Post-Storm Roof Inspections: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
A severe storm just rolled through your neighborhood, leaving a trail of downed branches and flooded streets. While you’re relieved that your family is safe, a new anxiety begins to set in: what about the roof? In Central Texas, storms can pack a powerful punch with high winds and hail, both of which can inflict serious, and sometimes hidden, damage to your home's most critical line of defense.
Knowing what to look for after a storm is crucial. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a simple repair and a catastrophic failure leading to major interior water damage. At Graduate Contracting—where we are not only roofing experts but also licensed insurance adjusters—we want to empower you to safely assess the situation and take the right steps.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through a post-storm inspection, helping you identify potential damage and know exactly when to call for professional help.
Immediate Steps: Safety & Documentation First
Before you even think about the roof itself, your priority must be safety. Carefully navigate your property and take these initial steps.
- Prioritize Safety: Walk your property's perimeter and check for immediate hazards like downed power lines, fallen trees, or broken glass. If you see downed lines, stay far away and report them to your utility company immediately.
- Document Everything: Before moving or cleaning up anything, use your smartphone to take date-stamped photos and videos of any damage to your property (trees, fences, etc.) and the debris left by the storm. This initial documentation is invaluable for any potential insurance claim.
- Check for Interior Leaks: Quickly check the ceilings on your top floor, inside closets, and around light fixtures. If you see active dripping or new, wet stains on the drywall, place buckets underneath to catch the water and call a professional roofer for an emergency tarping service to prevent further damage.
Your Safe Inspection From the Ground
You can spot a surprising amount of damage safely from your yard. Under no circumstances should you get on a wet or potentially damaged roof. Grab a pair of binoculars and walk the perimeter of your house, looking for these specific signs of wind and hail damage:
Wind Damage Checklist:
- Missing or Lifted Shingles: Scan all roof slopes for shingles that are completely gone or have their edges/corners flipped up. A lifted shingle has a broken sealant strip and is a primary entry point for rain.
- "Creased" Shingles: Look for a distinct horizontal line where granules have been worn off. This indicates the shingle was violently bent backward by the wind and is now severely weakened.
- Damaged Soffit and Fascia: Check the trim, vents, and boards along the eaves of your roof, as wind can easily tear these elements loose.
Hail Damage Checklist:
- Dented Gutters, Vents, and Flashing: This is the most obvious sign of hail. If your soft metal gutters, downspouts, and roof vents are dented, your shingles have almost certainly been damaged as well. This is key evidence for an insurance claim.
- Damage to Other Property: Check for dents or chips on your A/C unit, window screens, and siding. This serves as collateral proof of the storm's intensity.
- "Bruised" or "Bald" Spots on Shingles: Hail impacts knock off the protective granules, leaving a "bruise" that exposes the underlying asphalt mat. This damage, often invisible from the ground, compromises the shingle and drastically shortens your roof's life.
The Professional Assessment: When to Call the Experts
If your ground-level inspection reveals any of the signs listed above, it is critical to call a trusted, local roofing contractor for a professional inspection.
- A Hands-On Inspection is Non-Negotiable: Our trained experts will safely get on your roof to perform a detailed, hands-on assessment. We will identify hail bruising, check the integrity of sealant strips, and inspect all flashing for damage that is impossible to see from the ground.
- Comprehensive Photo Documentation: We take detailed photographs of every instance of damage, providing you with the clear, undeniable evidence required to file a successful insurance claim.
- Expert Insurance Claim Assistance: As licensed adjusters, we speak the same language as your insurance company. We can help you navigate the entire claims process, from filing the initial claim to meeting with the adjuster on-site to ensure all damage is identified and that you are treated fairly.
A post-storm roof inspection is not something to put off. The damage from one storm can leave your home defenseless against the next one.
If you've experienced a recent storm or suspect your roof has sustained damage, don't wait for a leak to confirm it. Contact Graduate Contracting today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation storm damage inspection.
