Roof Storm Damage: Taking A Closer Inspection

When severe weather happens in Pittsburgh, homeowners can often find themselves facing more than just temporary power outages or fallen tree branches. One of the most vulnerable parts of a home during a storm is the roof, and storm damage isn’t always as visible or straightforward as you might expect.

Understanding how to assess potential roof damage is crucial if you’ve recently experienced severe weather. Acting quickly can protect your family’s safety, your home’s structural integrity, and your finances down the road.

In this guide, we’ll explain common types of storm-related roof damage, explain how different roofing materials respond, and show you how modern technology, like drone roof inspections, can make post-storm assessments safer and more accurate.

Storms can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially when they damage the place you count on most for security. Pittsburgh’s unpredictable weather, from spring hail to winter windstorms, means local homeowners are no strangers to the emotional toll of storm recovery.

More than just a cosmetic concern, roof damage can threaten your home’s structural integrity. Left in disrepair, even minor roof damage can escalate into leaks, mold, or insulation problems. That’s why prompt roof inspection and repair are critical not only to protect your home but also to help simplify any insurance claims that may occur.

Understanding the Threat: How Storms Damage Roofs

Storms bring multiple hazards, and each affects your roof differently. Being aware of how these forces work can help you spot damage early, even if it’s not immediately apparent from the ground.

Wind Damage

Strong winds can lift shingles, tear underlayment, and expose vulnerable edges of the roof. In some cases, entire sections may be pulled loose or dislodged. Even if shingles appear intact, their edges may be lifted enough to compromise water resistance.

Water Damage

Water intrusion is one of the most insidious forms of storm damage. Once water seeps through compromised flashing or displaced shingles, it can soak the insulation, rot wooden structures, and foster mold in attics or walls. You may notice stains, sagging drywall, or musty smells as clues.

Hail Damage

Hail may seem like a passing inconvenience, but it can dent metal roofs, crack slate tiles, and bruise asphalt shingles. These bruises weaken the granule layer and can lead to early failure. Hail damage is often difficult to spot without a trained eye or aerial inspection.

Types of Roofs and How They Respond to Storms

Each roofing material reacts differently to wind, water, and hail. Here’s how Pittsburgh’s most common roof types hold up:

Asphalt Shingles

Affordable and widely used, asphalt shingles offer decent durability but are especially susceptible to wind uplift and hail granule loss. After a storm, they may curl, crack, or even blow off.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs offer strong resistance to wind and water. However, hail can cause visible denting. If not installed with proper underlayment, water can also travel beneath panels via seams.

Slate Roofs

Slate roofing offers long-term performance but can be brittle. Heavy hail or falling branches may crack or dislodge individual tiles, which often require specialized repair.

Tile Roofs

Clay or concrete tiles provide aesthetic value and good weather resistance, but they can shatter under impact. Hail and debris from high winds pose the greatest threat.

Flat Roofs

Typically installed on commercial buildings, flat roofing systems are prone to water pooling. After storms, punctures from debris or clogging of drains can cause standing water and leaks.

What Homeowners Should Look for After a Storm

It’s not always easy or safe to climb up and inspect your roof. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do from the ground or indoors to assess whether professional help might be needed.

Ground-Level Check

Walk around your yard and take note of any debris. Fallen branches or roofing material such as shingle granules, broken tiles, or flashing may indicate roof damage above. Look near downspouts for excess granule accumulation.

Attic and Interior Signs

Inspect the attic for water stains, drips, or a musty smell. Light coming through the roof boards is a telltale sign of structural compromise. Inside your home, look for bubbling paint, ceiling stains, or soft spots in the drywall.

Exterior Signs

From a safe vantage point, such as across the street or from your driveway, use binoculars to look for missing shingles, crooked or loose flashing, sagging gutters, or buckled rooflines. These could be early signs of more serious issues.

Hidden Clues

Even when shingles look fine from afar, subtle signs like granule loss, lifted edges, or dented roof vents can signal hidden damage. Over time, even minor issues can allow moisture to enter your roof, damaging the structure beneath.

Safety Tip: Avoid climbing on the roof yourself. Not only is it risky after a storm, but doing so may also void warranties or insurance claims. Instead, consider using binoculars or enlisting a professional for closer inspection.

The Power of Technology: Drone Roof Inspections

One of the most significant advances in post-storm assessment is the use of drone technology. Drone roof inspections offer a safe, thorough, and efficient way to examine roof conditions without putting anyone at risk.

Why Choose Drone Inspections?

In the aftermath of a storm, assessing roof damage quickly and accurately is essential, but traditional methods can be risky, time-consuming, and limited in scope. That’s why more homeowners and contractors are turning to drone roof inspections as a smart, modern solution. Here’s why drones have become a valuable tool in post-storm roofing assessments:

Safe

Climbing onto a roof, especially after it’s been battered by high winds, heavy rain, or hail, can be dangerous. Slippery surfaces, loose shingles, and structural weaknesses aren’t always visible from the ground, putting even experienced inspectors at risk. Drone inspections eliminate the need for anyone to leave the ground, removing the hazards of ladders, fall risks, and unstable roofing conditions. For homeowners, this also means no liability concerns or added stress during an already tense time.

Fast

Time matters after a storm. Waiting days or weeks for a traditional inspection can delay crucial repairs, potentially worsening damage. Drone technology allows a complete inspection to be performed in just minutes without delays caused by weather, accessibility issues, or the need for scaffolding. Even hard-to-reach areas, like steep slopes or tight corners, can be captured efficiently. This speed ensures you can move quickly on repairs or begin the insurance process without unnecessary holdups.

