When we think of storm damage in Northwest Arkansas, hail is usually the first thing that comes to mind. While hail is certainly a major culprit, it’s far from the only threat to your roofing system. High winds, falling debris, and torrential rain can all cause significant damage that, if left unaddressed, can lead to serious problems for your home. As a roofer who has seen it all, I want to help homeowners understand the different ways a storm can impact their roof, so they can perform a more thorough inspection after the weather clears. This guide covers the five most common types of storm damage we see here in Arkansas.
Key Takeaways
- Wind Damage is a Primary Threat: High winds can lift, curl, or completely tear off shingles, leaving your roof’s underlayment exposed to the elements. This is especially common on older roofs where the shingle sealant has weakened.
- Hail Damage is Often Subtle: Hail creates “bruises” on shingles by knocking off the protective granules. While it may not cause an immediate leak, this damage compromises the shingle and drastically shortens its lifespan.
- Debris Impact Can Cause Punctures: Falling tree limbs or other wind-blown debris can puncture your shingles and the underlying decking, creating an immediate entry point for water.
- Water Intrusion is the Ultimate Danger: All forms of roof damage ultimately lead to water intrusion. Heavy, wind-driven rain can force water into your attic through even the smallest openings, leading to rot, mold, and structural issues.
- Stress and Pressure Damage: The constant pressure changes during a severe storm can weaken the structural components of your roof over time, even if there is no obvious external damage.
A Deeper Look at How Storms Affect Your Roof
Understanding these different types of damage will help you have a more informed conversation with your roofer. As we covered in our previous article, What Should I Do After a Hail Storm Hits My House?, a safe and thorough inspection is the first step. Here’s what we look for.
1. High-Wind Damage
Straight-line winds in a severe thunderstorm can be just as destructive as a small tornado. For your roof, this means:
- Lifted Shingles: The wind can get underneath the edge of a shingle and lift it, breaking the sealant bond that holds it flat. This creates a flap that is vulnerable to being torn off completely.
- Creased Shingles: A shingle that has been lifted and then pressed back down will often have a horizontal crease across it. This crease is a weak point that will eventually crack and fail.
- Missing Shingles: The most obvious sign of wind damage is finding shingles in your yard after a storm. Each missing shingle is a hole in your roof’s armor.
2. Hail Damage
Hail acts like a hammer, and its effects are widespread. As we detail in our guide on How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof from the Ground, the damage is often subtle.
- Granule Loss: Hail impacts knock off the sandpaper-like granules, creating dark spots or “bruises.”
- Fractured Shingle Mat: Underneath the granules, the impact can fracture the fiberglass mat of the shingle, even if you can’t see it from the surface. This leads to cracks and leaks over time.
3. Debris Impact Damage
During a storm, your roof is in the line of fire for anything the wind picks up.
- Fallen Tree Limbs: This is the most common cause of impact damage. A large limb can do everything from scraping off granules to punching a hole straight through your roof decking.
- Other Wind-Blown Debris: Patio furniture, trampolines, and other unsecured items can become dangerous projectiles in a storm, causing significant impact damage.
4. Water Intrusion from Wind-Driven Rain
Sometimes, the damage isn’t from an impact, but from the sheer volume and force of the rain itself.
- Leaking Flashing: Wind-driven rain can force its way into tiny gaps around your chimney, vents, and skylights, especially if the flashing is old or improperly installed.
- Ice Dams (in Winter): While less common in Arkansas, a winter storm can cause ice to build up at the edge of your roof, allowing water to back up under the shingles and into your home.
5. Cumulative Stress and Pressure Damage
This type of damage is the hardest to see. The constant changes in air pressure during a severe storm can put a strain on the entire roofing structure. Over time, this can lead to loosened nails, weakened seals, and a general degradation of the roof’s integrity.
The Richardson Roofing Comprehensive Storm Damage Assessment
Because a storm can damage your roof in so many different ways, a professional inspection is essential. When you call Richardson Roofing, we don’t just look for one type of damage; we perform a complete assessment of your entire roofing system.
- We check for all 5 types of damage: We look for wind, hail, impact, water, and stress damage.
- We inspect the entire system: This includes your shingles, underlayment, decking, flashing, vents, and gutters.
- We provide a detailed report: We will show you photos of any damage we find and provide a clear, honest recommendation for the best course of action.
If you suspect your home has sustained any type of storm damage, contact Richardson Roofing today. We offer a free, no-obligation Storm Damage Repair inspection to give you a clear picture of your roof’s health and help you protect your home. For all your Storm Damage Repair Springdale needs, we are here to help.