Storm Roof Damage Around Huntsville
Storm damage comes in three forms here. Spring thunderstorms bring hail and straight-line wind. Fall can bring the outer bands of a Gulf storm, as Hurricane Ike did in 2008 when it came ashore at Galveston and damaged timber across East Texas. And all year, the tall pines around Huntsville can come down on roofs in high wind. Each one damages a roof differently, and each one is handled a little differently afterward.
What Hail Does to Shingles and Metal
| Roof | What hail does | What a roofer looks for |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | Bruises (soft spots where the mat cracks), granule loss, cracked or broken shingles | Bruises you can feel, exposed mat, granules in gutters and at downspouts |
| Impact-resistant shingles | Resists more, but large hail still marks it | The same checks, plus whether the rating made a difference |
| Metal panels | Dents; leaks are less common unless seams or fasteners are hit | Dents, damaged seams and trim, and any cracked coating |
| Vents and flashing | Dents and cracks | Dented vent caps, split boots |
Hail damage isn't always visible from the ground. Dented gutters and downspouts and fresh granules on the driveway are clues, but the roof itself needs a close look.
When a Tree or Limb Comes Down on the Roof
- Get everyone out of the rooms below the impact, and keep clear of any downed power lines outside.
- Don't try to move the tree off the roof yourself. It can shift and drop through.
- Photograph everything from a safe distance.
- Call the electric utility if lines are involved. The tree has to come off before the roof can be repaired, and a roofer handles the opening and the repair after that.
Once the tree is off, a roofer covers the opening temporarily, checks the decking and rafters underneath, and plans the permanent repair. More: pines, limbs and needles.
Tree on the roof? (936) 249-1840.
Wind Damage
Wind lifts shingles along the edges, ridges and corners first, breaking the seal strips. Sometimes the shingles fall off; sometimes they stay in place with a crease across them that lets water in later. On metal roofs, wind pulls at loose trim and panels with backed-out screws. After a windy storm, look from the ground for missing pieces, lifted edges and debris in the yard.
What Are the Signs Hail Hurt My Shingles?
Look from the ground for dented gutters, downspouts and vents, and for granules washing out of the downspouts. Then have a roofer check the roof itself. They'll look for bruises, granule loss and cracks on shingles, and dents and seam damage on metal, and photograph what they find. Don't climb onto the roof to check.
Should I File a Claim?
That's between you and your insurer, and it depends on your policy, your deductible and how much damage there is. Many homeowners have a roofer check first so they know what they're dealing with, then call their agent. Keep photos, dates and receipts for any emergency work. The Texas Department of Insurance has consumer information on homeowners claims and handles complaints about insurers. More: hail and wind claims on a Texas roof.
Temporary Covers and Permanent Repairs
After storm damage, roofers often work in two steps: a temporary cover (a tarp fastened over the opening) to keep rain out, then the permanent repair or replacement. Get both in writing as separate items. A tarp left on for months can damage the shingles around it and the decking under it, so plan the permanent work soon.
When a Hurricane Reaches Inland
Hurricanes weaken as they move inland, but they can still bring damaging wind and long, heavy rain this far north, along with downed trees and power outages. After one, roofers across the region get busy at once. Calling early helps, and so does having photos ready. More: when a hurricane reaches inland.
Storm Damage Around Huntsville
Huntsville
South on the interstate
- New WaverlyWalker County
- WillisMontgomery County
- ConroeMontgomery County
- Panorama VillageMontgomery County
- MontgomeryMontgomery County
North on the interstate: Madisonville
West toward the Brazos
Northeast toward the Trinity
East toward Lake Livingston