What I Found on Roofs After Those August Storms

Those storms we had in late August were something else. Golf ball-sized hail, 60+ mph winds, and more rain than we knew what to do with. My phone didn't stop ringing for three weeks straight.

But here's what surprised me: about half the damaged roofs I looked at had problems that started way before the storms. The weather just exposed weaknesses that had been building for months or years.

The Damage You Can't See from the Ground

I climbed onto probably 50 roofs after those storms, and the worst damage was almost never what homeowners expected. Sure, everyone noticed missing shingles or obvious holes. But the real problems were more subtle.

Granule Loss
This is the big one. Your asphalt shingles are covered with tiny granules that protect against UV rays. When hail hits them, those granules get knocked loose. From the ground, the shingles might look fine, but they're actually compromised.

I had one customer in North Hills who thought her roof was fine because she couldn't see any missing shingles. But when I got up there, I found patches where 40% of the granules were gone. That roof went from having 10 years of life left to needing replacement within 2 years.

Seal Strip Damage
Every asphalt shingle has a strip of adhesive that seals it to the shingle below. Strong winds can break these seals without actually removing the shingle. Then the next storm lifts them right off.

I found dozens of roofs where shingles looked perfect but were basically just sitting there loose, held down by their own weight.

The Gutter Connection

Your gutters tell a story about your roof's condition. After a hail storm, check what's in your gutters:

• Lots of granules = possible shingle damage
• Pieces of flashing = check around chimneys and vents
• Chunks of sealant = look for leaks around roof penetrations

One house in Cary had gutters completely packed with granules - looked like coarse sand. The homeowner thought it was just debris from the storm, but it was actually their roof literally washing away piece by piece.

Interior Warning Signs

Most people only think to check their roof from outside, but your house will tell you about problems:

Water Stains on Ceilings
Even small ones matter. Water finds the path of least resistance, so a stain in your bedroom might mean damage over your kitchen. Don't assume the leak is directly above the stain.

Musty Smells in the Attic
If your attic starts smelling funky after a storm, you probably have moisture getting in somewhere. Unchecked moisture leads to mold, and mold remediation costs way more than fixing a small roof leak.

Higher Energy Bills
Damaged roof decking or insulation can affect your home's energy efficiency. If your electric bill spikes after a storm, it might not just be from running the AC more - you might be losing conditioned air through the roof.

The Insurance Reality

Here's something most people don't know: you have a limited window to file storm damage claims with your insurance company. In North Carolina, it's typically one year, but some policies are shorter.

I've had customers discover roof damage months after a storm, only to find out their insurance won't cover it because they waited too long. The adjuster's argument: "How do we know this damage is from the storm you're claiming and not normal wear and tear?"

Document everything with photos, and file your claim as soon as you suspect damage.

What You Can Check Safely

I don't recommend homeowners get on their roofs - too dangerous. But you can spot a lot from the ground:

• Missing or obviously damaged shingles
• Bent or missing flashing around chimneys
• Damaged gutters or downspouts
• Debris in gutters (especially granules)
• Dents in metal roof vents or flashing

Use binoculars if you have them. Most storm damage is visible from ground level if you know what to look for.

The Triangle Weather Pattern

Living in Raleigh, we get hit with a specific type of weather that's hard on roofs. Those sudden afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail, followed by intense sun and heat. It's like your roof gets beaten up and then baked - over and over all summer long.

I tell all my customers: plan on a roof inspection every fall after storm season. A $200 inspection can catch problems before they become $5,000 emergencies.

When to Call a Professional

Don't try to be a hero. Call a roofer if:

• You see any interior water damage
• Your gutters are full of granules
• You notice missing or loose shingles
• Your insurance company requires a professional assessment

And please, stay off your roof. I've patched more homeowners than roofs over the years, and it's never worth the risk.

Stay dry, Raleigh!