After a windstorm, it is crucial to assess your home for any damage. High winds can cause a variety of damage to your property, which may not be obvious without a thorough inspection. Siding, gutters, and roofs are susceptible to wind damage, especially for older homes. What may seem like a small problem at first can lead to leaks and larger issues, making quick action imperative.
A Ground Assessment
The first step after a storm is to perform an inspection of wind damage from the ground. Look for any fallen shingles or debris. If any are present, call a roofing professional straight away. Missing shingles may mean your roof is compromised. A further inspection should be made as soon as possible to prevent further damage from water leakage.
Once you have inspected the ground for any debris, look at any shingles visible on your roof. Lifted or curling shingles may mean the adhesive on them is compromised.
Next, take a look at your gutters. Make sure all the connections are in place, and none have been warped or moved by the winds. Properly working gutters divert the water away from the roof, so any damaged gutters should be addressed immediately to prevent water damage to the house.
Inside The Home
Take a look inside your home. Even if the roof appears to be intact from the ground, there could be hidden damage that may lead to water leaks inside the home. Water spots near the ceiling or leakage around windows may indicate a water leak from the roof. Make sure to take a look inside the attic for a thorough inspection.
On The Roof
While some damage can be visible from the ground, there may be critical damage done to the roof and gutters that is only visible from on the roof. A shingle that looks intact from the ground may actually be torn or punctured.
We suggest having a professional do the roof inspection to ensure no signs of damage are missed. We offer free roof inspections at Fine Line Improvements, and all inspections are done by Patrick — an actual roofer, not just a salesman.
A proper roof inspection will look for all signs of damage, no matter how small. This might include granule loss on shingles, lifted or torn shingles, loose gutters, and more.
Document the Damage
If there are any signs of damage, it is important to take pictures to include with your insurance claim. A proper roofing professional should also take pictures or videos to show you and your insurance the damage. At Fine Line Improvements, we use GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, which have a wind warranty with no wind speed limit. Upon finding damage to your home, be sure to contact your insurance and roofing professional to determine if your roof is still under warranty.