Whether it be rain, lightning, hail, or wind, big storms can wreak havoc on roofs. And while there’s no way to control the weather, there are ways you can prepare yourself in case something does happen to your roof. 

Let’s discuss a few types of roof storm damage to look out for, and what to do if your home has suffered any of them. 

4 Kinds of Roof Storm Damage

After a severe storm, there are some types of roof damage that are clear upon first glance. Then, there are others types that require a closer look — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as detrimental. Here are a few kinds of roof storm damage to be aware of. 

1. Fallen Trees or Other Debris

Big storms can lead to serious damage, caused by fallen trees, limbs, or other debris falling directly onto your roof and creating gaping holes. This is the most noticeable type of roof storm damage, often requiring the most amount of repair work. 

2. Torn, Dented, or Missing Shingles

If your home has shingles as its main roofing material, you may notice some damage to them after a severe storm. Here’s what you should keep an eye on: 

• Torn shingles, which are usually a result of high winds ripping them in two. 
• Dented shingles, which can appear like dark spots and are usually a result of hail damage. You may also find loose shingle granules in your gutters.
• Missing shingles, which are shingles that have been completely removed from your roof. 

3. Dented Gutters

Gutters are designed to direct rainfall away from your home, but they don’t always stand up well against severe storms. Hail and strong winds can cause them to dent, bend, or break, making them dysfunctional until repaired. 

4. Leaks

If your roof suffers any holes or loss of shingles due to a storm, it leaves a spot of your roof that’s exposed and prone to leaks. Check your ceilings and attic for any drips or signs of water damage. 

What to Do When Your Roof Is Damaged by a Storm

When a storm has hit and damaged your roof, it can be scary and overwhelming. Knowing the right steps to take can help you reduce panic, stay safe, and get the problem resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’ll walk you through each of those steps here: 

Help Anyone Who’s Injured

First and foremost, protect the safety of yourself and those around you. If anyone has been injured as a result of the storm and requires medical treatment, call 911 immediately. Remember that your home and belongings can be repaired or replaced — human lives cannot!

Be On the Lookout for Safety Hazards

The next step is to watch out for any safety hazards that may pop up in the event of a storm. Some examples of these could be: 

• Fallen trees
• Downed power lines
• Damaged gas lines
• Broken glass
• Exposed wires

If your home is damaged, stay out until it can be inspected by a professional. There could be structural damage or gas leaks that could harm you. If you’re able, you could mitigate more risk by turning off your electricity and gas — but only if you believe it’s safe to do so. 

File an Insurance Claim

Filing a storm damage insurance claim can help you get the compensation you need to repair or replace your roof. In order to get the amount of money you need, it’s important to follow a few of these best practices:

• Document when the storm took place (take a photo of the weather report if possible!)
• Take as many pictures of the damage as possible
• Get a reputable residential roofer’s help identifying and listing damages
• Find your homeowner’s insurance policy and re-familiarize yourself with it
• Don’t wait to call your insurance provider. Make your claim as soon as possible. 

Practice Safe Cleanup Practices

Once you start to clean up the storm damage, make sure you’re doing so safely. Wear proper protective gear, such as boots, hard hats, gloves, and eye protection. Also, be aware of any animals and critters that may have been displaced by the storm — both to protect their safety and your own. 

Work with a Roofing Contractor for Repair & Replacement

Once you’ve filed an insurance claim and received compensation, work with your roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof. If you just need to replace a few shingles, they’ll be able to help you find a good match. If you need to replace your entire roof, they’ll help you find new materials that match your style and budget. 

The right residential roofing contractor will be able to work quickly and efficiently, so you can get back in the comfort of your own home as soon as possible. They’ll provide great customer service to ensure all your needs are met, and they’ll work with your insurance company to ensure damage is paid for appropriately. 

Need Storm Damage Roof Repair? Contact Werner Roofing

Has your roof been damaged by a storm? At Werner Roofing, we understand the stress you’re likely experiencing, and we’re happy to offer a hand in helping you get back on your feet. We’ll work with you to identify and complete any necessary repairs, so you can get your home looking as good as new, as soon as possible. For more information on how we can help, contact us online. 

Since every policy is different, it can be difficult to find answers. From the roofing experts at Werner Roofing, here’s a list of answers to all your home insurance and roof repair FAQs!

How Much of the Cost Will My Home Insurance Cover?

It depends. Sometimes you’ll receive reimbursement for the cost of a completely new roof, while other times you’ll only get enough to cover some of it. Your insurer will mainly base their decision on these factors:

• Your policy’s specifications – Your policy may specify an extent to which you can be reimbursed. 
• The age of your roof – If your roof is on the older side, it may decrease the amount of reimbursement you are given.
• The extent of your roof damage – If it’s a small project, they may only pay for that project.

