Severe weather takes its toll on Virginia homes
As spring ushers in warmer temperatures across Virginia, wind and hail storms become common. These weather events have historically led to significant damage to Virginia homes. Here at NNINS, we see increasingly severe weather patterns taking their toll, specifically roof damage. NOAA has identified the commonwealth as among the top nine states experiencing billion-dollar weather disaster losses nationally in the past decade. All parts of Virginia have experienced extreme weather that could expedite roof wear that requires repair.
Tornadoes, derechos, and hurricanes
In addition to the crazy weather like wind and hail storms, Virginia's peak tornado season is March 1st through the end of May. Heavy April showers bring May flowers and potential home water damage. Severe weather during this time can also produce derecho downbursts and strong horizontal winds that blow in a straight line, causing significant damage to homes, trees, and power lines. Virginia's hurricane season begins June 1st and peaks in October. Does your roof need to be replaced or repaired before these severe weather threats?
How Do Hail and Wind Damage Your Home's Roof?
Hail can easily damage the soft metal components on your roof and pit asphalt shingles. Wind can rip or separate roof shingles. There are ways to tell if you have accelerated wear or roof damage, but it may not be noticeably visible to an untrained eye. Knowing what hail damage looks like on your roof can be challenging. For this reason alone, it's wise to schedule a preventative roof inspection each spring and be sure everything is tight and sound. Leaving undetected roof damage can cause costly interior issues in your home's attic.
What will a roofing professional check for?
We recommend being proactive and scheduling a roof inspection. A simple roof inspection will ensure your roof is strong enough to deflect wind and send rain straight to your home's gutter system and away from your foundation. Here is a checklist of things a licensed and certified professional Virginia roofer will check for:
- Interior issues with insulation, ventilation, and leakage
- Damaged, worn, or missing shingles
- Missing or damaged flashing
- Sagging
- Exposed or loose nails
- Issues with gutters affecting the roof
- Missing caulk
- Rot and mold
- Excessive granule loss
- Chimney cracks
- Signs of animal intrusion
Does home insurance cover roof and storm damage?
Damage to your roof from covered events like severe weather is typically included in your home insurance policy, provided your roof is properly maintained. Just like other exterior parts of your home, your roof requires regular upkeep and has a limited lifespan. Homeowners insurance will not cover repair costs if the damage is due to neglect or normal wear and tear. Older roofs can complicate insurance claims because their age makes them more prone to damage that isn't sudden or accidental. Insurance coverage is most effective when you actively maintain your home and take steps to prevent damage.
There will come a point where your roof needs to be replaced. It's definitely a big-ticket item you should be planning for. If you have a weather-related home insurance claim or severe weather damage questions, we're always close by and ready to help.
Sources:
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/state-summary/VA#
https://dporweb.dpor.virginia.gov/
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
