Storms don’t always leave behind broken branches or flooded streets. Sometimes the clearest sign something’s wrong is sitting quietly on your roof. Shingle roofs take the brunt of every hail hit, strong gust, or heavy rainfall, and the damage doesn’t always show up right away. If you’re not sure what to look for, problems can go unnoticed until water gets inside your home. That’s why it’s so important to catch damage early, even if it seems small.
When shingles start breaking down after a storm, they lose their ability to protect everything underneath. Missing or cracked shingles, granule loss, water leaks, and curling edges are all signals that shouldn’t be ignored. This is especially true for homeowners in Lawrenceville, GA, where fall weather shifts can bring harsh winds and rain that weaken older roofs. Spotting these signs early can help you fix what’s needed before bigger issues move in.
Visible Shingle Damage
One of the first things to check after a storm is the condition of the shingles. If you see shingles that are missing or broken, that’s a big red flag. High winds can rip shingles right off the roof, leaving behind bare patches. Hail can also strike hard enough to crack the shingle surface or knock protective granules loose. Once the shingle is exposed or broken, rain and moisture have a straight path toward the roof deck and eventually into your attic or ceilings.
Even one or two damaged shingles can turn into a bigger issue if they’re not fixed fast. Wind-damaged shingles also tend to flap or curl up at the corners, which makes them even easier to rip off in the next storm. And if some shingles are cracked or bent, water can sneak under them and cause the wood underneath to rot.
Here’s what to watch for after a storm:
– Missing shingles – Cracks running across the shingle surface – Shingles with jagged edges or corners – Lifted or curled edges, especially near roof ridges and valleys
It helps to check the ground around your home too. If you notice pieces of shingles, especially around gutters or your driveway, there’s a good chance those blew off during the storm.
Granule Loss
Every asphalt shingle has a top layer made up of small, gritty granules. These granules help shield the shingle from the sun’s heat and help water slide off the roof. But during a storm, especially with hail or driving rain, those granules can wash right off. Granule loss doesn’t usually look as dramatic as a broken shingle, but it definitely weakens your roof’s ability to hold up over time.
Right after a storm, check your gutters, downspouts, and driveway. If you spot sand-like granules collecting in those areas, your shingles might be getting worn down. You might also notice certain shingles looking smoother or shinier than the others. That’s because the granules are gone, and the darker base layer is now showing through.
Granule loss may not cause leaks right away, but it speeds up the aging process of your roof. Without that protective coating, shingles become brittle faster and lose their flexibility. That makes them easier to crack or curl, putting your roof at higher risk the next time a storm rolls through.
Even though you can see some of this damage from the ground, it may not give the full picture. A closer look often shows more wear than you’d think, especially in older roofs or places where water pools during heavy rain.
Water Stains and Hidden Leaks
You don’t always have to look outside to spot storm damage. Sometimes the clearest signs show up indoors. Water stains on the ceiling are a common giveaway that something’s gone wrong up top. These stains can look like brown rings or soft patches in the drywall. If you notice them in rooms directly below the roofline, especially after a heavy rain, that’s a sign that water is seeping in.
Another place worth checking is the attic. Grab a flashlight and look around the rafters or along the insulation. If any areas feel damp or smell musty, there’s a good chance water is getting through the shingles. Mold, mildew, and warped wood are all signs that it didn’t just start leaking yesterday.
Water can travel, so where you find it may not line up exactly with where it entered. A small hole near the ridge could allow water to run down and show up in the middle of a room. That’s why it helps to get a full inspection rather than just patching the visible leak.
If you’ve recently weathered a storm and start noticing:
– Discoloration on ceilings or walls – A moldy or sour smell inside the attic – Water spots that seem to grow over time
It’s time to take action before interior damage spreads or shingles start to decay further. Waiting too long can lead to bigger headaches like peeling paint, soggy insulation, or drooping ceilings.
Curled or Lifted Shingles Let Water In
When shingles lift or curl at the edges, they stop shedding water the way they’re supposed to. High wind is the usual suspect, especially in strong autumn storms that sweep across places like Lawrenceville. When one shingle gets pried up, it weakens the tight seal meant to keep moisture out.
This problem often starts small. A few curled corners here. One or two lifted tabs there. But once those edges catch air, the next storm can pull up more. These damaged spots become easy entry points for rain and debris.
Here’s why curled or lifted shingles are such a big deal:
– They expose the underlayment and roof decking – They make it easier for water to travel underneath surrounding shingles – They attract more wind damage in future storms
Lifted shingles may also flap in the wind, which speeds up deterioration. Over time, this tugging back and forth can break the nail seals, making the shingle loose enough to blow away altogether.
A good rule is this: if you step back and notice your roof doesn’t lay flat anymore or some parts look like they’re peeling up at the edges, it’s time to have someone check for storm damage. These subtle shifts often turn into bigger problems if they’re ignored.
How to Prep Your Roof for Future Storms
Fall is a great time to get your roof checked, especially before winter makes it harder to get up there. In Lawrenceville, weather can swing between warm afternoons and strong, cold rainstorms. That can strain older roofing materials and sneak up on homeowners who haven’t thought about their roof since last year.
Here are some smart steps to stay ahead of roof trouble:
1. Schedule routine inspections, especially after storms 2. Get small repairs done quickly to stop bigger problems from forming 3. Keep gutters clear so water flows away from the roof 4. Trim back any tree limbs hanging over the roofline 5. Take photos now so you can compare them after a storm
Roofs don’t complain when they’re starting to give out. They stay quiet until something leaks. If you want to avoid surprise repairs, regular maintenance really helps. Don’t wait for water to show up in your living room.
It’s also a good idea to look at your roof from different angles. What seems fine from your backyard might look different from the sidewalk. Even if you don’t see missing shingles, the wrong slope or color change can tell you there’s damage up there.
Why Fast Action Saves You Bigger Trouble
Roofs aren’t meant to last forever, and storms can speed up wear and tear by quite a bit. Catching damage right after a storm gives you the best shot at keeping repairs minor. The longer you wait, the more likely water finds its way in, weakening the roof from the inside out.
If you own a home in Lawrenceville and haven’t looked up at your roof since that last thunderstorm rolled through, now’s the time. Don’t pass off a leak as just a ceiling stain or assume that a curled shingle is no big deal. Small signs become expensive problems fast.
The good news is that a professional can spot damage you might miss and guide you on what comes next. And if you act quickly, you can avoid bigger repairs and protect your home through the rough weather ahead.
If you’re in Lawrenceville and are noticing any of these warning signs on your roof, it’s time to act. Avoid letting small issues develop into costly repairs. Trust the expertise of roofing contractors in Lawrenceville to address these problems early and keep your roof in top condition. Accent Roofing Service is here to help restore your roof’s integrity before the next storm rolls in.