How Do I Start a Claim for Damage?

Filing an insurance claim doesn’t need to be complicated, as long as you are prepared and aware of the process. Here’s an outline of steps to follow while filing your claim:

1. Start the claim filing process as soon as you suspect or find a problem with your roof. Waiting could result in further damage that may not be covered. 
2. Document your home’s condition. Take some well-lit, clear photos of the damage caused — even better if you have some “before” photos to compare them to. 
3. Call your insurance agent. They’ll help you understand your policy, and they’ll help set you up with a roofing contractor to figure out necessary repairs, the cost to fix them, and the project process. 
4. Make temporary repairs if needed. If there is anything that needs to be fixed immediately in order to protect your home and yourself, do it. For example,if your home has a big leak, definitely do something to at least prevent further damage until you can get an expert out. Your insurance provider may reimburse you for any costs necessary. 
5. Get a settlement offer from your insurance provider. This is the final “contract” with how much you will be reimbursed for damage repair. If you’re unhappy with the offer, you can ask your insurance provider to review the claim based on new documentation. 

Does the Age of My Roof Affect Whether My Home Insurance Covers It?

The age of your roof doesn’t typically determine if your roof repairs will be covered, but rather how much of your roof repairs will be covered. 

Typically, roofs older than 10 years will receive a lower reimbursement. Roofs older than 20 years now normally require a roof assessment upon policy renewal. 

What Costs Are Usually Covered By My Home Insurance?

Generally speaking, any roof damage caused by natural disasters should be covered by your home insurance. However, this can vary from situation to situation. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of coverage based on circumstance.

Does Home Insurance Cover a Leaking Roof?

Depending on the cause of your roof leak, your home insurance may or may not cover the cost or repair. If the leak is caused by a storm and you catch it, document it, and get it assessed promptly, the repairs will most likely be covered. 

However, if the leak has been there a while, and there is no proof of a natural disaster causing it, it probably won’t be covered. In the eyes of the insurance company, there’s too much likelihood it could be due to normal wear and tear or a lack of maintenance. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Yes, hail damage is usually covered by home insurance policies. 

However, there are some areas around the country where hailstorms occur more frequently. In those areas, some insurance providers will either limit their hail coverage or charge more for the policy to accommodate for the higher risk involved. Although this isn’t the norm, check with your policy and see what its specifications are. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

Yes, storm damage is usually covered by home insurance policies. Damage from most types of storms, from lightning to hurricanes to tornadoes is covered. 

However, floods and earthquakes are the outliers here. Damage from either of these isn’t always covered by a standard home insurance policy. If you live in an area that is at high-risk for one of those, you may need to get a specialized policy that accommodates for that risk.

Does Home Insurance Cover Wind Damage?

Yes, wind damage is usually covered by home insurance policies. Depending on how much of your roof is lost, they may only pay to replace a few shingles or pay for an entirely new roof. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Fallen Tree Damage? 

Yes, damage caused by fallen trees or debris is usually covered by home insurance policies. Also, any other damage that results from the fallen object will probably be covered as well. For example, if a tree falls on your home and causes interior flooding, the flooding damages may be covered. 

However, this all depends on the condition of the tree before it fell. If it fell completely due to a storm, it will be covered. If the tree was in poor condition (e.g. rotting) due to negligence, then insurance probably won’t cover it. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Normal Wear and Tear?

No, home insurance doesn’t cover the costs of repair for your roof’s normal wear and tear. Your roof will age and require regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly and looking nicely, but you’ll have to pay for that upkeep yourself.

If you’re stressed about dealing with insurance for roof repairs, let the Werner Roofing experts take care of the repairs. We’ll coordinate with your insurance adjuster to help you get maximum coverage and make sure your roof is repaired thoroughly, so you can feel safe at home again. Give our team a call or contact us online to get started.

Storms are not exactly a roof’s best friend, especially if Mother Nature’s fury includes hail! After all, we’re talking about chunks of jagged, frozen ice that can be as big as grapefruits, for Pete’s sake! Though the bigger the hailstone the more likely it will cause damage, the truth is hail of any size can result in costly roof problems. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot hail roof damage, and even more importantly, what you can do about it.

Determining if You Have Hail Roof Damage

Along with the size of the hailstones and the direction and speed of the wind, the age, materials, slope, and condition of your roof can all play a part in the amount of hail roof damage you experience. However, no matter the weather and roof conditions involved, it’s always a good idea to check for signs of damage post-storm. Here’s how:

Look Around at Ground Level

You don’t necessarily need to break out the ladder right away to determine if you have roof damage after a hail storm. Sometimes, a simple walk around your house can reveal enough information for you to know that hail roof damage has likely occurred. 

