In Minnesota (especially in Central Minnesota and the Brainerd Lakes Area), summer is for boating on the lake, cozying up by the campfire, and, of course, listening to thunderstorms. While the sound of rain on your roof can be soothing, every homeowner knows the unease that comes with it: falling branches, high winds, and that anxious hope that your property makes it through unscathed.
As licensed and insured roofers in Minnesota, we’ve seen it all, and we know that even minor storms can leave behind damage. That’s why we always recommend a FREE roof inspection. To the untrained eye, everything might look fine. But the truth is, your home could have sustained hidden damage even if it seems like it weathered the storm.
Storm Damage Isn’t Always Obvious
Roofs can be deceiving.
From ground level, everything might look perfectly fine. But even with that clean bill of health from your eye doctor last month, there’s only so much you can see. And while it might be tempting to climb up for a closer look (we don’t recommend it), damage can be subtle or easy to miss, even when you’re standing right on it.
One of the biggest threats? Hailstones. Anything one inch or larger can seriously compromise your shingles. Even more minor hail can leave behind nearly invisible dents that weaken your roof over time. That’s why early detection matters and why a professional inspection is always worth it.
Common Types of Hidden Roof Damage from Thunderstorms
Lifted or curled shingles are most commonly a result of strong winds. When this happens, your roof might look normal after the storm, but as previously mentioned, looks can be deceiving. When a storm rolls through, shingles can be lifted and then settle back in place. If this happens, you can expect broken seals and an extremely vulnerable roof.
Granule loss is expected as shingles age, since the adhesive bond between granules and asphalt naturally breaks down over time. That being said, severe weather, like hail, can significantly speed up this process by slowly uncovering the asphalt. While it may not present immediate issues, granule loss leaves your shingles more vulnerable to sun damage, wear and tear, and a higher chance of leaks down the road.
Cracked or damaged flashing can lead to serious issues if left undetected. Flashing is thin metal that is essential to prevent water damage near chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and even walls. The material is typically stronger than shingles or tiles, but that doesn’t mean it is protected from all thunderstorms. Small holes, rusting, bends, cracks, and dents are all possible and can quickly lead to water intrusion. It’s best to have these issues repaired to avoid any further damage.
Hail bruising is essentially soft spots or indentations caused by hail impact. It typically looks like dark marks or dimples on shingles. This type of damage can be tough to see without climbing on the roof and can lead to serious issues like leaks and long-term deterioration. Once shingles are bruised, they cannot provide the same level of protection on your roof, making it easier for water to sneak into your home.
Why You Should Act Fast
We get it. Storm season can bring a parade of doorknocker roofers, and it’s frustrating. But there’s a reason many companies show up after severe weather hits.
When it comes to storm damage, time is critical. What looks like a minor issue today can spiral into a major (and expensive) problem fast.
Here’s why CoMitted 365 Roofing & Exteriors shows up for you:
- Prevents more costly repairs: What may seem like a little crack could turn into a full-blown leak if not handled properly. This can quickly cause rot, mold, or even ceiling damage, which is much worse to fix than some shingles.
- Storm damage worsens over time: If you didn’t wake up to an uprooted tree in your yard, chances are the effects are snowballing somewhere else. Storms are the perfect recipe for speeding up normal corrosion, such as loosening shingles, breaking seals, and wearing down granules.
- Insurance coverage may be time sensitive: Most homeowners insurance policies have windows for when claims can be made. If you wait too long, insurers could conclude that the damage resulted from neglect or delayed maintenance. Your claim may only be partially covered, or not covered at all. As a precautionary measure, have a professional, like our Minnesota roofers, do an inspection to avoid insurance mistakes.
- Water intrusion isn’t visible immediately: Water leaks are like a home’s silent killer. Indications of damage can be invisible without proper inspection, but once it gets started it spreads like wildfire seeping into drywall, insulation, and even electrical parts. Better to be safe than sorry.
How CoMitted 365 Can Help Homeowners
Whether you live in Central Minnesota, the Twin Cities, or the Brainerd Lakes Area, we’re your local roofer.
When a storm hits, we want you to think of us first. Our team of licensed and insured roofers is here to guide you every step of the way, especially when it comes to insurance. For many homeowners, that’s the biggest hangup. But when you work with CoMitted, all you need to do is call us; we’ll handle the rest.
Here’s how we make the process smooth and stress-free:
Step 1: Perform Storm Damage InspectionWe’ll thoroughly inspect your property and document any damage. Before we leave, we’ll review everything with you so you clearly understand your next steps.
Step 2: Sign Insurance Contingency AgreementIf you decide to move forward with CoMitted, we’ll confirm your insurance provider and deductible amount. Then we’ll walk you through the insurance contingency agreement and answer any questions before you sign.
Step 3: File Your Insurance ClaimYou’ll contact your insurance company to file a claim. This may involve a few steps, like submitting our estimate, contract, and inspection report but we’ll help you through it all.
Step 4: Insurance InspectionOnce your claim is in, your insurance company will schedule their own inspection. When they do, tell them to contact us directly—we’ll be there. If that’s not allowed, just jot down the inspector’s name, number, and appointment time. Having us on-site is a huge advantage. We’ll advocate for you and help ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
Step 5: Choose Your New RoofNow for the fun part. We’ll leave you with a customized sample kit with roofing options tailored to your home.
Working with CoMitted isn’t your typical roofing experience. We’re here to make the process easy and transparent. If you’ve been burned by a contractor in the past, we’re here to make it right.
Call us today to schedule your FREE roof inspection.