Post-Storm Inspection

Severe rainstorms can put your home’s exterior through a punishing stress test. High winds, heavy downpours, and flying debris can compromise shingles, loosen flashing, and overwhelm gutter systems in a matter of minutes.

While climbing onto a slick roof after a storm is unsafe, performing a careful ground-level and interior inspection helps you spot early warning signs before minor leaks turn into costly structural damage. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to check after a heavy rainstorm.

1. Exterior Ground-Level Inspection

Once the weather has completely cleared, check that there are no downed power lines nearby. Walk around your property’s perimeter with a pair of binoculars or using the zoom on a camera to look for the following:

• Missing, Lifted, or Damaged Shingles: Wind gusts can peel back or tear away asphalt shingles, exposing the underlying decking to water. Look for patches of bare wood, cracked shingles, or misaligned rows.
• Loose or Shifted Flashing: Flashing seals the joints around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys. If flashing is bent, rusted, or pulled away, water can easily seep beneath your shingles.
• Damaged Roof Ridge and Soffits: Inspect the top peak of your roof (the ridge cap) and the underside eaves (soffits) for visible cracking, sagging, or storm damage.
• Debris Accumulation: Heavy branches or piles of leaves resting on your roof hold moisture against the shingles, accelerating rot and wear.

2. Checking Your Gutter and Drainage System

Your gutters play a primary role during a deluge, directing hundreds of gallons of runoff away from your home’s foundation. Check for these common post-storm gutter issues:

• Granules in Downspouts: Examine the ground or drain tray at the exit of the downspout. A build-up of coarse, sand-like granules indicates your shingles are losing their protective coating and reaching the end of their functional lifespan.
• Sagging or Pulled-Away Gutters: The combination of heavy rainfall and trapped debris can cause gutters to pull away from the fascia boards and go out of pitch. Look for sagging troughs that lead to standing water, overflow, and damage to the fascia or foundation.
• Leaking Joints and Mitres: Check corner seams and downspouts for active drips or water staining on your home’s siding. The staining helps target the area that needs to be addressed.
• Clogged Downspout Extensions: Ensure the rainwater discharges as designed, freely at least 3 to 5 feet away from your foundation.

3. Interior and Attic Signs of Water Intrusion

Water damage doesn’t always start as a dramatic ceiling drip. Small leaks often manifest as subtle signs inside your home:

• Ceiling and Wall Stains: Yellow, brown, or discolored rings on ceilings or interior walls signal that water has penetrated the roof deck and insulation.
• Damp Attic Insulation: If you have safe access to your attic, use a flashlight to check for damp insulation, wet rafters, or dark streaks along the underside of the plywood decking.
• Musty Odors: A persistent musty smell in upper-level rooms or the attic often points to hidden moisture buildup and early mold growth.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice missing shingles, sagging gutters, or interior water stains after a storm, prompt action is critical. Contact Hackensack Roofing Company for a professional inspection of the cause of concern. Our qualified roofers can provide emergency tarping, reseal seams, provide repairs, or replace materials as necessary to ensure your home is protected.