The Complete Roof Storm Damage Library

High winds can lift, tear, and loosen shingles, exposing the roof deck to water intrusion.

Common causes: Straight-line winds, gusts during thunderstorms, hurricanes and tropical storms.
What to look for: Lifted or flapping shingles, exposed nail heads, granules in gutters, debris on the roof.
When to inspect: After any storm with sustained winds above 45 mph or visible shingle movement.

Hailstones bruise and fracture shingles, shortening their lifespan and inviting leaks.

Common causes: Hailstorms producing stones roughly one inch or larger in diameter.
What to look for: Round dark impact marks, dented soft metals, exposed asphalt, scattered granule loss.
When to inspect: Within days of any hailstorm, even if damage isn't visible from the ground.

When shingles blow off entirely, the underlayment and decking are left unprotected.

Common causes: Strong winds, aging adhesive strips, prior improper installation.
What to look for: Bare patches on the roof, shingles in the yard, visible underlayment.
When to inspect: Immediately — exposed decking can lead to fast water damage.

Shingles that no longer lie flat allow wind and water to get underneath the surface.

Common causes: Wind uplift, failing sealant, heat and age causing curling.
What to look for: Curled or raised edges, shingles that move in a breeze, uneven roof texture.
When to inspect: When you notice raised edges or after repeated high-wind events.

A crease weakens the shingle at the fold, making future failure and leaks likely.

Common causes: Wind bending shingles back and forth before they settle.
What to look for: Horizontal fold lines across shingles, cracking along the crease.
When to inspect: After strong wind events, especially on older roofs.

Protective granules shield shingles from UV and impact; losing them accelerates wear.

Common causes: Hail impact, aging, foot traffic, heavy rain runoff.
What to look for: Bald shiny spots, granules collecting in gutters and downspouts.
When to inspect: After hail or when gutters show excessive granule buildup.

Moisture reaching the decking rots wood and encourages mold growth over time.

Common causes: Compromised shingles, failed flashing, ice dams, poor ventilation.
What to look for: Dark staining on decking, soft spots, musty attic odors.
When to inspect: As soon as you spot attic staining or damp insulation.

Active leaks signal a breach in the roof system that can spread quickly indoors.

Common causes: Missing shingles, cracked flashing, clogged valleys, storm damage.
What to look for: Dripping during rain, water stains, bubbling paint, damp attic wood.
When to inspect: Immediately — active leaks worsen with every storm.

Flashing seals vulnerable joints; when it fails, water enters at the weakest points.

Common causes: Wind, corrosion, failed sealant, storm impact around chimneys and vents.
What to look for: Bent or lifted metal, rust, gaps around chimneys, skylights, and valleys.
When to inspect: After storms or if you see leaks near roof penetrations.

Fallen limbs and abrasion from branches can puncture and crush roofing materials.

Common causes: Fallen or overhanging tree limbs during high winds and storms.
What to look for: Punctures, crushed shingles, scratched surfaces, debris impact points.
When to inspect: Immediately after any tree or limb contact with the roof.

Damaged gutters cause water to pool and back up under the roof edge.

Common causes: Hail dents, wind, heavy debris, ice and clogs pulling gutters loose.
What to look for: Dents, sagging sections, detached brackets, overflowing during rain.
When to inspect: After hail or wind, or if water overflows near the fascia.

The ridge vent protects the roof's peak; damage here invites wind-driven rain inside.

Common causes: Wind uplift, hail, debris impact along the roof ridge.
What to look for: Cracked or displaced vent covers, gaps at the peak, attic moisture.
When to inspect: After strong winds or if attic humidity rises unexpectedly.

Ceiling stains are often the first indoor evidence of a hidden roof problem.

Common causes: Roof leaks migrating along framing before showing on the ceiling.
What to look for: Brown rings, peeling paint, sagging drywall, damp spots after rain.
When to inspect: As soon as any new ceiling stain appears.