Many homeowners make the mistake of not inspecting their roofs after a storm passes, which could leave their home open to all sorts of problems down the line. In this blog, roof repair and home remodeling company Colonial Remodeling, LLC discusses the importance of a roofing inspection after a storm, even if it doesn’t appear to be damaged.

Storm Damage Isn’t Always Visible

When talking about storm damage, people picture torn-off shingles or gaping holes in the roof. But the truth is, these are examples of extreme storm damage. During a storm, wind would drive rainwater through gaps in the shingles. The damage caused by these shingles aren’t as noticeable, nor would it go away if you leave it alone. Chances are, you’ll find water stains, clumping insulation, or signs of warping, all indicative of moisture damage.

The roof edge is the part of the roof that bears the most damage from high winds. On storm-damaged roofs, there may be gaps between the roof deck and the first row of shingles. This may not be visible from the ground, but it’s safer to assume the worst and call for storm damage repair even if the roof edge looks fine.

What You Should Do After a Storm

Once you have made sure that your family is safe, you need to call your insurance provider and your roofing contractor. Both need to be at your home as early as possible. Your insurance adjuster will need as detailed a documentation of the damage as possible, as well as an estimate of the roof repair costs. Both will be provided by your roofing contractor. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, working with an experienced roofing contractor can help the process along by making sure all required documentation is complete. The sooner your insurance check is issued, the sooner repairs can begin.

What Happens to Neglected Roofs?

Ideally, your roof should be like an impenetrable shell. You don’t want cracks, punctures, or even missing sections because they will let water into the layers under the roof. Trapped moisture can result in damage to the roofing structure, and may encourage mold and mildew growth. Leaks can also let heat escape the attic during cold months, which may affect your monthly heating bills. Lastly, neglected roofs can shorten your roof’s service life.

Colonial Remodeling, LLC is your leading provider of roofing services, including storm and hail damage repair. Give us a call at (703) 534-0800 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Northern VA.