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Your roof is the ultimate protector of your home, silently taking a beating from the intense Texas sun, heavy rains, and seasonal storms. But just like any other part of your home, it has a finite lifespan. Letting it go too long without a replacement can turn a planned project into an emergency crisis, complete with leaks, water damage, and costly interior repairs. But how do you know when it's time? For most homeowners, the roof is out of sight and out of mind—until there's a problem. At Graduate Contracting, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to make smart, proactive decisions about your home. This guide will help you evaluate your roof's age and recognize the critical signs that it’s time to start planning for a replacement . Look for the Telltale Signs of Aging You don’t need to be a roofing expert to spot some of the most common indicators that your roof is nearing the end of its service life. Grab a pair of binoculars or use your smartphone's zoom lens from a safe spot on the ground to look for these warning signs, especially on the south-facing slopes that get the most sun exposure. For Asphalt Shingle Roofs Curling or Clawing Shingles : As shingles age and lose their flexibility, the edges will begin to curl upwards or the tabs will start to lift in the middle, creating a "clawing" effect. This makes them highly susceptible to being torn off by wind. Widespread Granule Loss : Look in your gutters for an excessive amount of black, sand-like granules. These granules are the shingle's primary shield against UV rays. When they're gone, the shingle's underlying asphalt layer is exposed to the sun, causing it to become brittle and crack. Cracked or Missing Shingles : Obvious cracks or entire shingles that have been blown off are clear signs of a failing roof. One or two missing shingles might be a simple repair, but widespread issues indicate systemic failure. "Bald" Spots : Patches where the granules have completely worn away will look smooth or dark and are a serious red flag. Staining or Algae Growth (Gloeocapsa Magma) : While the dark streaks caused by algae are primarily a cosmetic issue, they can indicate moisture retention and are often seen on older, less reflective shingles. Consider the Lifespan of Your Roofing Material The age of your roof is a crucial piece of the puzzle. If you don’t have the installation records from a previous owner, a professional inspection can provide a close estimate. Here are the typical lifespans for common roofing materials in the demanding Central Texas climate: 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles : These are the most basic option and typically last 15-20 years. In Texas, the shorter end of that range is more realistic. Architectural/Laminate Shingles : A significant step up in durability and aesthetics, these shingles generally last 25-30 years, with some premium versions lasting even longer. Metal Roofs (Standing Seam) : Known for their exceptional longevity, a quality metal roof can last 40-70 years or more, offering superior resistance to wind and hail. Tile Roofs (Clay/Concrete) : Tile is another long-lasting material, often enduring for 50+ years. However, the underlayment beneath the tiles is what typically fails first and will likely need replacement after 20-30 years. Know When to Call a Professional While your own visual inspection can tell you a lot, it can't replace the trained eye of an expert. You should call for a professional roof assessment if: Your roof is approaching the 20-year mark. This is a critical milestone for most asphalt shingle roofs. You notice any of the visual warning signs mentioned above. Your neighbors are all getting new roofs. Homes in a subdivision are often built around the same time, so this can be a strong clue that your roof is also reaching the end of its life. You've experienced a significant hailstorm. Even if you don't see immediate damage, hail can drastically shorten your roof's lifespan and the damage may not be visible from the ground. The Graduate Contracting Assessment: Certainty and Peace of Mind At Graduate Contracting, our roof age and condition assessments are thorough and transparent. Our experts will get on the roof for a hands-on inspection, checking for subtle signs of wear and tear, assessing the condition of your flashing and ventilation, and providing you with a detailed report of our findings. We’ll give you an honest, data-backed opinion on your roof’s remaining life and help you understand your options. Whether you have a few years left and can get by with minor repairs, or it’s time to start budgeting for a replacement, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to protect your home effectively. Don't wait for a leak to tell you it's time. Be proactive. Contact Graduate Contracting today to schedule a comprehensive and professional roof assessment.