When weather requires storm damage roof replacement in Richmond, look no further than Shanco. Shanco has been replacing and repairing storm-damaged roofs for over 20 years in MD and VA. If you are looking for a roofing contractor that you can trust, call Shanco to schedule a complimentary appointment. 

Shanco has helped countless homeowners solve their roof problems in our time as an expert roofing company. We take our expertise seriously. Our roofing company has earned the President’s Club award from GAF shingles for our commitment to delivering exemplary roof repair and replacement service to the communities we serve. 

What Are The Signs of a Storm Damaged Roof?  

Storms and other varieties of extreme weather can impact your roof in different ways. Damage can make it appear like a regular roof leak when, in fact, it could be a ventilation issue in your home. Read on and find out how to assess your home after severe weather in Richmond.

An important thing to note is to trust your roofer to climb around on your roof for an inspection, especially after a severe weather event. 

High Winds

Windows

High winds can break or crack window panes. Not all wind damage is immediately visible and may start to create problems in your home after the storm.

  • Compromised seals
  • Pane breakage
  • Glass fogging between the panes

Siding

Certain siding materials are lighter and can be susceptible to damage from high winds. There is heavier siding on the market that may reduce wind damage

  • Dents and gouges from flying debris
  • Split and chips
  • Punctures and cracks
  • Lightweight siding might rip off your home

Roof

High winds are no friend of your roof. A strong wind can cause damage to the edges, corners, and ridge vent.

  • Rip shingles
  • Shingles may lift off the nail
  • Shingles can blow off your roof
  • Limbs and debris can puncture and damage your roof 

Gutters

Gutters help with water removal from your roof and away from your home. Any damage to the gutter system can cause issues with water removal.

  • Debris can cause bent and sagging gutters
  • Downspouts can break away
  • Severe wind can cause gutters to rip away from the fascia

Ice and Snow Storms

Ice storms wreak havoc on the area around your home. It is heavy and can cause branches or limbs to break and fall. Falling branches and trees cause problems with ice storms.

Windows

  • Ice can freeze windows shut and cause weather stripping to be useless
  • Falling chunks of ice and branches breaking due to the weight can crack or break window panes

Siding

  • Snapped branches can dent, gouge, and puncture your siding

Roof 

  • Branches and limbs can dent shingles or even pierce holes in your roof.
  • Shingles may split where heavier chunks of ice fall
  • Flashing may get dented by falling branches or ice
  • Homes that have ventilation issues may cause an ice dam 

Gutters

  • Falling ice or branches can bend or damage your gutter system
  • Clogged gutters can lead to ice dam formation

Snowmelt can cause problems in a home that has improper ventilation. An ice dam can form when an attic is too warm, and the eaves are too cold. An ice dam occurs when

  • Snow melts off the warm attic
  • Melted snow refreezes over the cold eaves
  • The gutters begin to freeze and back up under your shingles
  • As the ice forms, it expands and forces its way into places it shouldn’t be, like your attic. 

How To Fix an Ice Dam

Shanco has been fixing ice dams for 20 years. While there are band-aid fixes for ice dams, you should look at preventing the problem from happening entirely. Always keep gutters free and clear of debris to ensure water flows off the roof. 

If you have had ice dams before, there is likely a ventilation issue in your attic. Contact the experts at Shanco to inspect your entire roof system to ensure that ice dams do not form in the upcoming winter season. 

Hail Storms

Hail storms can quickly and severely damage your home. Find a trusted roofing company to inspect your roof after a hail storm. Not all damage is visible to the untrained eye.

Windows

Hail can increase heating or cooling bills due to decreased window efficiency. 

  • Window panes crack or break
  • Fogging can occur between panes of glass

Siding

  • Dents and dings
  • Large hail can puncture your siding
  • Paint can chip
  • Siding may buckle or become warped

Roof 

  • Shingles can dent during a hail storm
  • Your shingles can lose granules
  • Hail can leave divots in your roof shingles

Gutters

Hail falling at a high rate of speed can cause problems with your gutter system.

  • Dents
  • Gutters can sag or split
  • Gutter guards can become damaged

Does Insurance Cover Storm Damage to Your Roof?

Great question! It all depends on what your home insurance policy says. It may depend on the age of your roof as well. However, there are some things you should do in case your home has severe weather damage.

1. Make a list of the damage to your home (and snap some pictures too). 

Complete a walk-through of your home, from the attic to the basement. Survey the outside and take pictures of any damage or moisture problems. 

2. Clean-up

Severe weather can leave a mess. Be sure to clean up any potential hazards. First, be safe! Look for downed electric wires or other severe health hazards before tackling a clean-up project after severe weather. Leave a bucket under any active roof leaks. Clean up any broken glass and board up the exposed opening(s). 

3. Call your insurance company

Start the insurance process. Your insurance company may ask you to get several estimates for the project. Do not wait to start the insurance process. There is often a time limit on insurance work. 

How To Choose The Best Storm Damage Roof Replacement in Richmond 

After a severe weather event, you may encounter a roofing company knocking on your door and offering a free estimate. There are stories of fly-by-night roofing companies not meeting or completing homeowner expectations. Don’t get stuck with a sub-par roof by a roofer from another state. 

Here is how to vet a roofing company to ensure they are legitimate.

  • Leverage online reviews. Google My Business, BBB, and Nextdoor provide insights into the quality of work you can expect from a roofing company. 
  • Look for a local roofer. You want to work with someone in the area because if there are any issues with your roof installation, you will want the installers to come and fix it. How urgently will they treat your repair if roofers are out of state? Keep your storm damage roof replacement in Richmond. Your local community will thank you. 
  • Don’t cut corners and choose an uninsured roofer or lack proper permits. If something happens, you may be on the hook!
  • Make sure that the roofing company works with insurance. Choose a long-standing roofer, like Shanco, versed in insurance claims. We will take out the headache and mystery of an insurance claim.
  • Find a roofing company that offers a warranty. A roof is a sizable investment. Protect yourself from a bad installation by working with a roofer that offers a warranty. 

Choosing a roofing company like Shanco for your roof replacement project offers distinct advantages. We’ve served MD and VA for 20 years and take our reputation seriously. Check out our reviews

What Are Storm Chasers (and Why You Should Avoid Them)

Storm chasers will show up after severe weather happens. Often, they are from out of town and will promise quick, cheap roof replacement. Sounds great on paper but let’s discuss why this isn’t the best choice for your home.

First, if they are from out of town or state and you have an issue with their installation- how long will it take for them to come back to your home and fix their mistake? 

Second, they may not have the full vendor credentials for their product. Shanco uses GAF shingles. Our teams undergo training from GAF and utilize the best installation practices to ensure we hand you a comprehensive warranty of our work. 

Third, do they have the appropriate permit and worker insurance to complete your job?

Call the Best Storm Damage Roof Replacement in Richmond for a Free Estimate

There is a lot to keep in mind when finding the best Richmond roofing company. Shanco recommends finding a roofing company that works with the customer in mind always. Contact Shanco today to schedule a free estimate if your home has sustained storm damage.