Identifying Storm Damage – NJ Roof: Post-Weather Checklist

New Jersey homeowners are no strangers to severe weather and storm damage to there homes. From the fierce winds of nor’easters and the heavy rains of coastal storms to unexpected summer thunderstorms bringing hail and powerful gusts, our roofs regularly face significant challenges. While some storm damage is dramatically obvious – like a fallen tree limb or a section of missing shingles you spot from the street – much of it can be subtle, hidden, and yet just as destructive over time.

Ignoring even minor storm damage can lead to costly problems down the road, including leaks, structural issues, and premature roof system failure. Furthermore, most homeowners insurance policies have time limits for filing storm damage claims. That’s why knowing how to assess your roof after severe weather hits New Jersey is absolutely crucial.

At Nailed It Roofing, your trusted local roofing experts serving communities across the Garden State, we understand the unique weather patterns and potential risks your roof faces. We’ve put together this essential post-weather checklist to help you, the New Jersey homeowner, safely and effectively look for signs of storm damage.

Why a Post-Storm Roof Storm Damage Check is Non-Negotiable in NJ

Taking the time for a thorough check after a significant weather event isn’t just about reacting to visible damage; it’s a proactive measure to protect your home and investment. Here’s why it’s so important for New Jersey residents:

1. Preventing Minor Issues from Escalating: A few missing granules might seem insignificant, but they are your shingles’ primary protection against UV rays and water. A slightly lifted shingle can become a major entry point for wind-driven rain. Catching these small issues early prevents more extensive (and expensive) problems like rot, mold, and structural damage.
2. Time-Sensitive Insurance Claims: Most insurance policies require you to file a claim within a specific timeframe after the damage occurs. Delaying inspection could mean missing the window to have repairs covered, leaving you to pay out-of-pocket. A prompt check allows you to start the claims process quickly if needed.
3. Maintaining Roof Lifespan: Your roof is designed to protect your home for decades. Storm damage, even if not immediately causing leaks, weakens the system. Addressing damage promptly helps maintain your roof’s integrity and ensures it reaches its expected lifespan.
4. Ensuring Home Safety: Severe damage can compromise the structural integrity of your roof, posing a safety risk to your family and property. Identifying significant damage early is critical.

Common Types of Storm Damage Seen on New Jersey Roofs

New Jersey’s diverse weather patterns mean roofs can suffer various types of storm-related harm. Knowing what to look for can make your post-storm assessment more effective.

• Wind Damage: High winds are a frequent culprit in NJ storms. Look for:
  • Missing Shingles: The most obvious sign. Check the ground around your house.
  • Lifted or Curled Shingles: Strong winds can lift shingle edges, breaking the seal that holds them down.
  • Creased or Torn Shingles: Wind can bend shingles back on themselves, causing creases or tears, often near the edges of the roof or around features like vents.
  • Granule Loss: While some granule loss is normal over time, significant amounts in your gutters or on the ground after a storm can indicate shingles have been severely impacted or bruised by wind or hail.
  • Damage to Accessories: High winds can damage or detach vents, flashing (metal seals around chimneys, skylights, walls), and even lift sections of gutters or fascia.
• Hail Damage: Hailstorms, while perhaps less frequent than wind events, can cause significant damage. Hail impact can look like:
  • Bruising or Denting: On asphalt shingles, hail often causes small, dark, circular indentations where the protective granules have been knocked away, exposing the asphalt layer underneath. These can be subtle.
  • Damage to Metal: Hail will often leave dents on metal vents, gutters, flashing, or even outdoor AC units. If you see dents on these metal items, it’s a strong indicator that your roof likely sustained hail damage too.
  • Cracking: Severe hail can crack shingles, compromising their water resistance.
• Falling Debris Damage: Trees, branches, or even loose items from neighboring properties can be picked up by strong winds and impact your roof.
  • Punctures or Gouges: Sharp impacts can pierce the roofing material.
  • Scrapes and Abrasions: Branches dragging across the roof can scrape away granules or even damage the shingle mat.
  • Structural Damage: Heavy limbs or trees can cause significant damage, potentially breaking the roof deck or rafters underneath.
• Water Damage: Sometimes, the only initial sign of a roof breach is inside your home.
  • Water Stains: Look for discoloration on ceilings or walls, particularly on the top floor or around fireplaces/chimneys.
  • Peeling Paint or Bubbling Plaster: Can indicate moisture intrusion.
  • Dripping Water: In severe cases, you might see active leaks.

