Your Roof’s Hidden Hurricane Damage Could Cost You Thousands—Here’s How to Find It Before It’s Too Late
When the winds die down and the skies clear after a hurricane, many property owners breathe a sigh of relief—especially if their roof appears intact from the ground. However, even if there is no visible damage, high winds can cause unseen damage to the roof that could lead to leaks or other problems down the road. A thorough post-hurricane roof assessment isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for protecting your property and avoiding costly repairs later.
Why Professional Roof Inspections Are Critical After Hurricanes
Hurricane-force winds, which are classified by meteorologists as 74 mph or greater, or gale-force winds, which are between 39-54 mph, can cause visible damage to your home’s roof. High winds can remove or tear shingles, leaving the underlayment, roof deck, or waterproofing material exposed to the elements. But the real danger lies in what you can’t see.
A roof inspection will provide you with a clear picture about the current condition of your roof. The inspection might uncover an area of the roof that you cannot see clearly from the ground, but has been hit with debris. Actually climbing on the roof and knowing what to look for allows professionals to gain a better understanding of your home’s overall health.
Essential Areas to Inspect After Hurricane Damage
A comprehensive post-hurricane roof assessment should cover multiple critical areas:
Exterior Roof Components
- Shingles and Roofing Materials: Common indicators of roof damage caused by hurricanes include missing shingles, bent or detached roof flashing, and visible punctures or tears in the roofing material
- Flashing Systems: Flashing is also vulnerable to storm damage due to its vertical installation around pipe vents, chimneys, skylights, or side walls. Though the storm may not rip off the flashing, it may loosen the connection between the flashing and roof protrusions or walls. Since a flashing’s primary role is to protect the vulnerable areas of your roof, any damage could wreak havoc on your roof
- Ridge Caps and Vents: Strong winds can pull the ridge cap loose from the roof, exposing the deck below. If you don’t seal the open spaces, leaking can occur, causing further damage
Gutters and Drainage Systems
Due to the shape of gutters and their light weight, strong winds that come with storms can easily rip the gutters off from their holders. Even if your gutters don’t fall off after a storm, the movements from the high winds can weaken the brackets that join them to the fascia. Falling debris and branches from nearby trees may also dent your gutters. These dents may turn into rust spots without repair.
Interior Inspection Points
Attic and Ceilings: Observe these areas for leaks and water spots. While your home’s roof might appear undamaged on the exterior, wind and hail can cause unseen leaks that may lead to bigger problems later. Ceilings, light fixtures, and your attic should all be inspected for water leaks and spots.
Professional Assessment Tools and Documentation
For a thorough hurricane roof damage assessment, professionals use specialized equipment and techniques. A flashlight can help you spot damage in dimly lit areas, especially in attics or under eaves. A camera or smartphone is essential for documenting the damage, which can be useful for insurance claims and future reference. It’s also a good idea to have a notepad or digital device for taking notes and creating your roof inspection checklist for storm damage.
Keep a list of notes and/or take pictures — this can potentially be helpful later for insurance purposes. Any visible signs of storm damage should be documented, such as dented, torn, curled, or missing shingles.
When to Call Professional Roofing Contractors
Safety should always be the top priority during post-hurricane assessments. It’s hard to know the level of damage to a roof before you go up and check things out, but doing that is extremely dangerous. Water leaks and significant water damage can make roofs unstable. Going up on an unstable roof could end in a situation much worse than needing a roof repair or replacement. Keep yourself safe and leave inspections to the professionals.
For property owners in South Florida, working with an experienced roofing contractor palm beach county ensures you receive professional expertise tailored to the region’s unique hurricane challenges. Companies like Aastro Roofing understand the specific vulnerabilities that Florida properties face during hurricane season and can provide comprehensive assessments that identify both obvious and hidden damage.
The Importance of Immediate Action
A professional inspection and repair of your roof should be done as soon as possible after a hurricane. This is because the high winds and rains can cause damage to your roof that may not be immediately apparent. If you wait too long to have your roof inspected, you may end up with more extensive and expensive damage.
By following this detailed roof inspection checklist for storm damage, homeowners can identify critical issues early, potentially saving on the high costs associated with post-hurricane roof repairs. Remember, if you are unsure about the extent of the damage or how to safely perform an inspection, it’s best to consult with a professional roofing contractor experienced in hurricane roof damage assessment.
Working With Trusted Local Professionals
When selecting a roofing contractor for your post-hurricane assessment, choose a company with deep local knowledge and proven experience. Aastro Roofing, serving Broward and Palm Beach Counties, brings over 70 years of combined experience to every inspection. Their family-operated approach ensures personalized service, while their commitment to integrity, accountability, and professionalism means you’ll receive honest assessments and transparent pricing.
The company’s core values include providing honest costs with no hidden fees, finishing projects on time, maintaining constant communication throughout the process, and using exceptional materials from trusted brands. This comprehensive approach ensures that your post-hurricane roof assessment is thorough, accurate, and actionable.
Don’t let hidden hurricane damage compromise your property’s safety or lead to expensive repairs down the road. A professional post-hurricane roof assessment is an investment in your peace of mind and your property’s long-term protection. Contact qualified roofing professionals immediately after any significant storm event to ensure your roof is ready to protect your property through future hurricane seasons.