Why You Should Have Your Roof Inspected After Hurricane Ida

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Getting expert eyes on your roof after a storm is crucial, even if your roof looks fine. 

If you live on the east coast of the United States, then you no doubt understand the impact Hurricane Ida had on your home. It’s not unlikely that homes in the area faced some damage with the storm being one of the most intense hurricanes ever. Even if you can’t see any problems on the surface of your roof, it’s still important to get a second opinion with a roof inspection. 

Although the general advice for homeowners is that they should get their roofs inspected twice a year, it can be hard to find the time to get around to it. But if there was ever a time to get your roof assessed for damage, it’s after a major weather event such as Hurricane Ida. 

When assessing the damages your roof may have incurred after a storm, Owen’s Corning recommends looking at your shingles to see if any have been removed or torn. They also advise looking inside your home at the attic and ceilings for leaks and water spots. 

Damage to roof shingles is one of the most common issues to look for after a storm. Ian Giammanco, a research meteorologist with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), told Fox 8 Louisiana, “Ida caused a tremendous amount of roof cover damage, and that’s mostly to asphalt shingles. That’s the typical roof cover. Where you can see the underlayment and even down to the plywood roof deck absolutely those are going to have to get replaced.” 

Storm Recovery Experts say that after a storm, it’s important to perform a visual inspection yourself for any visible damage to the shingles. They still advise you to get an inspection just in case because there’s only so much you can see from the ground. A roofing professional can inspect your roof safely and is able to find problems you may have missed yourself.  

If these issues go unresolved, they can lead to further roof damage over time and more money out of your pocket. Giammanco said, “When we have a hurricane event, have someone come take a look at it. Chances are you know a lot of roofers will do it for free of charge.”  

Even with a potential small fee for a professional roof inspection, it could save you from spending more money than you need to in the future. Experts advise that it’s best to play it safe and get a second opinion. 

Have a question? AskARoofer. 

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About Evelyn  

Evelyn works as a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofing, she’s either at the gym lifting weights or curled up on the couch watching a movie.