Once the storm has passed, homeowners should determine whether storm damage requires that they need the roofing repaired or whether the roof area needs to be completely replaced. While it may be tempting to mitigate damage during the storm, wait for it to pass until trying to attempt even a temporary roofing repair. You’ll need to get a good look at the storm damage before proceeding.

When choosing a roofing contractor to replace roof area, use roof cost only as a secondary factor. Being able to trust the person to conduct a roofing repair or roofing replacement in a professional manner is more important.

Storm Damage Assessment

After severe weather, it is important to properly evaluate the storm incurred. Some indicators that storm damage has occurred include:

• Broken or out of place tiles
• Broken skylights/other windows
• Dented roof vents
• Roof indentations
• Torn or missing shingles
• Water spots or signs of water damage in attic or on roof decking.

If you suspect leakage from storm damage on the roof, cover the the portion requiring roofing repair with a tarp or waterproof canvas to prevent water damage inside your home.

Roofing Repair

If storm damage has occurred, complete roofing replacement probably won’t be necessary: Roofing repair should be sufficient. Handy homeowners may be able to do the roofing repair themselves, avoiding having to pay roof cost to a contractor. When completing roofing repair after storm damage:

• Inspect and replace flashings as needed.
• Protect exteriors with a tarp during the roofing repair to prevent damage when you replace the roof.
• Inspect and replace piping, venting and other protrusions as needed.
• Check and weatherproof skylights when necessary.
• Check joints where shingles meet the wall, and replace shingles as necessary.

Roofing Replacement

When your roof has sustained severe storm damage, roofing replacement may be necessary. However, making this decision shouldn’t be based solely on roof cost. Homeowners should listen to contractors when thinking about replacing the roof area. The roof is a system that protects your home, not only from storms, but from other elements as well.

When a contractor completes a roofing replacement, keep the following in mind:

• Install an ice/water shield six feet up from the roofline at the eaves, in valleys, around chimneys, where the roof plane intersects walls, and at points where the roof is penetrated.
• Install starter strips to prevent water leakage and wind damage at the roofline.
• Install underlayment along all exposed roof decking.
• Proper ventilation ensures a long lasting roof and a healthy home.
• Shingle caps not only look good, but also validate the warranty.
• Shingles or other roofing material should be endorsed by a reputable organization.
• The best kind of warranty is a “no dollar limit” warranty, which includes labor and full replacement value of materials used in roofing replacement.