Document Signs of Roof Damage from Storms
Once it’s safe to go outside, conduct a preliminary inspection of your exterior and take pictures of any roof damage—you’ll need these pictures when you file an insurance claim later on. Signs of damage you should make note of include:- Dislodged shingles – Wind-driven debris or strong winds may have knocked or blown a shingle or two off your roof. Keep an eye out for pieces of shingles strewn across your front lawn.
- Granules – Check if there are granules scattered across your walkway or built up in your gutters. Manufacturers embed granules into asphalt shingles to protect them from UV damage. Without these granules, it’s only a matter of time until cracks and leaks start to form.
- Bald patches or missing shingles on your roof – Keep in mind that some degree of granule loss is expected over a shingle’s lifespan. Granule loss becomes a problem when it becomes so extensive that bald patches start to appear on your roof. You should be able to easily see these bald patches from ground level.