
Inspecting your roof after storm damage is an important step to ensure the integrity of your home. Storms can cause severe damage to roofs, and if not properly inspected, this can lead to serious issues in the future. The most common areas of concern when inspecting a roof after a storm are flashings and sealants.
Contents:
Flashings refer to metal components that protect certain areas on the roof such as edges, valleys and chimneys. Flashings are made from different types of metals including galvanized steel or aluminum, but they all serve the same purpose: To provide a water-tight seal between two surfaces where there may be gaps due to movement or weathering. When inspecting for flashing damage it’s important to check for any rusting or cracking which could indicate failure points where water can get into the structure of your home.
Sealants are materials used in many places on a roof that help keep out moisture and debris while allowing flexibility with temperature changes without breaking down over time. Sealants come in various forms such as caulking compounds, rubberized asphalt based coatings or liquid applied membranes depending on what type of surface they need to adhere too (eaves troughs, window frames etc.). Inspections should look for any signs of deterioration like cracking or peeling which could lead up water getting behind them resulting in leaks inside your home if left unrepaired.
It’s important that you inspect both flashings and sealants regularly regardless whether there has been recent storms activity or not because these components take regular wear over time just like other parts do so it’s best practice to make sure they’re always functioning correctly by keeping an eye out for potential problems before they become bigger ones later down the line.
Assessing Damage

Assessing damage is a critical part of inspecting your roof after storm damage. It’s important to note any visible physical signs of damage such as missing shingles, broken gutters, or damaged flashing. You should also look for any loose sealants that may have been exposed to the elements during the storm. If you see evidence of hail impact on your roof, it is likely that there has been some degree of structural weakening and further investigation should be conducted by an experienced professional.
It can be difficult to tell whether or not a sealant is still effective without professional knowledge; if you suspect it may need replacing then it’s best to call in an expert who can make sure the job is done properly. Flashing which has come loose needs immediate attention since this could lead to more serious problems with water penetration if left unchecked. Similarly, all vents and other openings need careful inspection in order to ensure they are still secure and capable of doing their job properly going forward.
Checking for moss growth on tiles or slates can help identify areas where water leakage might occur over time due to trapped moisture beneath the surface material – this too should be checked by a qualified contractor who will know how best proceed with treatment options depending on what type of problem exists.
Evaluating Flashings

Evaluating the condition of your flashings is an important part of inspecting a roof for storm damage. Flashings are pieces of metal that protect areas where two sections of the roof meet, such as chimneys or vent pipes. Over time, these can become cracked or corroded due to exposure to weather and debris. Flashing sealants may need replacing if they have been damaged by water penetration.
It’s essential to inspect all flashings closely during a post-storm inspection because any existing damage can worsen over time and create bigger issues with your roofing system down the line. Identifying problems early on will save you money in repair costs since small issues don’t usually require extensive work compared to major repairs caused by neglecting minor damages over time.
When checking flashings, be sure to look at both sides and identify any signs of rust or deterioration; it’s also important to check for gaps between joints where water could penetrate into the interior walls or attic space causing additional damages such as mold growth or rot within wooden structures. If necessary replace any corroded parts with new ones using suitable fasteners and re-seal them with a compatible sealant product recommended by a qualified contractor for best results.
Checking Sealants

When it comes to inspecting the roof of your home for storm damage, one often overlooked area is sealants. Sealants are a critical part of protecting your roof from further damage as they help prevent water infiltration and other elements from entering the structure. By regularly inspecting these sealants, homeowners can ensure their roofs remain in good condition for years to come.
The first step in checking sealants is identifying where they are located on the roof. These areas may include vents, chimneys, skylights, dormers or any other penetrations that exist on your rooftop. Once identified you should examine each area closely for signs of cracking or deterioration due to age and weather exposure. If there is evidence that these seals have failed then it’s important to take action quickly before more serious issues arise such as leaks or structural failure caused by moisture intrusion into underlying materials like wood framing and insulation.
Finally if you do find evidence of cracked or damaged seals it’s best practice to replace them with new ones immediately so that you can be sure your home remains safe and protected against future storms and severe weather events. Remembering this simple task could save thousands of dollars down the road.
Identifying Leaks

