It's best practice for homeowners to inspect their roofs for signs of damage, especially after a storm. If your roof is in good condition, you don't need to worry much when it's normal rain. But if there's a storm, you should look out for the following signs of storm damage caused by strong winds, flying debris, and hail.

Missing Shingles and Shingle Granules

If your shingles are cracked or peeling, they become very vulnerable during a storm. If there's hail involved, intact shingles may not be safe. That means you may end up with missing or damaged shingles after a storm. Storm damage may also include the accumulation of shingle granules when the shingle seals are broken.

Leaks

After a storm, you may also notice visible leaks in your home's interior. This can be caused by high winds or moisture that's left standing after the storm. Excess moisture can cause damage to roof supports and accents. Your attic will also show signs of water invasion, such as wood that's beginning to rot. Leaks should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can affect your and your family's health.

Ice Dams

Fortunately, ice dams are easily noticeable even if you don't climb up to your roof. Ice dams are ridges of ice that prevent melting snow from draining away by blocking the edges of your roof.

If ice dams are not eliminated, they can cause serious problems by damaging gutters and shingles and creating an avenue for water to infiltrate your home. Because water can't drain off properly, it will penetrate under the roof and into the attic.

Damaged Gutters and Downspouts

A heavy storm can cause broken gutters so that water ends up draining onto your home's foundation, which can lead to erosion issues. Even if the gutter is not broken, it can get clogged with storm debris or from bending.

When you notice any of these signs, it's time to call in roofing contractors to fix the storm damage. Depending on the state of your roof, it may need a few repairs or total replacement. Roof replacements are a common occurrence that can save you money in the long run.

For instance, roof replacements make up over 90% of the market volume and value in the North American roofing market, according to Roofinginsights.com. In any case, if you give Jansen Roofing and Repair a call, we will provide expert advice on which solution is best for you. Get in touch!