Immediately after a hurricane, it can feel overwhelming to look outside and see the damage done to your property and your neighborhood. In these moments, it’s best to have a clear head. By knowing the signs of storm damage, you can make smart decisions for your own safety and that of your property in the aftermath of a major storm.
We’re PITCH Roofing, and we’ve seen more than our fair share of storm damage, both as roofers and as Floridians ourselves. We know what to look for and how to find out if you need roof repairs after a hurricane. Keep reading as we go over the most common signs of storm damage and what they could mean for your home!
Signs of Storm Damage to Roofs in Florida
No state does storms quite like Florida. As a peninsula situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, we’re uniquely vulnerable to hurricanes. That’s why both protecting against and resolving storm damage takes local know-how!
As experienced Florida roofers, we’re sharing the real, most common signs of storm damage that we see after every major storm!
1. Interior Signs of Roof Leaks
Sometimes you don’t even have to leave your home to find signs of storm damage. The morning after a storm, it’s a good idea to take a look for leaking water inside your home.
The problem is not always as obvious as water pouring from your ceiling, though. Other interior signs of roof leaks include:
- Water Stains: After a storm, you might notice water stains on your ceiling or walls. These stains will look brown and tend to spread out over time, and they’re a sign that water is seeping into your roofing system through your roof.
- Musty Odors: Immediately after a storm, you don’t have to worry about mold developing. But you may smell something musty, especially in your attic or other elevated parts of your home.
- Sagging Ceiling: If your ceiling is sagging the morning after a hurricane or tropical storm, it means you have major damage to your roof. Specifically, sagging roofs mean that your roof is not structurally sound and could start draining into your home.
You may notice these issues immediately after a storm. But it’s also possible that these issues will take several days to appear. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs of leaks and water damage in the days after a hurricane or tropical storm!
2. Missing Shingles
This is perhaps the easiest sign of storm damage to spot, so it’s one of the first things you should look for. The morning after a storm, take a look at your roof from the ground and see if you have any missing or partially lifted shingles. If you have a pair of binoculars, they can help you take a closer look.
If you see any missing shingles, call your preferred roofers for repairs immediately. Missing shingles aren’t much of a problem the day after a storm, but as it starts to rain again in the coming days and weeks, they can lead to serious damage to your roof decking. This can weaken the entire structure of your roof, so it’s best to act quickly!
3. Loose Shingle Granules
Your asphalt shingles are made of three parts: a baseboard, asphalt, and stone granules. These granules both make your shingles more durable and help them reflect UV rays away from your home. During a storm, high winds can loosen these granules and scatter them across your roof.
There are two ways to check for missing shingle granules. The easiest way is to check your downspouts. If your gutters are working properly, then shingle granules will be funneled directly to your downspouts, where they should start to accumulate in your yard. Look for small stone granules, usually in colors similar to those of your shingles.
The other way to check for this sign of storm damage is to hop on your roof and take a closer look at your shingles. Note that you should never get on your roof if you think that it is structurally unsound or if you’re not completely confident in your ability to get on and off your roof safely. If you can access your roof, you’ll be able to see whether your shingles are bare or still have a coating of protective granules.
4. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is easy to overlook, but it does essential work in keeping your roof secure. Your flashing is a piece of thin metal that surrounds vulnerable parts of your roof, like vents, chimneys, or any other roof perforations. As a result, damaged flashing is a serious sign of storm damage.
So how do you tell if your flashing is damaged? Lok around any roof perforations — binoculars are a good place to start if you can’t physically access your roof. There will be a thin sheet of metal around each roofing feature. If you see any bending, warping, or signs of rust, then it means that you have damaged flashing and will need roof repair services.
5. Gutter Damage
Don’t let looking for signs of storm damage stop at your roofing materials. Your gutters are an essential part of your roofing system, so you’ll want to make sure they’re still secure and functional once the storm has passed.
Some of the most common signs that your gutters need repairing or replacing include:
- Sagging in your gutters
- Leaks from your gutters or water spilling over the edges
- Cracks or splits in gutters
- Free-hanging gutters or gutters that aren’t firmly attached to your roof
- Water pooling around your home’s foundation
All of these signs of storm damage should be taken seriously. If you suspect that your gutters are damaged, it’s best to call gutter restoration professionals to either replace them or get them back to helping water move safely off your roof!
Get a Free Estimate for Storm Damage Repairs
Storm damage can be unpredictable. Some of these signs of storm damage could be fixed in just an hour or two, while others might require a complete roof replacement. The best way to find out which category your situation falls into, and how much it will cost, is to get a free roofing estimate.
At PITCH, all of our roofing estimates are free, accurate, and come with no obligation to pick us as your roofers. To get yours, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online. Once we inspect your roof and talk with you about your options, we’ll prepare a customized estimate for your roof repairs or replacement.
When you’re dealing with serious signs of storm damage, you need experienced professionals. That’s PITCH Roofing. As Florida roofing vets, we believe in quality workmanship and reliable customer service. When you pick us to fix up your roof after a storm, you can be sure that you’re working with the real, bonafide Florida roofing pros!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
