You can experience all types of storms wherever you live. Some storms may be more severe than others, but any storm can cause damage to your home.

Wind, flying debris, hail, and standing water are all elements that can damage your roof. How can they affect the integrity of your roof?

Wind

All wind speeds could ruin your home's roof, whether it's a gale or strong gale of wind, storm winds, or hurricane-force wind.

Gale-Force winds - 62-88 km/hr

Small tree branches can break at lower speeds, and slight structural damage can occur. Roofing shingles could become loose or blow off completely, and pieces of siding or fascia if it's not fastened down properly.

Storm winds - 89-102 km/hr

Trees can be uprooted against homes or over roadways, and it's more likely that structural damage could occur.

Hurricane winds - 118-133 km/hr

Damage to forests and significant structural damage can occur depending on the severity of the wind.

Flying debris

Flying debris damage is caused by the wind speeds mentioned above. Tree branches can cause damage to your home, whether it's general structural damage, your roof, or siding, and could cause damage to your windows and doors. Large objects that aren't secured down can fly around and dent your siding, or break your window, depending on the speed of the storm winds.

Hail

Yes, hail storms can be short-lived, but they can pack a punch when it comes to damage to your exterior. Hail can leave dents or knock asphalt shingle granules loose, exposing the shingle to direct sun and rain exposure.

Standing Water

Standing water can impact your home in multiple ways, whether on your roof, in your eavestrough or pooling in other areas that can affect your home. Check around chimneys, skylights, dormers, valleys, side walls and end wall applications, and if you notice water pooling, it's likely due to uneven or flat areas.

Standing water can seep into your attic, causing damage to your insulation, attic, and ceilings. 

How should you assess your home after a storm?

1. Check the roof by walking the perimeter and noting any visible damage
2. Check eavestrough, gable vents, and or windows
3. Check the attic and ceilings for any leaks/damage
4. Contact your contractor
   1. Check out our "Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor" blog post.
   2. Assess whether you need a new roof altogether. Check out our "When to Repair Your Roof or When to Replace It" blog post
5. If need be, you should call your home insurance provider