South Louisiana storms have a way of leaving damage you can't see from the driveway -- and then announcing themselves weeks later in the form of a brown ceiling stain or a soaked attic. After any round of high wind, hail, or heavy rain, a few minutes of careful checking can save you from a much larger repair down the line. Use the checklist below from Ralph's Roofing & Restoration to know what to look for and when to bring in a local roofer.
7 things to check on your roof after a storm
1) Missing, lifted, or creased shingles. Wind doesn't always rip shingles off -- sometimes it just lifts them enough to crease the seal. Look for uneven shingle lines, exposed black underlayment, or shingles that look out of pattern.
2) Hail hits and granule loss. Hail damage shows up as dark spots, bruising, or bare patches where the protective granules have been knocked off. Without those granules, UV rays start eating into the shingle.
3) Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents. Bent, lifted, or cracked flashing is one of the top sources of post-storm leaks. Pay attention to any metal around pipes, vents, skylights, and the chimney.
4) Gutters and downspouts pulling away. Storms loosen gutter fasteners and pack downspouts with debris. Overflowing gutters back water up under the roof edge and rot fascia in a hurry.
5) Tree limbs, debris, or punctures. Even a small puncture can flood an attic over time. Look for impact marks, dented vents, or anything sitting on the roof that shouldn't be there.
6) Interior ceiling stains or musty smells. Water stains, bubbling paint, or a damp odor -- even days after the storm -- usually point back to a roof problem.
7) Attic signs like wet insulation or daylight. If your attic is safely accessible, look for damp insulation, mold spots, or any visible daylight through the decking. Those are clear indicators of a roofing issue.
What to do -- and what not to do -- after a storm
Don't climb on the roof. Wet shingles and steep pitches are responsible for a lot of preventable injuries every storm season. Take photos from the ground, document anything you can see clearly, and let a professional handle the inspection.
We provide roof repair, full roof replacement, and storm restoration in Baton Rouge and the surrounding cities. Acting quickly after a storm is usually the difference between a focused repair and a bigger project involving drywall, painting, and flooring.
— Get help
Need help after a storm? Contact Ralph's Roofing & Restoration for a clear, honest evaluation and a straightforward plan to protect your Baton Rouge home.
