Most people can’t begin to tell you the last time they had a good look at their roof. Every now and then, sure, you might slightly glance up at it as you’re doing some yard work, but that’s not exactly an “inspection.”

Your roof is one of the first lines of defense that your home has against the elements. It shelters you from the sun, wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail and more. That’s why it’s so important to get professional roof inspections after a storm. The elements can take a toll on the condition of your roof and keep you and your family sheltered, you need to take care of your roof. Atlantic Roofing Company recommends getting a professional roof inspection after a bad storm in order to assess any damage. And let’s face it, living in the Carolinas, storms, even those not classified as hurricanes or tropical storms, can still pack a punch.

How Can a Storm Damage Your Roof?

If you’re thinking that a storm couldn’t possibly do that much damage, then read on. You’d be surprised at how powerful Mother Nature can be.

Hail Damage

Hail can come down in unthinkable sizes. From marbles to golf balls to baseballs, if you have a bad hailstorm calling a professional is a must. The force that hail comes down in is more than enough to dent your vehicles, so imagine what it’s doing to your roof. The most common damage from hailstorms is to the metal flashing on your roof. After time, this is problematic because it can compromise your roof’s membrane and lead to large water leaks.

Strong Winds

Even if it’s not a hurricane or tornado, strong winds can still cause damage to your home. The biggest problem with wind is that it can blow shingles right off your roof leaving vulnerable exposed areas. When the water reaches these vulnerable places, you open your arms to a whole other set of problems. Think mold, roof rot, water leaks, and insulation damage.

Additionally, with strong winds comes the potential for trees to fall and heavy limbs to be thrown around the air. Large fallen trees can completely open your roof, causing massive amounts of water to enter your home. Even if it’s not that serious, small punctures can be just as detrimental.

Heavy Rains

Finally, heavy and persistent rain can cause your shingles to lose their surfacing over time. If you’ve experienced a particularly wet rainy season, it’s better to be on the safe side of things and get an inspection.

Benefits of a Professional Roof Inspection

Now that the potential damage raises an obvious level of concern, it’s important to understand that the professionals bring something to the table that you just can’t match. The benefits of having a professional inspection far surpass the costs and you’ll want a trained eye looking out for you.

Can Assess Invisible Damage

While you might, if you’re lucky, be able to notice any large issues, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to see problems that aren’t visible from the ground. After a bad storm, a lot of people will go outside and simply look around. If there aren’t any visible signs of damage, it’s put off as a successfully survived storm.

Unfortunately, a lot of damage that occurs from storms can’t be seen unless you get out a ladder and climb up to your roof. Even if you do this, you might not know exactly where to look. A professional roof inspection will allow the roof to be assessed by someone with a trained eye for these exact circumstances.

Doesn’t Ignore Smaller Issues

If you want to jump on a ladder and inspect your own roof, it’s not necessarily a bad idea. Chances are you’ll be able to notice any major damage so that the professionals can come in and fix it. However, relying solely on that inspection isn’t the best idea.

When a storm comes in, there are a lot of small, hidden issues that can occur. When you skip the professional inspection and just fix the more evident damages, it’s likely that you’ll miss these issues. Regardless of how big or small the damage is, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you don’t, you risk larger and more expensive repairs down the line.

When a professional comes to inspect your roof after a storm, they perform a very thorough examination. Small leaks, damaged shingles, and ice dams are all examples of smaller structural damage that is never overlooked. Additionally, professionals know exactly what to look for on both the exterior and the interior of your roof.

Can Help Handle Insurance Claims

One of the best parts of having a professional roofing inspection after a strong storm is that they make handling an insurance claim a breeze. Insurance companies require pictures along with an extensive amount of proof that there is any amount of damage.

During your professional inspection, the team at Atlantic Roofing Company will be sure to take pictures of all damage while filling out a comprehensive summary of what is wrong. All reports are professionally certified, which means that your insurance company won’t be able to decline it. Additionally, a cost estimate is made at the same time as the roofing inspection, saving you time and energy in the long run. Make sure you eliminate any complications by going with professionals.

When to Call the Professionals

After a particularly strong storm has blown through, make sure to call the professionals. If you lucked out during the rough season, remember that it’s still recommended to get an annual inspection regardless of the weather. Hiring a professional roofing contractor allows you to speed up the process and save you more money in the long run.