Roofing Tips & Guides
Expert Roofing Advice for Charlotte Homeowners
Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
Living around Lake Norman means dealing with some serious weather. Hailstorms, high winds, and heavy rains don't just make for dramatic skies: they can cause real damage to your roof that costs thousands if you don't catch it early.
Here's what every Lake Norman homeowner needs to know about storm damage roof inspections. We'll cover when you need one, what happens during the inspection, and how to make sure you're getting the expertise your home deserves.
Lake Norman sits right in the path of some intense weather systems. Our location means we get hit with everything from sudden summer thunderstorms to winter ice storms. The combination of high humidity, temperature swings, and severe weather creates a perfect storm (pun intended) for roof damage.
Hail damage is especially sneaky here. Even quarter-sized hail can crack shingles and damage flashing in ways you won't see from the ground. Wind damage is another big concern: those sudden gusts during storms can lift shingles, damage gutters, and expose your roof deck to moisture.
The worst part? Most storm damage doesn't announce itself with obvious leaks right away. By the time you notice water stains on your ceiling, you're often looking at extensive damage that could have been prevented with an early inspection.
A storm damage roof inspection is way more thorough than just climbing up on a ladder and taking a quick look. Professional inspectors examine every component of your roofing system to identify both visible damage and potential problem areas.
We're talking about a systematic check of:
The goal isn't just to find obvious problems. A good inspection catches the subtle signs that indicate your roof's protective barrier has been compromised. Things like loose or missing shingles, exposed nail heads, or damaged seals around penetrations.
Don't wait for a leak to tell you there's a problem. Here in Lake Norman, we recommend having your roof inspected:
After any significant storm event. If you heard hail hitting your roof, saw large branches blow around, or experienced winds over 40 mph, get an inspection scheduled within a few days.
Once a year as part of regular maintenance. Annual inspections help catch wear and tear before it becomes storm damage. Think of it like getting your car inspected: you're preventing bigger problems down the road.
Before selling your home. Nothing kills a real estate deal faster than surprise roof issues during a buyer's inspection.
If you notice any warning signs. Missing shingles, granules in gutters, water stains in the attic, or unexplained energy bill increases can all signal roof problems.
When you call a reputable Lake Norman roofing contractor for a storm damage inspection, here's what you should expect:
Initial assessment from the ground. Before anyone climbs on your roof, experienced inspectors can spot many issues from ground level using binoculars and drone technology. This gives them a roadmap for the detailed inspection.
Comprehensive roof examination. The inspector will systematically examine every section of your roof, documenting damage with photos and detailed notes. They're looking for impact damage, wind damage, and signs of wear that storm exposure might have accelerated.
Interior inspection. A thorough inspection includes checking your attic for signs of moisture intrusion, proper ventilation, and structural issues that might not be visible from outside.
Detailed reporting. You'll receive a comprehensive report with photos, damage descriptions, and recommended repairs. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and helps you prioritize repairs.
"Most homeowners are surprised by how much storm damage we find that they never knew existed," says Mike Johnson, a certified roofing inspector with 15 years of experience in the Lake Norman area. "The key is catching problems while they're still manageable repairs instead of full replacements."
One of the biggest benefits of professional storm damage inspections is getting help with insurance claims. Most homeowner policies cover storm damage, but insurance companies want detailed documentation before they'll approve claims.
Professional contractors know exactly what insurance adjusters look for. They can help you:
But here's something important: not all roofing companies handle insurance work the same way. Look for contractors who work directly with adjusters and have experience getting claims approved. Avoid anyone who promises to "eat your deductible" or pressures you to sign contracts before your insurance claim is settled.
Over the years, we've seen certain types of storm damage repeatedly in the Lake Norman area:
Hail damage often shows up as small circular cracks in shingles, exposed mat, or granule loss that creates thin spots. Even small hail can reduce your roof's lifespan significantly.
Wind damage typically appears as lifted or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and granule accumulation in gutters where shingles have rubbed against each other.
Tree damage ranges from obvious branch impacts to subtle damage from branches scraping against shingles during storms. Even small branches can cause significant wear over time.
Ice dam damage during winter storms can cause water to back up under shingles and into your home. This type of damage often doesn't show up until spring.
When storm damage requires repairs or replacement, choosing the right materials for our local climate is crucial. Here's what works best:
Architectural shingles hold up better to hail and wind than basic three-tab shingles. The extra thickness and improved design provide better protection against impact damage.
Impact-resistant shingles are specifically designed to withstand hail damage. They cost more upfront but can significantly reduce future storm damage and may qualify you for insurance discounts.
Metal roofing performs exceptionally well in severe weather. While the initial cost is higher, metal roofs can last 40+ years and rarely sustain significant storm damage.
Proper underlayment is just as important as the shingles themselves. Ice and water shield (a sticky waterproof barrier) under your shingles provides an extra layer of protection against moisture intrusion.
Unfortunately, storm season brings out contractors you definitely don't want working on your home. Here are warning signs to avoid:
Quality roofing contractors don't need to chase storms or pressure homeowners into quick decisions. They build their reputation on consistent, professional work and satisfied customers.
Professional storm damage inspections typically range from free (when you're considering the company for repairs) to $200-400 for detailed assessments. Many reputable contractors offer free initial inspections because they know storm damage often requires professional repairs.
However, don't assume free inspections are always the best choice. Sometimes paying for an independent inspection gives you unbiased information about your roof's condition without any pressure to use that contractor for repairs.
The key is working with experienced, local contractors who understand Lake Norman's specific weather challenges and have a track record of quality work in the area.
Once you have a detailed inspection report, prioritize repairs based on urgency and budget. Critical issues like missing shingles, damaged flashing, or compromised seals should be addressed immediately to prevent water damage.
Less urgent issues like minor granule loss or small cracks can often wait for your next major maintenance cycle. But don't ignore them completely: small problems become big problems when the next storm hits.
If your inspection reveals extensive damage, get multiple estimates for repairs or replacement. Make sure any contractor you consider is licensed, insured, and has strong local references.
Ready to protect your Lake Norman home from storm damage? Schedule your comprehensive roof inspection today. Our certified inspectors will give you the detailed assessment you need to keep your roof: and your home: protected for years to come.
Don't wait for the next storm to find out your roof has problems. A professional inspection now could save you thousands in emergency repairs later.
Best Roofing Now
Charlotte's trusted roofing experts since 2019
Based on this article, you may be interested in these services.
We proudly serve these Charlotte-area communities with professional roofing services.
View All Service Areas →Get a free roof inspection and honest assessment from Charlotte's most trusted roofing company.
