Signs of Storm Damage on Your Roof

Severe Weather and Your Roof in the SC Midlands

Living in the South Carolina Midlands means dealing with severe weather throughout the year. From powerful spring thunderstorms and summer hail to high winds and tropical remnants pushing inland from the coast, our roofs take a beating. The Columbia, Lexington, and Irmo areas are no strangers to storms that can cause serious roof damage in a matter of minutes.

The tricky part is that storm damage is not always obvious from the ground. Some signs are subtle and can go unnoticed for weeks or months, leading to much bigger problems down the road. Knowing what to look for can save you thousands in preventable repairs.

Hail Damage Signs

Hail is one of the most common and most damaging weather events for roofs in our area. Even hailstones the size of a quarter can cause significant harm to a shingle roof.

What to look for:

• Dented or bruised shingles. Hail impacts knock granules off the surface of asphalt shingles, leaving dark spots or soft, dimpled areas. These exposed spots accelerate shingle deterioration and can be difficult to see from the ground.
• Cracked or split shingles. Larger hailstones can crack shingles on impact, breaking the waterproof barrier that protects your roof deck.
• Dents on metal components. Check your roof vents, flashing, gutters, and downspouts for dents. Metal components show hail impact more clearly than shingles and serve as strong evidence when filing an insurance claim.
• Random damage pattern. Hail damage tends to appear scattered across the roof rather than concentrated along edges or seams. If you notice irregular patterns of damage that do not line up with roof features, hail is a likely cause.

Wind Damage Signs

High winds, whether from a severe thunderstorm or the remnants of a tropical system, can peel shingles right off your roof. Wind damage often starts along edges and ridges where shingles are most exposed.

What to look for:

• Missing shingles or shingle tabs. After a storm, look at your roof from the street. Missing shingles show up as dark patches where the underlayment or roof deck is exposed.
• Lifted or curled shingle edges. Wind can loosen the adhesive seal on shingle tabs, causing them to lift and curl. Once the seal is broken, those shingles are vulnerable to the next storm.
• Exposed nail heads or underlayment. When shingles are torn away, the nails and underlayment beneath them are left exposed to the elements, creating direct pathways for water intrusion.
• Debris damage from fallen branches. High winds bring down tree limbs that can puncture, crack, or scrape shingles. Even if a branch does not go through the roof, the impact can compromise the shingle surface.

Water and Rain Damage Signs

Heavy rain on its own may not damage a healthy roof, but it will quickly expose any weaknesses created by wind or hail. Water damage is often the first sign homeowners notice because it shows up inside the home.

What to look for:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls. Brown or yellowish stains are a telltale sign that water is getting through your roof. Do not ignore small stains because they almost always indicate a larger problem above.
• Mold or mildew in the attic. If moisture is entering through the roof and pooling in your attic, mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours. Check your attic for musty odors or visible mold after a storm.
• Sagging areas on the roof deck. When the plywood decking absorbs water over time, it softens and begins to sag. A sagging roof is a serious structural concern that needs immediate attention.
• Clogged or damaged gutters. Storms fill gutters with debris and can knock them loose from the fascia. Gutters that are clogged or pulling away prevent proper drainage and push water back under your roofing materials.

What to Do After a Storm

Taking the right steps after a storm can make a significant difference in protecting your home and your insurance claim.

1. Stay safe and assess from the ground. Never climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Use binoculars to inspect from the yard or look out upper-floor windows. Check your attic for leaks if it is safe to do so.
2. Document the damage with photos and video. Take clear photos of any damage you can see from the ground, including your roof, siding, gutters, and yard debris. Timestamp your documentation and keep it organized.
3. Contact your insurance company. Report the storm damage to your insurer as soon as possible. South Carolina policies typically require timely filing, so do not delay.
4. Schedule a professional roof inspection. A trained inspector can identify damage that is invisible from the ground. Having an independent assessment before your insurance adjuster visits gives you a more complete picture of the damage. Schedule a free inspection with our team.
5. Watch out for storm chasers. After major storms, out-of-town contractors go door to door offering quick repairs. Be cautious of anyone who asks for large upfront payments, pressures you to sign a contract immediately, or cannot provide local references and proof of insurance. Choose a licensed, local roofing contractor you can trust.

Why Prompt Action Matters

Waiting to address storm damage almost always makes the problem worse and more expensive. A few missing shingles can lead to water damage in the deck, insulation, and even your home's interior. Mold can spread quickly in humid South Carolina conditions.

There are also practical deadlines to consider. Most homeowner's insurance policies in South Carolina have filing windows for storm damage claims. If you wait too long, you risk having your claim reduced or denied entirely.

A proactive maintenance plan helps catch minor issues before they turn into major repairs, but after a storm, the most important step is getting a professional set of eyes on your roof as soon as conditions are safe.

Get Your Roof Inspected After the Storm

If your home has been through a recent storm, do not wait for a small problem to become a big one. Our team will inspect your roof, document any damage, and help you understand your options for repair or an insurance claim.

Schedule your free roof inspection or call us at (803) 520-6154.