The Importance of Roof Inspections After Severe Storms to Ensure Long-Term Health

Severe storms can cause hidden damage to your roof that may not be obvious at first glance. Ignoring this damage can lead to costly repairs, water leaks, and even structural problems over time. That is why scheduling a roof inspection after a storm is essential to protect your home and maintain the roof’s long-term health.

Roof showing storm damage with missing shingles and debris

Why Storms Pose a Risk to Your Roof

Storms bring heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and flying debris. Each of these elements can affect your roof in different ways:

• Wind can lift or tear off shingles, exposing the underlayment.

• Hail can crack or dent shingles, reducing their ability to protect your home.

• Heavy rain can exploit small cracks or gaps, leading to leaks.

• Debris like branches can cause punctures or scratches on roofing materials.

  
  

Even if your roof looks intact after a storm, damage may be subtle or hidden beneath the surface. Over time, these small issues can worsen, causing water damage inside your home or weakening the roof structure.

What a Professional Roof Inspection Covers

A thorough roof inspection after a storm includes checking:

• Shingles and tiles for cracks, missing pieces, or granule loss.

• Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for looseness or damage.

• Gutters and downspouts for clogs or breaks that could cause water backup.

• Roof decking underneath the shingles for signs of water damage or rot.

• Attic space for moisture, mold, or daylight coming through the roof.

  
  

Professionally licensed pilots/ inspectors use specialized tools like drones to detect damage that is not visible from the ground or to the untrained eye.

Benefits of Early Detection and Repair

Finding roof damage early has several advantages:

• Cost savings: Repairing minor damage is much cheaper than replacing large sections or the entire roof.

• Preventing leaks: Early fixes stop water from entering your home and causing interior damage.

• Extending roof life: Maintaining the roof’s integrity helps it last longer, delaying the need for replacement.

• Protecting home value: A well-maintained roof supports your property’s market value and curb appeal.

• Safety: Preventing structural damage reduces the risk of collapse or falling debris.

  
  

For example, a homeowner who noticed missing shingles after a hailstorm and promptly repaired them avoided water damage that could have cost thousands in repairs.

When to Schedule a Roof Inspection

You should arrange a roof inspection:

• Immediately after a severe storm passes your area.

• If you notice visible damage like missing shingles, leaks, or water stains inside your home.

• If your insurance company requires it for storm damage claims.

• As part of regular maintenance, at least once a year or every two years, to catch wear and tear early.

  
  

Waiting too long after a storm can allow damage to worsen, especially if rain continues or temperatures fluctuate.

What You Can Do Before the Inspection

Homeowners can take some simple steps to prepare for a roof inspection:

• Look for obvious damage such as missing shingles, broken gutters, or debris on the roof.

• Check the attic for signs of leaks like water stains or mold.

• Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.

• Take photos of any damage you find to share with the inspector or insurance company.

  
  

Avoid climbing on the roof yourself, especially after a storm, as it can be dangerous and may cause further damage.

Choosing the Right Roofing Professional

Not all roof inspectors have the same level of expertise. When selecting a professional:

• Look for licensed and insured Drone Pilots with training in roof inspections.

• Check for experience with storm damage inspections.

• Read customer reviews and ask for references.

• Confirm they provide detailed photos and videos.

• Ask if they can assist with providing footage and photos to insurance and roofing companies.

  
  

A qualified FAA Licensed Pilot will give you a picture of your roof's condition.

Common Repairs After Storm Damage

Depending on the inspection findings, repairs may include:

• Replacing missing or damaged shingles.

• Fixing or replacing flashing around roof penetrations.

• Sealing cracks or gaps to prevent leaks.

• Cleaning and repairing gutters.

• Replacing damaged roof decking if water has caused rot.

  
  

Timely repairs help maintain the roof’s protective function and prevent further damage.

How Regular Inspections Support Long-Term Roof Health

Storm inspections are part of a broader roof maintenance plan. Regular inspections help:

• Detect wear and tear before it becomes serious.

• Identify potential issues like moss growth or clogged gutters.

• Keep warranties valid by following maintenance requirements.

• Plan for roof replacement when the time comes.

  
  

A healthy roof protects your home, improves energy efficiency, and gives peace of mind.