Your Post-Storm Roof Damage Checklist (Safety First!)

Before you begin your inspection, remember this crucial point: CLIMBING ON A DAMAGED ROOF IS DANGEROUS. Roofs can be slippery, unstable, and assessing damage requires experience. Always prioritize your safety. This checklist focuses on assessments you can make safely from the ground or from accessible interior spaces. Leave the ladder work to the professionals at Nailed It Roofing.

Here’s what you can check:

1. The Ground Perimeter Check:

   • Walk around your entire house. Look on the ground, in landscaping, and patios. Are there any shingles? Any unusually large amounts of roofing granules (they look like coarse sand)? Any pieces of metal or plastic that might have come from vents or flashing?
   • Look for fallen branches or other debris around your home, which might indicate something hit the roof.

2. The Gutter and Downspout Check:

   • Look at your gutters. Are they sagging? Are they pulled away from the fascia? Are there any visible dents (potential hail damage)?
   • Check the ground under your downspouts, especially after rain. Is there a significant pile-up of granules washed down from the roof?

3. The Siding, Window, and Exterior Feature Check:

   • Examine your siding, window frames, garage doors, and outdoor air conditioning units for dents or impact marks. If these vertical or exposed surfaces show hail damage, it’s highly likely your roof, which is directly exposed from above, has sustained damage too.

4. The Binocular Roof Scan (From the Ground):

   • Grab a pair of binoculars if you have them. From various safe vantage points around your property, slowly scan the entire roof surface.
   • Look along the edges, the ridge line, and around all roof penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights).
   • Are there any shingles that look out of place – lifted, flapping, or missing?
   • Can you see any areas where granules look patchy or missing?
   • Do metal vents or caps appear dented or damaged?
   • Does the flashing around your chimney or walls look bent or lifted?

5. The Interior Check:

   • Go inside your home and look at the ceilings and walls, especially on the top floor. Are there any new water stains, discoloration, or peeling paint?
   • If you have safe access to your attic and feel comfortable, go up with a flashlight. Look along the underside of the roof deck for any signs of water stains, wet spots, or streaks. You might also see if any daylight is showing through the roof boards, indicating a puncture.

What to Do If You Suspect or Find Storm Damage

If your post-storm checklist reveals any potential signs of damage, or even if you’re unsure but experienced significant weather, don’t delay.

1. Document: Take clear photos from the ground level of anything suspicious you found (missing shingles, dents, interior stains).
2. Contact Nailed It Roofing Immediately: As your local New Jersey roofing experts, we are experienced in identifying storm damage – including the subtle types often missed by the untrained eye. We offer comprehensive storm damage inspections. We can safely get on your roof, assess the full extent of the damage, and provide you with a detailed report.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company: Once you’ve had a professional assessment from Nailed It Roofing, contact your insurance provider. We can often assist you with navigating the claims process and provide the necessary documentation to support your claim.

Trust Nailed It Roofing for Your NJ Storm Damage Needs

Dealing with storm damage can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Nailed It Roofing is your New Jersey neighbor, committed to helping our community recover quickly and effectively after severe weather. Our experienced team understands the specific challenges posed by NJ storms and knows exactly what insurance adjusters look for. We provide honest assessments and quality repairs or replacements to get your roof back to optimal condition.

Whether you’ve spotted obvious damage or just want peace of mind after a significant weather event in New Jersey, contact Nailed It Roofing today for a professional storm damage inspection. We’re here to help you protect your home.  PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB ON A DAMAGED ROOF!