Summer brings warm temperatures and longer days, but it can also bring thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain, hail, and falling debris. All of these conditions can put your roofing system to the test.
Some storm damage is immediately obvious, such as a fallen tree or a large section of missing shingles. Other problems can be much harder to identify and may not become noticeable until a roof leak develops weeks or even months later.
Knowing what to look for after severe summer weather can help you catch roofing problems early. Here are some of the most common types of summer storm roof damage homeowners should watch for.
1. Missing or Lifted Shingles
Strong winds are one of the most common causes of summer roof damage.
Wind can get underneath the edges of asphalt shingles and lift them away from the roof. In more severe conditions, shingles may be completely torn off.
Missing shingles are usually relatively easy to identify from the ground. Lifted or loosened shingles, however, may be more difficult to see.
A shingle doesn’t have to disappear completely to become a problem. Wind can weaken the seal holding it in place, potentially making the area more vulnerable to water intrusion during future rain.
After a strong thunderstorm, look for shingles or pieces of roofing material around your yard and driveway.
2. Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingles
Summer thunderstorms can sometimes produce hail capable of damaging roofing materials.
When hailstones strike asphalt shingles, they can loosen or remove the protective granules covering the shingle surface. Larger hail may also create dents, cracks, or impact marks.
Granules play an important role in protecting asphalt shingles from sunlight and weather exposure. Significant granule loss can leave the underlying material more exposed and potentially shorten the life of the affected shingles.
Hail damage can be difficult to identify without getting onto the roof, which is why a professional inspection is often recommended following a significant hailstorm.
3. Damage From Falling Branches
Summer storms accompanied by strong winds can break branches from nearby trees and send debris onto your roof.
Smaller branches may damage individual shingles or gutters. Larger limbs can cause much more serious problems, including puncturing roofing materials or damaging roof decking and structural components.
If a large tree or branch has fallen onto your home, stay away from the affected area and contact professionals for assistance.
Even if a branch appears to have caused only minor surface damage, the roofing materials underneath should be inspected.
4. Roof Leaks After Heavy Rain
Heavy summer rain can reveal weaknesses that were already developing in your roofing system.
Aging shingles, damaged flashing, deteriorated seals, and vulnerable roof penetrations may allow water to enter when exposed to prolonged or wind-driven rain.
Signs of a roof leak may include:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Damp insulation in the attic
- Dripping water
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Musty odors
- Discoloration around vents or chimneys
Remember that the location of an interior stain may not be directly below the damaged section of the roof. Water can travel along roof decking, rafters, and other materials before becoming visible.
5. Damaged Roof Flashing
Flashing protects some of the most vulnerable areas of a roofing system, including around chimneys, vents, skylights, valleys, and roof transitions.
High winds and flying debris can loosen or damage flashing. Existing flashing problems may also become more noticeable during heavy summer rain.
Once flashing is compromised, water may be able to enter beneath the surrounding roofing materials.
Because flashing problems aren’t always obvious from the ground, they are one of the areas a professional roofer should check following severe weather.
6. Clogged or Damaged Gutters
Your gutters are an important part of your roofing and drainage system.
Summer storms can fill gutters with leaves, twigs, roofing granules, and other debris. High winds or falling branches may also loosen gutters or pull sections away from the home.
When gutters cannot properly direct rainwater away from the roof and foundation, water may overflow and collect in areas where it shouldn’t.
After a major storm, visually check gutters and downspouts for visible damage or overflowing water.
A large amount of roofing granules collecting in the gutters may also indicate that asphalt shingles have sustained damage or are deteriorating.
7. Damage Around Roof Vents and Other Penetrations
Your roof includes several penetrations that must remain properly sealed against moisture.
Plumbing vents, exhaust vents, chimneys, skylights, and other components can become vulnerable during strong storms.
Wind, hail, and debris may damage the surrounding materials or flashing. Even a relatively small opening can eventually allow water beneath the roofing system.
These areas should be included in a thorough roof inspection after severe weather.
Why Summer Storm Damage Shouldn’t Be Ignored
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make is assuming their roof is fine simply because there isn’t an immediate leak.
Some types of storm damage don’t cause water intrusion right away.
A loosened shingle or small flashing problem may remain unnoticed until the next heavy rainfall. Once moisture enters the roofing system, it can potentially affect roof decking, insulation, ceilings, walls, and other parts of the home.
Addressing minor damage early may help prevent a relatively simple roof repair from becoming a much larger project.
Should You Inspect the Roof Yourself?
After a storm, you can safely inspect your property from the ground and look inside the attic for signs of moisture.
However, avoid climbing onto the roof yourself.
Roof surfaces may be slippery after rain, and storm damage can create unstable areas that aren’t visible from below. Walking on damaged roofing materials can also make some problems worse.
A professional roofing contractor can safely inspect shingles, flashing, roof penetrations, gutters, and other components to determine whether repairs are necessary.
Schedule a Roof Inspection After Severe Summer Weather
Summer storms are unavoidable, but catching roofing damage early can make a significant difference.
After high winds, hail, heavy rain, or falling debris, look for missing shingles, damaged gutters, interior water stains, and other signs that your roofing system may have been affected.
If you suspect storm damage, Heimbach Brothers can help. Our experienced roofing team provides professional roof inspections and storm damage roof repair throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities.
Contact Heimbach Brothers today to schedule a roof inspection and make sure your home is ready for the next summer storm.
