You never truly know what’s happening up on your roof until a storm rolls through and wreaks havoc. Suddenly, that roof you haven’t thought about in months is a hot topic. “Is it leaking?” “Did the wind tear off shingles?” “What’s that dripping noise in the attic?”
Wondering how to spot roof damage after a storm? You’re in the right place.
First things first- stay grounded (literally!)
Don’t be tempted to grab a ladder right away. You’ll want to do a ground inspection first. Walk around your home and take a good look at the roof from below. Are there any obvious signs like missing shingles or tiles? Do you spot debris, broken branches, or something unusual hanging over the gutters? Sometimes the most glaring damage can be seen from where you’re standing.
Check your gutters.
Storms put your gutters to work, and they often show signs of roof damage before anything else does. When your gutters are clogged, sagging, or full of granules from shingles, it’s a sign the storm might’ve done more harm than good. Gutter cleaning should always be on your post-storm checklist. A clean gutter system ensures water is draining properly and isn’t backing up into your roofline – a recipe for leaks and serious water damage.
Check for water stains inside.
It’s easy to miss, but water doesn’t always make itself known with an immediate drip-drip-drip. After a heavy storm, look for dark patches or water stains on your ceiling and walls. This could mean your roof took a hit, and water is finding its way inside. That tiny spot on your ceiling? That’s your cue to investigate before things go south.
The hidden damage in your attic.
This is a sneaky one. Sometimes the roof might look fine from the outside, but damage can start from underneath. Head into your attic with a flashlight and look for signs of light peeking through or damp spots. A storm might have loosened shingles or tiles, letting moisture creep in, and the attic is often where it shows first.
Inspect roof flashing and chimneys.
Roof flashing is like the unsung hero of your roof – protecting edges, seams, and transitions (like chimneys and skylights) from water. But storms can lift or bend flashing, leaving your roof vulnerable. While you’re checking out your roof, pay close attention to these areas to make sure they’re still snug and secure.
Professional infection: Don’t DIY if unsure.
Let’s be real, not everyone wants to climb up on their roof. If the storm damage seems serious, or if you just want peace of mind, call in a professional for a roof inspection. They’ll be able to assess hard-to-reach areas and look for damage that might not be visible from the ground.
Don’t forget about bird damage.
After a storm, your roof could also be more vulnerable to birds looking for shelter. Birds love loose tiles or gaps, and they can make things worse by nesting in damaged areas. If you’ve noticed increased bird activity around your roof post-storm, this might be a sign that something’s wrong up there.
At the end of the day, roof damage after a storm isn’t something to brush off. A thorough inspection and timely repairs can save you from dealing with bigger (and pricier) headaches later on.
If you’re looking for expert help with roof repair and maintenance, contact Pure Gutters today for a professional service you can trust. We service areas in Sydney, Lower North Shore, Upper North Shore, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs and Northern Beaches.
Your roof’s main job is to protect you – let’s keep it that way!