Identifying leaks in your roof can be a tricky task. Water damage caused by storms may not always be visible from the outside, but there are certain indicators that you can look out for to help determine whether or not water is entering your home through your roof. If you suspect that there may have been damage done during a storm, it’s important to inspect your roof as soon as possible and check flashings and sealants around any vents or pipes.
One of the most common signs of water leakage is staining on walls and ceilings inside the house. These stains will often start at corners where walls meet ceilings, which indicates that water has likely been able to make its way into these areas via gaps between the wall and ceiling joints. These stains tend to travel downwards due to gravity so if you notice them running along a wall then this could indicate that water has traveled up from underneath it. To further investigate this issue, use a flashlight to examine any nearby flashing or sealant around vents and pipes for signs of wear or cracks which could allow moisture in when exposed directly to rainwater during storms.
If no such issues are found with flashes or seals then take some time to inspect other potential sources of moisture entry such as gutters, downspouts and even windowsills for signs of leaking water onto walls below them – all potential indications that water could potentially enter through these areas after heavy rains too. Ultimately though it’s best practice to get professional advice should you find yourself unable identify exactly where any leakages are occurring within your property following an inspection – they should be able provide accurate assessment on what needs fixing.
Making Repairs

Making repairs to your roof after storm damage is an essential step in keeping your home safe and secure. While checking flashings and sealants are important, you should also take the time to make any necessary repairs or replacements. Depending on the severity of the damage, some repair work may be needed immediately while others can wait until a later date.
The first thing you will want to do when inspecting your roof for damages is assess what needs to be done right away versus what can wait. It’s always best practice to get immediate help if there are major structural issues that need attention as these could become more costly down the road if left untreated. However, if there are only minor damages such as broken tiles or missing shingles, those can usually wait until more convenient times when it’s easier for someone to come out and fix them properly without having a rush job being done.
Once you have identified what needs fixing right away versus later, it’s important to find qualified professionals who specialize in roof repair work so that they can ensure everything gets fixed correctly from start to finish. This means researching local contractors with good ratings online and getting quotes from each one before deciding which one works best for your budget and timeline requirements. Make sure that all necessary materials are ordered ahead of time so that nothing delays progress once the project has begun.
Protecting Against Future Storms

In order to protect your roof from future storms, it is important to check the flashing and sealants. The flashing are metal pieces that cover joints in the roof where two planes meet. It helps keep water out of the interior of your home and can be found along chimneys, skylights, valleys, and walls. Sealants provide an additional layer of protection against moisture by filling small gaps between components like vents or pipes that enter through the roof. By checking these areas for cracks or other signs of wear-and-tear after a storm has passed, you can ensure they are still functioning properly before any more severe weather hits.
To help protect your flashing and sealants from damage due to inclement weather, there are several measures you can take. Make sure all joints have been sealed with quality caulk or adhesive products specifically designed for outdoor use on roofs – these will last much longer than generic caulking products found in stores. Consider using waterproof tape around vulnerable areas such as vent openings to create another layer of protection against water infiltration during heavy rainstorms or snowfall events. Inspect shingles often for signs of decay – if left unchecked this could lead to further issues down the line when it comes time for repairs or replacements due to storm damage exposure.
Inspecting Gutter System

Inspecting your gutter system should be one of the first steps taken when assessing storm damage to your roof. It is important that any debris or buildup in the gutters and downspouts is cleared away as it can lead to water pooling on your roof, which could cause further damage over time. Checking for signs of sagging or separation from the fascia board around the eaves will also help you identify potential weak points where rainwater might leak into your home.
Your inspection should include examining all of the joints between sections of guttering for any signs of gaps or cracking in either sealant or flashing. If these are found, they need to be sealed properly with a suitable waterproof material so that rainwater won’t seep through them and cause interior damage later on. Also check if there are any loose screws holding down gutter components, as this too could allow water leakage into walls and ceilings below.
Take some time to inspect each corner and joint where gutters meet at a downspout – look for corrosion around metal joints, cracks in plastic parts, loose fittings etc. Then replace/repair accordingly before continuing with other aspects of inspecting your roof after storm damage.
Scheduling Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance on your roof can help protect it from further damage caused by the elements. Scheduling regular inspections is an important step in preventing costly repairs and replacements down the road. Inspecting flashings, sealants, and other components of your roof should be done every six months or so to ensure that everything is functioning properly.
Checking for any signs of deterioration such as cracking, discoloration, warping or peeling will allow you to catch problems early before they become major issues. If there are signs of wear-and-tear on these parts then they should be replaced right away before more severe damage occurs. Checking for clogged gutters and drains can also help prevent future water infiltration into your home due to blocked pathways.
If you live in an area prone to strong winds or hail storms then regularly inspecting shingles for loose nails or broken tabs may save you a lot of money in the long run as these small damages can quickly lead to large scale damage if left unchecked over time. Taking all necessary precautions when dealing with storm damaged roofs will not only protect your home but also save you time and money in the end.