Living in Illinois means dealing with all kinds of weather—heavy snow, strong winds, hailstorms, and torrential rain. While these storms can be tough on your home, your roof takes the biggest beating. Whether you have shingles, metal, slate, Durolast, stone-coated steel, or GAF TPO, storms can cause damage that, if left unchecked, could lead to leaks, structural issues, and expensive repairs.
Knowing what to look for after a storm and taking quick action can help protect your home from long-term damage. Here’s what you need to know.
1. How Storms Can Damage Your Roof
Not all storm damage is obvious. Sometimes, a few missing shingles are all you’ll see. Other times, water sneaks in through small cracks, causing hidden problems that can take weeks or months to show up. Here are the most common ways storms can damage your roof:
Wind Damage
High winds can lift, loosen, or completely tear shingles off your roof, leaving it exposed to water and debris. Wind can also pull up flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, increasing the risk of leaks.
Signs of wind damage:
- Missing, curled, or loose shingles
- Exposed nails or roof decking
- Bent or damaged flashing
Hail Damage
Hail is one of the most destructive forces on a roof, causing dents, cracks, and granule loss on asphalt shingles. Metal roofs can also suffer dents that impact their structural integrity.
Signs of hail damage:
- Dents or cracks on shingles, gutters, or vents
- Granules from shingles collecting in gutters
- Soft or bruised spots on asphalt shingles
Heavy Rain and Leaks
Even if a storm doesn’t bring hail or strong winds, prolonged heavy rain can expose weak spots in your roof, leading to water damage.
Signs of water damage:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Damp or musty smells in the attic
- Soft, sagging drywall
Snow and Ice Damage
Illinois winters can be brutal, and your roof takes the brunt of it. Snow buildup adds extra weight, and ice dams can form along the edges of your roof, preventing water from draining properly.
Signs of snow and ice damage:
- Icicles forming along the roofline
- Water leaks after a snowstorm
- Sagging roof sections from excessive snow weight
2. What to Do After a Storm
If a storm just passed through, here’s what you should do to assess any potential damage and protect your home.
Check for Damage from the Ground
Walk around your property and look for obvious signs of damage. Missing shingles, dented gutters, or fallen branches on your roof are all red flags. If you see something concerning, don’t climb up yourself—let a professional take a closer look.
Inspect Your Ceilings and Attic
Water damage doesn’t always show up right away. Check your ceilings and attic for any leaks, damp spots, or mold growth, especially after heavy rain or snow.
Clear Debris and Prevent Further Damage
If you can do so safely, clear away any debris that might be sitting on your roof or gutters. If you have an exposed area due to missing shingles, place a tarp over it until a roofing professional can make repairs.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Even if you don’t see obvious damage, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your roof after a major storm. Some damage isn’t immediately visible, and catching it early can save you from costly repairs later.
3. Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?
Once your roof has been inspected, you’ll need to decide whether it needs repairs or a full replacement. Here’s how to know which option makes the most sense.
Repair if:
- The damage is minor (a few missing shingles, slight granule loss).
- Your roof is relatively new and in otherwise good condition.
- The cost of repairs is significantly lower than a replacement.
Replace if:
- Large sections of the roof are damaged.
- Your roof is 15 or more years old and nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Repairs would be costly and only serve as a temporary fix.
A roofing professional can walk you through the best option based on your roof’s condition, age, and type of damage.
4. How to Protect Your Roof from Future Storm Damage
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to minimize the risk of serious storm damage.
- Schedule regular roof inspections to catch small problems before they turn into major ones.
- Keep trees trimmed to prevent branches from falling on your roof during storms.
- Clean your gutters so rainwater can drain properly instead of pooling on your roof.
- Consider impact-resistant materials if you’re in an area prone to hail or strong winds.
Being proactive can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Need a Storm Damage Inspection? Holthaus Roofing Can Help
If your home has been hit by a storm, don’t wait to see if the damage gets worse. At Holthaus Roofing, we specialize in storm damage inspections, repairs, and full roof replacements for all types of roofing materials. Our experienced team will assess your roof, provide expert recommendations, and help you navigate any insurance claims.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and make sure your home stays protected.