What does roof damage in Florida look like? Sometimes it’s obvious, like missing shingles or holes from tree debris, but often it’s more subtle. You might not even realize your roof was damaged until the next storm rolls through and makes things even worse.

Staying on top of your roof maintenance is important if you want to ensure it lasts for decades. That includes looking for damage after major storms. The faster you spot problems, the easier, faster and cheaper it will be to fix them.

Here are common ways that storms can damage your roof, and how to spot the harder-to-see damage before it worsens.

How storms damage your roof

Wind, rain and hail are the most common ways a storm can harm roofs, and living in Florida, you’re likely no stranger to hurricanes, tropical storms and general downpours. Wind is responsible for the most dramatic damage, thanks to tree branches and other debris flying around. Wind can also take off flashing and blow away shingles, so if you’ve been experiencing high winds in your area, go up on the roof and make sure everything is in place.

Rain, of course, invites leaks, and if there’s also wind involved, you could see a lot of water intrusion very quickly. Obviously, if you notice dark stains on the ceiling and down the exterior walls, you have a leak. However, some water intrusion is harder to spot, leading to mold, mildew, rot and other structural damage.

Finally, hail dents and dings your shingles, flashing, ridge cap and more—but as with rain, you may not see the damage right away. Hail rarely punches holes big enough to be noticeable (unless you know what to look for).

How to spot hidden roof damage

Here’s a closer look at some of the most obvious signs of roof damage in Florida:

• Missing or damaged shingles: Missing shingles are pretty easy to spot, especially if several of them came up at once. These need to be replaced right away, or covered until a roofer can come out to repair your home. If your area is experiencing a series of storms, the roofing company may erect emergency covering to prevent further damage.
• Missing or damaged flashing: Flashing damage isn’t as obvious, but you should look around the chimney, skylights, vents and edges to make sure it’s all in place. Run your hands over it to feel for dings and dents.
• Water damage: Water damage inside the home is also easy to spot. Look for dark spots and stains on the ceiling and walls, and poke around your attic to see if you can spot problems. (If you see light coming through your roof, call a repair service right away.)
• Dents, dings and peeling sealant: Finally, the sealant around your flashing and dents and dings in your accessories (such as roof-mounted HVAC systems and ridge caps) can show damage. If you notice that the sealant is loose or peeling, make sure to call a roofing company.

Taking care of your roof is easy when you rely on experts like Winter Springs Roofing & Repair. Call us today to get started—we’d be happy to help you find hidden roof damage at your Florida home!