From heavy rain and wind to hailstones of varying sizes and fallen tree limbs, it is easy to see how one storm can damage your home. Even most people understand the risk of damage with tornadoes and hurricanes, a severe thunderstorm with winds of 50 to 60 mph can also cause serious damage. Unfortunately, this damage can greatly affect your home's roof and exterior siding, increasing the risk of leaks, water damage, and even mold growth. Thankfully, knowing the signs your roof and siding have sustained damage is key for making efficient repairs. This guide will give you a few areas to focus on when inspecting your home after a storm.

Roof/Gutters/Siding

Of course, the roof and the gutter system around your roof are the first places to inspect after a storm passes through. If you see shingles that are starting to curl or have become loose from the roof, make sure to have them replaced immediately.

It is also important to address the underlayment of the roof as well. While you may not see damage, moisture may have penetrated the underlayment, increasing the risk of mold growth in the future.

Inspect the gutters next. If any sections of the gutters and downspouts are bent, dented, or cracked, the gutters should be repaired. Without efficient repairs, water will not be able to run off the roof and away from the home properly.

Also, check the interior of the gutters for black, gray, or brown granules. These granules are actually remnants of your asphalt shingles that have been damaged in the storm. Heavy rain and wind can wear down the shingles, causing asphalt the break apart and flow down the roof and into your gutter system.

A large buildup of water inside the gutters is also a cause for concern. If the water is standing in the gutters, the gutters may be clogged with dirt, leaves, and other debris. Clean the gutters immediately to ensure the water runs off your roof.

Check your home's siding, too. Water stains that appear to be from rain running down the sides of your home could indicate extensive moisture damage. You may need to replace vinyl or fiber cement siding if you see these water stains before mold starts to grow.

Ground

If your roof and gutters sustained damage after a storm, there will most likely be obvious signs of this damage on the ground around your home.

For example, pieces of shingles or full shingles laying on the ground around your home are a sure sign that your roof needs to be inspected and repaired. Replacing each shingle that has come loose will be important to protect your home from further damage.

Water puddling around your home's foundation should also be addressed. This water may stem from gutters that are clogged or broken, reducing their ability to move water away from the home. Remember that high amounts of water around the foundation can lead to humidity issues and pest problems inside your home.

Broken tree limbs and branches around your home are also a sign you may have sustained roof damage. The limbs may have broken off and fallen onto your roof and damaged the shingles before falling onto the ground.

Hailstones on the ground are also a good indicator that some damage to your roof has occurred. Even small hail can cause big problems for asphalt shingles, siding, and gutters. For example, a hailstone that measures 1 centimeter in diameter falls to the ground at 9 m/s, which is enough to dent and damage traditional shingles, metal roofing, gutters, and your exterior siding.

If you are noticing any of the above signs, have your roof, gutters, and siding inspected soon after the storm. Call a company like Select Exteriors for more information.