When Roof Leaks Turn Into Living Room Disasters: Signs of Storm Damage You Missed

If the storm clouds have rolled past and you’re not up to your ankles in water or seeing roof shingles strewn around your yard, it can be easy to assume your property has come through the nasty weather unscathed. Sadly, however, it’s often the stuff you can’t immediately see that can have the most significant impact in the end. Left unchecked, the cost of hidden storm damage roof issues can ramp up significantly, while also threatening the structural integrity of your home. Here, we’ll teach you how to minimize the chances of a disaster occurring by taking proactive steps to get ahead of the game…

As we’re about to explore, arguably the first thing you have to do in the wake of a storm is ditch the idea that a roof that looks intact from the outside will be perfectly fine within; shy of physically climbing up there or having a thorough look around your attic, it can be incredibly hard to know what you might be dealing with from first impressions alone. So, be sure to keep an eye out for the following:

Water Stains: Interior water damage can manifest itself in a number of different ways, and it won’t always be obvious. Brown or yellow stains on your ceilings or walls, often circular in shape and liable to continue spreading, are a telltale sign you’re dealing with a roof leak. Top floors, unsurprisingly, will be the first places affected, and it isn’t merely an aesthetic issue; the structure of your home can be severely compromised if you don’t get a grip of the issue swiftly.

Peeling Paint: Ultimately, once water has penetrated your roof, it has to travel somewhere. As it trickles through the interior, it can often get trapped behind paintwork, bubbling and eventually peeling off. Look out for any swelling or soft spots in your drywall, too, and don’t just assume a fresh paint job will take care of the problem; again, something far more serious could be brewing.

Mold Growth: A particularly nasty one, this. If you continue to encounter a damp or musty smell on the top floor of your house (and in your attic especially), there’s every chance you’re going to be dealing with mold. Mold spores thrive where it’s warm, dark and moist, multiplying exponentially inside the first 48 hours after a storm and ultimately becoming patently visible in the shape of black or green spots on surfaces or insulation. It’s a serious health risk, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory problems.

Roof Debris in Your Gutters: Gutters clogging up is a regular problem for many but, if they’re malfunctioning after a storm, it mightn’t necessarily be down to the usual build-up of leaves, twigs and dirt. Small fragments of your roof, specifically from broken shingles, can also accumulate there. You’ll obviously not be able to spot such debris from ground level, but the moment you do see any, you’ll know beyond doubt you’re having to contend with a damaged roof.

Higher Energy Bills: It could take you a week or two to become aware but a sudden spike in your energy bills, without any obvious change to the weather, is likely another strong indicator you’re dealing with interior water damage caused by a roof leak. Insulation that becomes wet loses its ability to trap heat, meaning your HVAC system has to work harder, while heightened humidity levels – caused by water having seeped through your roof – makes it much more difficult to keep your house cool during the summer months.

Regardless of the extent of the damage you’re immediately faced with – and, to be fair, there mightn’t be any of it at first glance – it always pays to hope for the best but expect the worst when it comes to what else might be lurking.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, so it’s absolutely critical to make sure of its health quickly even if you don’t observe a gaping wound. Be ultra vigilant in the opening hours and days and, where you can and providing it’s safe to do so, try and inspect your roof from the outside as well as having a good look at your gutters and attic. As you do, keep a visual record of anything and everything that doesn’t look right or that’s obviously impaired – it’ll prove crucial during a subsequent insurance claim. And don’t underestimate the importance of calling a professional; companies like X-Cel Restoration know exactly what to look for when it comes to signs of storm damage you may have missed, and understanding the extent of the problem early can be the difference between thousands of pounds in repair costs.

After a severe storm, there can be so many uncertainties when it comes to how your property has been affected and not knowing what you’re dealing with isn’t just enormously stressful – it’s potentially sowing the seeds for a disaster to ensue if you don’t take the right measures. Getting to a point of clarity swiftly is key, and that’s where X-Cel Restoration comes in. We’ve been providing emergency repairs for homeowners affected by storm damage for nearly 35 years, working closely with insurance companies to lessen your burden even more. If you think there’s just the slightest chance your home has been hit by storm damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to get the peace of mind you need.