Storm & Hail Damage in Wake Forest

What storms do to Wake Forest roofs

Spring and summer thunderstorms bring strong straight-line winds and the occasional hailstorm to northern Wake County, and the remnants of tropical systems can push through in late summer and fall. On top of that, a lot of Wake Forest homes sit under tall pines and hardwoods. Each of those causes a different kind of damage:

• Wind: shingles torn off, lifted or creased so they no longer seal
• Hail: dents and bruises that knock off granules and weaken the shingle, often hard to see from the ground
• Limbs and trees: punctures, broken decking and gutters pulled loose

Why an inspection matters

Storm damage isn't always obvious. Creased shingles can look fine from the yard, and hail bruising often shows up only when someone is on the roof. A roofer can inspect each slope, photograph what they find and tell you honestly whether it's worth filing a claim. That matters because many North Carolina policies carry a separate wind and hail deductible that's a percentage of your home's insured value.

After the storm

1. Stay safe. Keep away from downed power lines and don't climb on a wet or damaged roof.
2. Take photos of anything you can see from the ground and any water inside.
3. Prevent more damage. If water is coming in, get the roof tarped and keep the receipts.
4. Get an inspection so you know what's actually damaged.
5. Call your insurance company with photos in hand, and hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen it.

Watch out for storm chasers

After a big storm, out-of-town crews often go door to door. Be cautious with anyone who wants a signature on the spot, asks you to sign over your insurance check, or can't give you a local address. Take your time, get an inspection from a local roofer and compare.