What Are the Hidden Signs of Storm, Hail and Wind Damage?

Your home’s exterior is meant to withstand all kinds of elements to keep your home safe and dry. But when bad weather hits your area, one of the first things you should do is to check it for any signs of damage. Storm damage can often be visible since it can range from missing shingles and loose siding to fallen tree branches and gaping holes on your roof. However, some types of damage won’t easily be seen, which can compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home if not properly addressed.

By learning what to look for when inspecting your roof, you can identify the types of hidden damage early on and avoid paying for costly repairs in the future.

Practice Safety First

Checking your roof following a storm might seem like a good idea. After all, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to do everything in your power to protect one of your most important investments. But before doing so, you might want to consider your safety – the roof could be slippery, so scaling it can put you in harm’s way. You can, however, inspect it from the ground using a pair of binoculars. For a more thorough assessment, however, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals.

Find Hidden Wind Damage

A wind-damaged roof can compromise its ability to keep your home safe from the outdoor elements. It can also allow water to seep into the inner wooden components and cause rotting damage. To check for hidden wind damage, look along the roof edges, and see if some of the shingles are slightly lifted. They may not be noticeably damaged for now, but over time, the shingles can come further loose until the wind can lift them up completely. Make sure to get it addressed by a roof repair services provider.

Check the Inner Structure

Even if the roof looks relatively intact on the outside, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any damage on the inside. Hidden damage can typically be found in the attic where you’ll get to see the inner structure of your roofing system. Besides strong winds, heavy rainfall and hail can also cause damage to the interior once they penetrate the roof’s outer surface. Be on the lookout for water stains on the ceilings as well as light coming through the attic where they shouldn’t be.

In addition to helping homeowners with their storm damage insurance claims, The Badger Company also provides blown-in insulation services. To learn more about what we can do for you, give us a call at (608) 850-6282, or fill out our convenient online request form for a free estimate.