Storms in the Chicagoland area can be unpredictable, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and even hail that can cause significant damage to homes, especially the roof. After a storm rolls through Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Darien, or any nearby suburbs, it’s crucial to inspect your roof for potential damage to prevent costly repairs down the road. Here’s a guide on how to spot roof damage after a storm and what steps you should take to protect your home.
1. Look for Missing or Damaged Shingles
- Why it Matters: Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. After a storm, one of the most common types of roof damage is missing, cracked, or curled shingles. High winds can easily lift shingles off your roof, leaving your home exposed to water infiltration.
- How to Check: From the ground, visually inspect your roof for any spots where shingles may be missing or look out of place. You might also find pieces of shingles around your yard or gutters.
City-Specific Tip:
- Downers Grove (60516) often experiences high winds and hail, so keep an eye out for cracked or punctured shingles after severe weather.
- Hinsdale (60521) homes, which are known for their elegant architectural styles, might have older roofing systems, so be particularly cautious of aged or brittle shingles after a storm.
- Darien (60561) experiences frequent rainstorms—water-damaged or curling shingles could be signs of more extensive moisture issues
2. Check for Granule Loss
- Why it Matters: Asphalt shingles have a protective layer of granules that provide durability and fire resistance. After a hailstorm or heavy rains, these granules can be knocked loose, leaving your shingles vulnerable to UV damage and faster wear.
- How to Check: After a storm, check your gutters and downspouts for an accumulation of granules. If you notice a significant amount, it may be a sign that your shingles are deteriorating and need replacement.
City-Specific Tip:
- Downers Grove: Heavy downpours are common, so check for granule buildup in the gutters, which may indicate that your roof has been compromised.
- Hinsdale: Older homes in this area might see more significant granule loss after years of exposure to the elements.
- Darien: If your home has experienced repeated storms, even minor granule loss can add up, weakening your roof over time.
3. Inspect Flashing Around Vents, Chimneys, and Skylights
- Why it Matters: Flashing is used to seal the joints and seams around roof penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, and vents. If the flashing becomes loose or damaged in a storm, it can allow water to seep into your home, causing leaks and water damage.
- How to Check: Look around these roof features for any signs of loosened, bent, or missing flashing. If water stains appear inside your home (particularly around the attic or ceiling), your flashing may be compromised.
City-Specific Tip:
- Downers Grove: Homes here often feature multiple rooflines and chimneys—check these areas carefully for flashing damage.
- Hinsdale: Many homes have decorative features such as skylights or custom chimneys. Ensure flashing around these areas is intact to prevent leaks.
- Darien: If your home has roof vents or solar panels, be sure to inspect the flashing closely, as these areas are more susceptible to storm damage.
4. Examine the Roof for Dents, Cracks, or Punctures
- Why it Matters: Hail, flying debris, and fallen tree branches can cause visible damage to your roof, such as dents or punctures. Even small cracks can lead to bigger problems like water infiltration, which can damage the underlying structure of your roof.
- How to Check: Walk around your home and look for any visible signs of impact on the roof. Dents or cracks may also be noticeable on metal surfaces like flashing or gutters.
City-Specific Tip:
- Downers Grove: Wind-blown debris and hailstorms are common—check for dents in metal flashing and gutters, which can indicate roof damage.
- Hinsdale: With large trees surrounding many homes, fallen branches are a concern. Look for impact damage on shingles or roof tiles.
- Darien: Hailstorms often hit this area hard—inspect shingles and vents for dings or punctures after severe weather.
5. Look for Water Stains or Leaks Indoors
- Why it Matters: One of the more serious signs of roof damage is a water leak inside your home. If water has penetrated your roof, it can cause significant damage to your home’s interior, including mold growth, rot, and structural weakening.
- How to Check: After a storm, inspect your attic and ceilings for water stains or wet spots. Even if there’s no visible damage on the outside of your roof, water damage inside can be a sign that your roof’s underlayment or insulation has been compromised.
City-Specific Tip:
- Downers Grove: Regularly check your attic for water leaks, especially after thunderstorms, as they often cause quick bursts of heavy rain.
- Hinsdale: Given the older homes in the area, water stains on ceilings might be an indication of deeper, structural roof issues.
- Darien: Heavy rainfalls can lead to slow-developing leaks—pay attention to any damp or discolored patches on the ceilings.
6. Check Gutters and Downspouts for Clogs or Damage
- Why it Matters: Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in directing water away from your home. After a storm, they can become clogged with debris, which can cause water to back up onto the roof, leading to leaks or even structural damage.
- How to Check: Inspect your gutters and downspouts for any clogs, breaks, or sections that have become loose or detached. If your gutters are sagging or overflowing, it may indicate that they’ve sustained damage during the storm.
City-Specific Tip:
- Downers Grove: Given the tree coverage in the area, gutters may fill with leaves and debris after a storm. Be proactive about cleaning them.
- Hinsdale: Homes with complex gutter systems should ensure that all sections are draining properly to avoid water buildup.
- Darien: Check downspouts for proper drainage after a storm, as water pooling around your foundation could lead to further problems.
What to Do if You Find Roof Damage
If you’ve noticed any signs of roof damage after a storm, it’s important to act quickly. Even minor damage can worsen over time, leading to leaks and more expensive repairs. Here are a few next steps:
- Document the Damage: Take photos of any visible damage for insurance purposes.
- Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection: Contact a local roofing expert like Proliance Roofing for a comprehensive inspection. Our team will assess the damage and provide recommendations for repair or replacement.
- File an Insurance Claim: If the storm damage is extensive, you may need to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. Proliance Roofing can help guide you through this process to ensure you get the coverage you need.
Final Thoughts
Storms are inevitable in Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Darien, and the surrounding Chicagoland areas. Knowing how to spot roof damage early can help prevent bigger issues and keep your home safe. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to call in professionals to assess the damage and recommend a course of action.
At Proliance Roofing, we specialize in storm damage repairs and are committed to keeping your roof in top condition. Contact us today for a free inspection!
