How Do Storms Cause Roof Damage?

How do storms cause roof damage?

Storms damage roofs mainly through wind, water, impact, and weight. High winds lift and tear shingles, heavy rain finds leaks and wears away granules, hail and flying debris dent and puncture the surface, and heavy snow adds weight. In our area, thunderstorms and hail are the primary cause of damage we see again and again.

Key takeaways

• Wind lifts and tears shingles, especially older ones with worn sealant.
• Heavy rain exposes leaks and wears down protective granules.
• Hail and debris dent, scar, and puncture shingles, vents, and gutters.
• Heavy snow adds weight that can strain weak decking.
• In the Triangle, thunderstorms and hail are the usual culprits.

When a storm rolls in, we secure the house, bring in loose items, and wait it out, and our roofs are doing the same, taking the hit so we stay dry. They usually hold up well, but strong storms can still cause damage, and there is not much you can do to reinforce a roof mid-storm. Steady maintenance and prompt repairs afterward go the furthest. On Tops Roofing has handled storm damage across the Triangle since 1991, so we know what different storms do to a roof.

• Thunderstorms
• Hail
• Hurricanes and tropical storms
• Tornadoes
• Winter storms
• What to do after a storm
• FAQ

Storms That Damage Roofs

Plenty of severe weather can hurt a roof, and some types show up in the Triangle more than others.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are the storms the Triangle deals with regularly, especially in late spring and summer. They bring heavy rain and high winds, plus the chance of hail and lightning. Wind can lift shingles, rain can expose leaks, and nearby trees become a real hazard, since a falling limb can do serious structural damage. Lightning is rarer, but a strike can harm shingles or even start an attic fire, which calls for a disaster restoration company.

Hail

Hail often tags along with thunderstorms, and it can be especially rough on a roof. Hailstones fall like rain but hit like rocks, and as they pelt your home, the roof takes the brunt. Hail dents and bruises shingles, vents, and gutters, wearing down the whole system. A heavy hailstorm can do enough damage that insurers will sometimes cover a full replacement.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Hurricanes hit North Carolina less often than states like Florida, but tropical systems still reach us and give roofs trouble. They combine heavy rain with high, driven winds, a tough pairing. Strong winds tear at shingles that are not rated for those speeds or no longer sealed down, since the asphalt sealant that holds shingles in place wears down over the years and loosens its grip. Once shingles blow off, the exposed underlayment and decking take on the heavy rain, which finds every leak point and can cause real water damage. Even shingles that hold can lose granules to the driving rain.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are less common here too, but they do happen. Roof damage from a tornado looks a lot like a hurricane's, with less of the water component. What sets tornadoes apart is flying debris. Small pieces like rocks and sticks scuff and dent shingles, while larger limbs and branches can puncture or break the roof where they land.

Winter Storms

Heavy snow and ice are rare in our part of the state, but not impossible. Snow piling up adds weight that can strain a roof, particularly if the decking has been weakened by past water damage. Freezing temperatures and winds that come with a snowstorm can also bring down trees and limbs, much like a thunderstorm.

What to Do After a Storm

Once the weather clears, a few steps help you catch damage early. From the ground, look for missing, lifted, or cracked shingles, dented gutters or vents, and any debris on the roof. Inside, check the attic and ceilings for new stains, damp spots, or daylight coming through. Take photos of anything you find, since they help with both repairs and any insurance claim. Skip climbing onto the roof yourself, especially after a storm, and instead call a roofer for a proper inspection. If the damage is significant, your homeowner's insurance may cover the repair or a full replacement.

Weathering the Next Storm

Storms are part of life in North Carolina, and while you cannot stop them, you can stay ahead of what they leave behind. Regular maintenance and a quick look after severe weather keep small problems from turning into big ones. On Tops Roofing has repaired and replaced storm-damaged roofs across the Triangle since 1991.

FAQ

What kinds of storms damage roofs?

Thunderstorms, hail, hurricanes and tropical storms, tornadoes, and winter storms can all damage a roof. In the Triangle, thunderstorms and hail cause the bulk of the damage we see, while hurricanes and tornadoes are less frequent.

How does wind damage a roof?

Strong wind gets under shingles and lifts or tears them off, especially older shingles whose sealant has worn down and lost its grip. Once shingles are gone, wind and rain reach the underlayment and decking underneath.

Is hail really that bad for a roof?

Yes, hail can be tough on a roof, since hailstones hit like rocks, denting and bruising shingles, vents, and gutters across the whole roof. A heavy hailstorm can cause enough damage that an insurer covers a full replacement.

How do I know if a storm damaged my roof?

Look from the ground for missing or lifted shingles and dented gutters, check the attic and ceilings for stains or daylight, and photograph anything you find. For a full picture, have a roofer inspect it rather than climbing up yourself.

Does insurance cover storm damage to a roof?

Often, when the damage comes from a covered event like wind or hail. Minor issues may be a simple repair, while widespread damage can qualify for a full replacement under your policy.