How to Tell If You Need a New Roof After Indiana Summer Storms

A Neighbor’s Guide to Knowing What’s Normal—and What’s Not

Hey there, neighbor.

We’ve all been through it—those Indiana summer storms that roll in fast, knock your lawn chairs over, and leave you wondering if your roof just took a hit it can’t bounce back from.

The truth is, most roof damage doesn’t come from one big dramatic moment. It’s often the quiet stuff: the steady wear and tear of wind, hail, and rain pounding the same spots over and over until one day—boom—you’ve got a leak in the living room.

So how do you know if your roof held up or if it’s time to do something about it?

Here’s what we’d check if we were walking the roof with you.

Signs your roof might be storm-damaged

🔹 Shingles gone missing?

If you see bare spots on your roof or shingles lying in the yard, that’s a big red flag. Wind can lift and loosen them, making your roof more vulnerable next time around.

🔹 Grit in the gutters?

That gritty stuff is likely granules from asphalt shingles. When they start shedding like that, your shingles aren’t protecting like they used to—and that shortens the life of your roof.

🔹 Water stains on ceilings or walls?

That’s the inside version of a roof leak. It means water is getting in somewhere, and the longer it sits, the more damage it does.

🔹 Spots that look “bruised”?

Hail hits can leave soft spots or small divots you might not notice unless you’re up close. Over time, those weak points can crack or let in water.

If you see anything like this—or if something just feels off—it’s worth having someone take a closer look. That’s what we’re here for.

Let’s talk about steel (and why we think it’s worth considering)

Most homes in our part of Indiana still have shingle roofs. We get it—they’ve been the standard for decades. But more and more folks are making the switch to steel roofing, especially after storm season.

Here’s why:

✅ Steel lasts longer. Like, a lot longer.

We’re talking double if not triple the life of a traditional shingle roof. With minor maintenance a steel roof will last for decades to come.

✅ It handles weather like a champ.

Hail, wind, heavy rain? Steel shrugs it off. There's no comparison to how steel holds up in high winds.

✅ It can go right over your existing shingles.

Yep, in most cases, we don’t even have to tear off your old roof. That saves time, mess, and money. We add a wood strapping layer to keep everything vented and dry, then install the new metal roof right on top.

✅ It’s energy efficient and good-looking.

Modern metal roofs reflect sunlight, keep your house cooler, and come in a bunch of colors that look sharp—not shiny or “barn-like,” unless that’s your thing.

But isn’t steel more expensive?

Many of our customers are surprised to learn that we offer a wide range of metal roofing systems—often starting at a price comparable to traditional shingles.

When you factor in the long lifespan of a steel roof, it’s not just a better investment—it can actually save you two to three times the cost of going with shingles over the long run.

Black Concealed Fastener, Metal Roof

Why folks around here call Steel Master Roofing

We’re not a big company from out of town. We’re local. We live here. And we take a lot of pride in doing the job right—because chances are, we’re going to bump into you at the grocery store.

When you work with us, here’s what you get:

• A free inspection with no pressure

• Honest answers about whether you need a repair, replacement, or nothing at all

• Clean job sites and roofs that go on fast (usually 1–2 days)

• Steel roofing that looks good and lasts

• People who actually answer the phone and show up when they say they will

  
  

Not sure if you need a new roof?  We’ll help you know for sure.

You don’t have to be a roofing expert. That’s our job. But you do deserve to feel confident that your home is protected—especially with Indiana weather.

If you’re in Northern Indiana or Southern Michigan or anywhere nearby, reach out.

We’ll swing by, check things out, and give you the real story. No pressure, no sales pitch—just neighbors helping neighbors.

Call Steel Master Roofing or click here to schedule your free quote.