After a summer storm rolls through northern Indiana or southwestern Michigan, the question we get every week is the same: do I actually need a new roof, or is this something I can leave alone? Here is what to look for from the ground, when it is worth getting somebody up there, and what your insurance is likely to cover.
What you can check from the ground
- Missing or curled shingles. Walk the perimeter. Any shingle that is flapping, missing, or curled at the corners is letting water past its edge every time it rains.
- Granules in the gutters and downspouts. A handful is normal after a hard rain. A steady flow of dark grit means the shingles are past their service life.
- Dark streaks or patches on the roof surface. Streaking is usually algae and cosmetic. Dark rectangular patches often mean the mat under the shingle is showing through.
- Sagging ridge or valley lines. The roof should be straight. Any dip usually means water has been sitting under the decking long enough to soften it.
- Interior stains on ceilings or upper walls. Any new brown ring, especially after a storm, is a leak until proven otherwise.
What to look for after hail or high wind
Hail damage on shingles shows up as round bruises about the size of a dime, usually with the granules knocked off. High wind damage shows up as lifted or torn shingles, most often on the windward side of the roof. Metal panels dent instead of bruise, and dented panels do not usually leak, but you may want them looked at for warranty purposes.
When it is worth getting up there
If you are seeing two or more of the ground-level signs above, or if you know your roof is 18 years or older, it is worth a free look. We do not charge for site visits, we do not send salespeople, and we will tell you honestly if you can get another season out of what is there.
What insurance will and will not cover
Homeowner's policies typically cover sudden damage (a storm, hail, a falling tree). They generally do not cover a roof that is simply worn out. Most carriers require photos within a set number of days after the storm, so if you suspect damage, document it early even if you are not sure whether to file.
The metal option
If you are on your second or third asphalt roof, this is the point where most of our customers switch to metal. A properly installed metal roof outlasts three or four asphalt roofs, carries a 40-year paint warranty, and does not need to be replaced after the next storm. See our metal vs. shingles comparison for the full breakdown.