Lancaster County and the surrounding areas have seen some pretty wild weather this past summer that left behind some damage to homes and property. It’s important that you know how to identify this type of damage so you can properly address it to get it fixed. These are some of the telltale signs that you might need a storm damage contractor.
Roof Storm DamageThe most likely place that you will find storm damage is on your roof, where there is a huge surface area specifically designed to protect against the weather and keep your home and your family safe inside. If you (like the majority of homeowners in the U.S.) have asphalt shingles on your home, they can suffer damage after heavy rains, hailstorms, or high winds and tornadoes. The most common signs of damage to your roofing shingles include:
- Missing shingles
- Areas where shingles have lost excessive amount of the protective granules that prevent UV damage
- Cracked or broken shingles
- Rusted or dented flashing around roof protrusions such as skylights or vents
The easiest way to spot hail damage is to look for dark spots, called “bruises”, where the granules have been knocked off. You can also look for signs of shingle damage in your yard, such as pieces of asphalt shingles on the ground or granules in the gutters and on walkways surrounding the house. Home Exterior Damage. If you have siding, paint, or a similar home exterior material, you might also notice damage to this area following a storm. The sides of your home, like the roof, are susceptible to damage from hail or high winds and also from flying debris. Check your entire home exterior for dents and dings, cracked or split siding, holes, chipped areas, or discoloration after a storm; if you see any of these things, get them checked and repaired quickly. The Dangers of Storm DamageWhether it’s damaged roofing or siding, it’s important to discover it early and get it fixed quickly. Leaving damage for extended periods of time can lead to water leaks, mold and mildew growth, and damage to the underlying structure of the roof or walls of your home. Getting it fixed sooner than later by a HAAG certified storm expert can help prevent these problems.
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What Central Pennsylvania property owners should consider
How to Spot Storm Damage to Your Home is best understood in the context of the whole property, not from one symptom alone. The age of the materials, previous repairs, water-management details, installation methods, and nearby exterior components can all affect what is visible. Central Pennsylvania’s mix of heavy rain, wind, summer heat, falling leaves, freeze-thaw cycles, and winter weather can also make the same concern look different from one home or building to another.
Start with observations that can be made safely. Avoid climbing onto the roof or disturbing damaged materials. Instead, note when the concern appeared, whether it changes during particular weather, and whether it is isolated or occurring in several areas. Photographs taken from a safe location and notes about prior work can help a professional understand the history without relying on memory alone.
Details worth documenting
- photos taken safely from the ground before temporary work begins
- missing, lifted, dented, cracked, or displaced exterior materials
- interior stains or active water entry that need prompt attention
- temporary measures already taken to limit further damage
- the date and approximate time of the weather event
These details do not replace an on-site evaluation, but they make the conversation more useful. They also help separate a maintenance item from a repair need or a larger project. A clear evaluation should explain the observed condition, the likely scope, the surrounding components that were checked, and any assumptions that could affect the recommendation.
Questions to ask before authorizing work
- What documentation should be kept with estimates and photographs?
- Are roofing, siding, gutters, and flashing all included in the evaluation?
- Which repairs are urgent and which can be planned?
- What assumptions and exclusions are written into the proposed scope?
- Which conditions appear storm-related and which may be normal wear?
- Does the property need temporary protection before permanent work?
Ask for the proposed work in writing and compare scopes rather than price alone. Materials, labor, disposal, cleanup, ventilation, flashing, permits, warranties, and possible concealed conditions should be easy to identify. If alternatives are available, the practical differences should be explained in plain language so the decision reflects the property’s needs and the owner’s priorities.
Greenawalt Roofing serves property owners across Central Pennsylvania. Learn about storm-damage support, review what happens during a Full Exterior Exam, browse the company’s service areas, or request a free estimate.
