fascia Damage: Running along the edge of the roof, fascia boards can suffer structural damage during a storm. If the fascia loosens or cracks, the edges of the roof are exposed to wind, rain and ice, which can cause leakage.
• Soffit Damage: A home’s soffit—the underside of the roof’s overhang—is designed to prevent moisture underneath the roofing materials, but if it becomes damaged from a storm, water can enter the attic. Evaluate the soffit after a storm and check for cracks or missing soffit panels as these can lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural issues.

If you suspect your roof has sustained damage from a storm, it’s important to act quickly. Follow these steps to evaluate, fix and prevent further issues.

1. Inspect the Damage

Once the storm has ended, visually inspect your roof from the ground. Binoculars can help. Check for missing or damaged shingles, warped or cracked fascia and soffit, and dented or missing flashing. Also check the inside of your home for leaks or ceiling discoloration. If significant damage has occurred, such as a hole in your roof, contact a residential storm damage restoration company immediately to tarp your roof.

2. Schedule a Roof Inspection

A professional (licensed and insured) roofing contractor will climb up onto your roof and assess the full extent of the storm’s damage. Even if the damage seems minor, they can find hidden or potential issues and provide a detailed estimate of repairs. They will also take photos of any issues to document the damage for insurance purposes.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you contact your insurance company to file a claim, an insurance adjuster will arrive to further assess the damage. The roofing contractor will work with the adjustor to discuss and approve the estimate so the repair work can begin. At Restorations by Highmark, we have people on staff who were previous insurance adjusters and can help you navigate the claims process.

4. Roof is Repaired

With the scope and estimate approved, the roofing contractor will provide a schedule of activities to take place and, depending on weather conditions, will complete the repairs as quickly as possible.

5. Prevent Future Storm Damage

If your budget allows, discuss upgraded materials with your roofing contractor, such as impact-resistant shingles or reinforced flashing, to help prevent future damage. These can help strengthen your roof’s structure against storms. Schedule regular roof inspections to catch any damage before a more serious issue occurs.

Not all roofing repair companies are the same. Restorations by Highmark offers free roof inspections and 24/7 emergency services to homeowners in the Twin Cities metro area with storm damage. Contact us today if you think your roof has been damaged so we can help you recover from the storm.