Storms can cause serious damage to your home, especially your roof. It is important to always inspect your roof for damage after a storm because even a minor dent could cause a leak, leading to more problems. Check out these six tips to help you safely examine your roof after a storm.

Look Around the Ground and in the Gutter

It is not advisable to climb onto your roof during the inspection. You are simply doing a cursory examination, and climbing on a weak or damaged roof may result in serious injury. If you feel one is needed, a professional roofer can do a more thorough inspection. Start your inspection on the ground and examine the surrounding area for any shingles or flashing that have dislodged from the roof. Some shingles or the granules from asphalt shingles may have gotten trapped in the gutter, so don't forget to examine the entire length of the gutter from a ladder.

Check for Obvious Dangers

Some types of damage are more obvious than others. Walk around your home, looking for any of these glaring signs, which include large holes, a buckling roof or limbs/trees that have fallen onto the roof. While fallen limbs may not have caused major damage yet, the weight and force may have significantly weakened your roof, making it unstable and increasing the risk of collapse. If you see any of these obvious dangers, contact a professional roofer immediately.

Examine Shingles or Metal for Damage

A storm is devastating to the shingles on your roof, regardless of what type you have. There are different types of damage for which to watch, including the following:

• Shingles that are curling around the edges
• Missing shingles that have been blown away by strong winds
• Dents caused from large hail
• Missing granules, which weaken shingle strength
• Splitting of wood shingles

These signs may not seem worrisome now, but they are weak spots in your roof. If left untreated, they expose your roof to the damaging effects of wind and rain, causing water damage, mold and decay.

Check for Damaged Flashing

Flashing is metal that is used to help waterproof your roof around joints, which are difficult to protect with shingles alone. Although flashing is made of aluminum or galvanized steel, a powerful storm can damage it. The most common signs of damaged flashing include tearing, buckling, or loosening.

Inspect the Area around the Chimney and Vents

The chimney and vents on your roof pass through your roof to enter your home. Because of this, they are a vulnerable spot during a heavy storm, and if damage occurs around them, they can cause major leaks and damage to your home. Some of the most common signs include:

• An unusable chimney that is leaning to one side
• Gaps and holes between the roof and the chimney or vents
• Damaged bricks in the chimney
• Damaged flashing around the chimney, which is more prone to damage than flashing elsewhere

Look for Water Damage Inside Your Home

A thorough examination of your roof is not completed until you've checked it from the inside. Small leaks or cracks in the roof may not be obvious from the outside, but the damage they cause inside your home is much clearer. Check the inside of your roof from the attic and your ceilings for any dripping water, water stains, mold or decay.

Don't risk further damage to your roof or home. If you feel there is damage to your roof after a storm, contact a professional roofer for more information today. Only a professional can determine the extent of the damage and provide the necessary repairs.