Check your siding, gutters, downspouts, deck, and fence for dents or small holes. These are tell-tale signs that your roof has probably endured similar issues. There may also be bits of roofing material that have littered your landscaping. Not a good look, nor a good sign!

Take a Look Up Top

After the storm is over and things dry out, you can get on your roof for a closer look. Typically hail damage is random and in no particular pattern, so it’s important to look over all areas of your roof for these signs:

• Loss of granules around impact spots
• Dark hit marks
• Soft or bruised patches
• Cracks or tears 
• Dents or holes

There is a catch, however. Hail roof damage is not always obvious and what may seem like only a bit of surface damage can go a lot deeper than you think, causing more headaches and bills later down the road. 

Should hail roof damage be ignored? Hail no!

Even just some granule loss weakens the integrity of your shingles, which can lead to leaks and a reduced lifespan of your roof. In other words, even minor hail damage can result in major issues, so if you think there’s a chance you have damage following a storm, even if you can’t spot the signs with the naked eye, it’s best to get it checked out by professionals right away.

Repairing Hail Roof Damage

Hail roof damage repair can mean anything from replacing a few shingles to replacing your entire roof! It all depends on the amount of destruction Mother Nature has left behind. 

If it’s just a handful of shingles that need replacing and you’re known as being kind of handy, you might be able to make the repairs on your own. On the other hand, if handy is not exactly an adjective most would use to describe you, well then, by all means, call in the pros. 

Whether your roof has asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or is made of metal (yes, metal roofs can incur hail damage, too), you can count on Werner Roofing to help! If your roof recently suffered damage from hail or a storm, we’ll be happy to come out, assess, and address hail roof damage before it compromises your roof or your home. Just contact our expert team online or call us at 616-844-5382 today.

In Michigan, we know all about layering up to protect ourselves from the ever-changing weather, right? Well, just like wearing long underwear beneath a shirt that’s beneath a jacket, your roof has layers to protect your house from the elements, too! That’s right, you don’t just slap on some shingles and call it good. There are, in fact, multiple layers of protection involved in roofing that work together to keep you warm, safe, and dry. Here’s all you need to know:

Roofing Layer #1: Insulation

Between your attic and your roof lies a layer of insulation that serves to keep the outside air out and the comfortable air in. Proper insulation is vital to energy efficiency — kind of like long underwear! 

Roofing Layer #2: Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key for warm, moist air to escape your attic so it doesn’t mess with airflow or invite mold inside your home. You need this layer for good air circulation and to regulate temperatures and moisture levels, which will in turn keep both energy bills and mildew from growing.

Roofing Layer #3: Framing

This is the foundation of your roof and is designed to distribute the weight of your roof evenly. It’s made up of triangular trusses which give your roof its shape and all the support it needs.  

Roofing Layer #4: Roof Deck

Also known as sheathing, the roof deck is typically made of plywood and is installed over your framing to connect the trusses and joints as well as provide a base and solid surface for the rest of the layers that come next. 

Roofing Layer #5: Water Shield

This layer adheres to the roof deck to protect it from water damage caused by driving rain or melting ice and snow. It’s like a rain jacket for your roof! 

Roofing Layer #6: Underlayment

The underlayment is an extra layer of water resistance between the deck and the shingles. It helps prevent water from getting under shingles and protects the deck even further from possible damage. It’s like wearing a raincoat and using an umbrella.

Roofing Layer #7: Starter Strip

A starting layer of shingles lines the edge of the roof, sealing all of the edges to reinforce your roof against strong winds and storms.

Roofing Layer #8: Shingles

Finally, you’re ready for the shingles! This final layer of your roof is more than just a pretty face for curb appeal. Shingles provide protection from fire, sun, water, and all sorts of weather conditions. It’s like a fancy coat that looks great but also keeps you comfy and warm!  

Roofing Layer #9: Flashing

Well, it’s sort of a layer. Flashing doesn’t cover your whole roof but offers an added layer of thin metal just in certain spots that could use a little extra protection. It acts as a watertight seal around chimneys, vents, skylights, valleys, eaves, and intersections of the roof.

 And there you have it. Who knew there were so many layers to a roof? Well, actually we did since we have more than 30 years of experience under our roofing belts! That’s important, too, since it’s crucial for each layer of a roof to be installed properly to give you the best, longest-lasting protection. 

 When every layer counts, you want to count on a reputable roofing company, and guess what? You can count on Werner Roofing! Reach out to our expert team today for a free inspection or estimate.