Undetected Dangers: Invisible Roof Damage from Wind and Hail

Oklahoma is notorious for its unpredictable weather patterns and severe storms, making “storm-season” a year-round reality. Even if your roof looks like it’s held up pretty well through high winds and hard rain, it might have gained some undetectable bruises from the serious wind and hail. Overlooking this invisible damage now can mean serious repairs in the long term.

Roof Damage from Hail

Hail damage to your roof can very easily go unnoticed, as some of the worst damage is difficult to spot at first glance. Very rarely will you be able to see distinct holes or indentations from hail. Typically, hail has to be at least golf-ball sized for it to break through your roofing material. The integrity of your shingles, though, is damaged by even the smallest hail, which causes granules to become loose. Loosening granules can eventually cause the underlying asphalt to be exposed, putting your roof at risk for severe damage and a much shorter life span.

Roof Damage from Wind

Strong winds can also cause considerable damage your roof. If the roof’s underlying structural joists are knocked loose by large gusts, or if the decking becomes damaged, your home becomes vulnerable to leaks. Rain will seep through the loose joists and granules, causing mold and mildew to grow. Your roof could also experience water damage, which could result in a few undesirable issues (peeling wallpaper and paint, rot, and vulnerability to pest infestations, to name a few).

Although your home might appear unaffected by storms, the damage to your roof could be hidden. If your roof remains untreated, the upcoming spring storm season could lead to severe damage to your house’s structure – and even flooding.

How to Check for Roof Damage from Hail and Wind

Although roof damage can be pretty scary, we here at Van De Steeg are no doomsday prophets: we can help you look out for and identify any hard-to-see damage to your existing roof. Once you’re able to spot the manifestations of roof damage, you can take preventative measures to keep your roof in good shape.

• Any leaks coming through your ceiling indicate damage to your roof. Yep – any leaks in any part of your ceiling.
• Visible damage to your vents means that your roof has damage too. If you get on top of your roof, you’ll be able to see bruising to your shingles or other signs of damage that isn’t visible from the ground.
• Storm damage to your fence or gutters usually predicts some damage to your roof as well.

To ensure your roof gets the attention it needs to withstand Oklahoma’s notorious weather, a trained specialist will inspect and uncover damage in time to file insurance claims. They are also available to assist in filing insurance claims, giving you the best chance against fighting roof damage.

Van De Steeg also offers insights on roofing repair following storms via educational videos and tips on how to properly maintain your roof following storms.