Accurate

Drones are built with high-resolution cameras and advanced imaging tools to capture every detail, including tiny cracks, lifted shingle edges, and minor hail pitting. These images provide a level of clarity and precision that’s often impossible to achieve from the ground or a ladder.

For roofing professionals, this data helps us make more informed recommendations while offering homeowners peace of mind through transparency.

Insurance Ready

Dealing with your insurance after a storm can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure how to prove the extent of your damage. Drone inspections help by providing clear, time-stamped photos and video evidence of the roof’s condition. These images and videos can be shared with your insurance provider, making the claim process smoother while helping to ensure fair compensation.

At Roberts, we use drone inspections as part of our commitment to safe, accurate, and customer-focused service. Our professional technicians are trained in using the latest drone technology to inspect your roof. They will explain what they see and discuss your roof repair or replacement options using 4K images and live video.

From identifying loose flashing and hail bruising to evaluating larger structural concerns, our drone inspections deliver a thorough evaluation without disrupting your day or putting anyone at risk. The results are compiled into a clear report you can use to guide the next steps, whether that’s scheduling a repair or starting a claim.

Choosing a roofing company that invests in drone technology means choosing speed, safety, and smarter decision-making, all without climbing a single ladder.

When to Call a Roofing Professional

Not all roof damage is visible to the untrained eye. Waiting too long to find the right help can make your roof repairs more complicated and expensive for your Pittsburgh home.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention

Some signs of storm damage require more than just a wait-and-see approach; they call for swift action. If you notice any of the following issues, it’s time to contact a roofing professional as soon as possible. Addressing these issues early can prevent more severe problems such as structural deterioration, mold growth, or expensive interior repairs.

1. Water Leaking Through the Ceiling or Attic

If you see water dripping from your ceiling, attic beams, or around light fixtures after a storm, that’s a sign of damage. It means water has already penetrated your roof’s outer barrier. Even if the leak seems minor, it can quickly worsen, damaging insulation, weakening wood framing, and creating conditions for mold to develop within days. Look for water stains, wet insulation, or moisture pooling in attic corners. Timely repair is essential to stop further water intrusion.

2. Noticeable Sagging or Dips in the Roofline

A roof should appear straight and level. If you observe any sagging, bowing, or dipping in the roof, especially along ridges or valleys, it could indicate serious structural compromise. Storms can saturate support materials or dislodge load-bearing elements, creating uneven pressure and weakening the frame. Sagging areas may collapse over time if left unchecked. Even if the roof hasn’t leaked yet, this kind of deformation is an urgent safety concern.

3. Missing Shingles or Exposed Wood Decking

High winds, hail, or falling branches often dislodge shingles or peel them away entirely. If you see bald patches on your roof or exposed wooden decking beneath, your home is left vulnerable to further water damage with every rainstorm. These areas can also allow pests or debris to enter. Since shingles work together as a water-shedding system, even a small missing section can affect a much larger area of coverage.

4. Interior Drywall Cracks Following a Storm

Cracks in ceilings or upper walls may not seem directly connected to your roof at first, but they often are. Structural shifts caused by wind pressure, water saturation, or compromised roof framing can stress interior drywall, causing visible splits. If you notice new cracks shortly after a storm, particularly near the ceiling or along corners, it may be a sign that your roof has moved or begun to leak. These indicators are critical in older homes or those with complex roof designs.

What Roofing Professionals Bring to the Table

Roofing professionals offer more than repair; they bring diagnostic experience, material knowledge, and safety protocols. Based on age and condition, an expert can tell you whether repairs are sufficient or if a full replacement might be warranted.

Local Expertise Matters

Pittsburgh’s climate brings snow, ice, rain, and high winds. Local roofers like Roberts understand how these factors affect different materials and how to make repairs that withstand future weather events.

Insurance, Documentation, and Peace of Mind

Navigating insurance after a storm can be stressful, especially when you’re also dealing with cleanup and family logistics. Here are a few tips to make the process smoother:

Take Photos and Videos

Document everything, even if the damage seems minor. Start with wide-angle shots of your entire property, then zoom in on any visible signs of roof impact, water damage, or displaced materials.

Understand Your Policy

Each homeowner’s insurance policy differs in what it covers. Some cover complete replacement, others only depreciated value. Check for specific clauses related to wind, hail, or storm surge.

Work with a Roofing Contractor Who Knows Insurance

A roofing company familiar with the insurance process can help you:

• Provide detailed inspection reports
• Assist with claims filing
• Coordinate with adjusters to ensure damage is fully accounted for

At Roberts, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate post-storm repairs. Our team can support you from initial inspection through final repairs, minimizing stress along the way.

Be Proactive: Call Roberts Today to Save Your Roof!

Acting quickly after a storm, whether that means documenting damage, scheduling an inspection, or making temporary repairs, can protect your home from further issues.

Postponing roof repairs often leads to more costly and complex problems later. Early intervention helps preserve your roof’s lifespan, your home’s value, and your peace of mind.

If you suspect your roof may have suffered storm damage, don’t wait. Roberts offers prompt, professional evaluations, including drone roof inspections, to give you clear answers and practical solutions.

Need help after a storm? Contact Roberts today for expert roof storm damage repair in Pittsburgh.