Did Summer Storms Damage Your Roof? 7 Things Metro Detroit Homeowners Should Look For

Summer in Metro Detroit can bring more than sunshine and warm temperatures. Strong thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain, and hail can all take a toll on your home's roofing system.

The tricky part?

Roof damage isn't always easy to see from the ground.

A roof can look fine from your driveway while still having damaged shingles, flashing, vents, or other areas that could allow water into your home.

As we head into fall, now is an excellent time for Metro Detroit homeowners to check their roofs for potential summer storm damage—before Michigan's snow, ice, and freezing temperatures arrive.

Here are 7 things homeowners should look for after summer storms.

1. Missing or Lifted Shingles

High winds can loosen or completely remove shingles from your roof.

Look for areas where shingles appear:

• Missing

• Lifted

• Bent

• Cracked

• Loose

• Out of place

Even one missing shingle can leave the underlying roofing materials exposed to rain and moisture.

If you aren't comfortable getting on your roof, don't. A professional roofing contractor can safely inspect the roof and identify areas of concern.

2. Cracked or Damaged Shingles

Hail and severe weather can damage shingles without completely removing them.

Look for cracked, split, or visibly damaged shingles. Hail can sometimes leave small impact marks or areas of granule loss that aren't obvious from the ground.

Damage that appears minor today can potentially become a source of water intrusion later.

That's why having your roof inspected after significant storms can be a smart part of home maintenance.

3. Excessive Granules in Your Gutters

After a major storm, take a look inside your gutters.

Finding some shingle granules in your gutters is normal, particularly on an older roof. However, a noticeable increase in granules following a storm may indicate that your shingles have experienced damage.

Granule loss can reduce the protective surface of asphalt shingles and may be a sign that your roof should be evaluated by a professional.

4. Check Your Flashing

Storm damage isn't limited to shingles.

Your roof's flashing is designed to help keep water out around areas such as:

• Chimneys

• Skylights

• Plumbing vents

• Roof valleys

• Dormers

• Walls

• Roof-to-wall transitions

Strong winds and severe weather can contribute to loose or damaged flashing.

Because flashing is located around many of the vulnerable areas of a roof, it should be part of any thorough roof inspection.

5. Look for Damaged Gutters, Downspouts, and Fascia

Your home's exterior drainage system can also show signs of storm damage.

After a summer storm, check for:

• Bent or damaged gutters

• Loose gutter sections

• Downspouts pulled away from the home

• Damaged fascia

• Water stains

• Areas where gutters are overflowing

Damage to your gutters and fascia can affect how water moves away from your home and may contribute to additional exterior problems.

6. Check Your Attic and Ceilings for Signs of Water

Some of the most important signs of roof damage may be inside your home.

After heavy rain, inspect your attic and upper levels for:

• Water stains

• Damp insulation

• Dark spots on roof decking

• Musty odors

• Moisture

• Peeling paint

• Ceiling discoloration

Keep in mind that the location of an interior stain isn't necessarily the location of the roof problem. Water can travel along the roof deck or framing before becoming visible inside your home.

If you see signs of water intrusion, have the roof professionally inspected.

7. Don't Forget About Damage You Can't See From the Ground

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make after a storm is assuming that "I don't see anything, so my roof must be fine."

Some storm damage can be difficult to identify without a professional inspection.

A qualified roofing contractor can look more closely at:

• Shingles

• Flashing

• Roof penetrations

• Valleys

• Ventilation components

• Gutters

• Fascia

• Roof decking

• Areas vulnerable to water intrusion

Finding a problem early can give you more options than discovering it after a winter storm.

Don't Wait Until Winter to Find Out Your Roof Was Damaged

Metro Detroit homeowners have already made it through another Michigan summer. Before the leaves finish falling and winter weather arrives, take a few minutes to think about the storms your home has experienced.

Did your roof take a beating this summer?

If you're unsure, let the professionals at Covered Construction Inc. take a look.

We provide free roof inspections and estimates throughout Metro Detroit and surrounding areas. Our experienced team can evaluate your roofing system and help you understand whether you need maintenance, repairs, or a complete roof replacement.

Financing Available

If your roof does need to be replaced, we understand that a major home improvement project may not have been part of your budget.

Covered Construction Inc. offers financing options, including 0% financing for qualified applicants.

Ask our team about available financing options for your roofing or exterior project.

Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection

Don't wait for the next heavy rain, snowstorm, or freeze to expose a roofing problem that started months ago.

If you think your roof may have been damaged by summer storms, contact Covered Construction Inc. today.

📞 248-883-7663✉️ sales@coveredconstructioncompany.com

Serving All of Metro Detroit & Surrounding Areas

Macomb County • Oakland County • Wayne County & Beyond

Roofing • Siding • Windows • Gutters & More

Covered Construction Inc.

Protecting Metro Detroit Homes One Project at a Time.