Storm damage is probably the biggest, not to mention costliest, challenge you’ll face when you own a home. Severe weather can cause destruction in numerous ways, but the most significant you should watch out for are problems in your roofing system. It’s your main protection against the elements, so when it’s not at its best, you may find damage spreading to other parts of your home.

The key to combating these issues is by adopting a proactive homeownership lifestyle. This means knowing how weather can adversely affect your abode, which will help you figure out how to prepare your home for future weather challenges.

Types of Storm Damage

According to studies, the United States experiences as many as 100,000 thunderstorms every year. In these, about 10 can become severe. To prepare your home, you need to be aware of the types of damage severe storms can cause, such as:

Wind – The strong winds produced by intense storms can cause a myriad of problems around your home. They can lift your roofing shingles and cause breaches, gaps and breakage. Flying debris can also corrupt your roof and siding, creating holes and cracks in them. These make way for moisture to seep through, hurting your roofing system and foundation.

Haile – Pellets of ice can leave black spots on your roof. When you notice a dark area on your system, it means hail was able to knock out your roofing granules, which serve as your shingles’ defense against the elements. These can lead to other significant issues, including leaks and cracks. Chipped and broken siding are also signs of hail damage.

Impact – Fallen trees and branches are some of the most obvious signs of impact damage. Strong winds caused them to fall and beat up your property.

Water – Put simply, water damage affects your entire home. It can weaken your structural integrity and pose certain health issues due to the existence of mold. Flooding, mold and mildew growth, and water stains are some of the signs for which to watch out.

At the first sight of these problems, be sure to contact an expert roofer immediately. Storm damage can lead to more than just a few missing shingles, so the sooner you have it addressed by a professional, the better.

Some homeowners attempt to fix storm damage on their own, but did you know that hiring a roofer for the job can bring you tons of benefits over time? Learn why you should hire an expert roofer in Part 2 of this blog series.