Winter Storm Damage: Your Essential Roof Inspection Guide

Protecting Your Roof After Winter Storms

Winter storms in Anne Arundel County can be unpredictable and severe, bringing heavy snow, ice, and fierce winds that can wreak havoc on your roof. After a major storm passes, many homeowners assume their roof is fine if they don't see obvious damage. However, storm damage isn't always visible from the ground, and small issues can quickly escalate into costly repairs if left unchecked.

At Great Oak Roofing, we've seen firsthand how winter storms impact homes across Severna Park, Annapolis, and Glen Burnie. This guide will help you identify potential damage and know when to call in the professionals.

Common Types of Winter Storm Roof Damage

1. Wind Damage

Maryland winter storms often bring sustained winds of 30-50 mph, with gusts reaching even higher speeds. These powerful winds can:

• Lift and tear shingles, especially at roof edges and corners
• Break or loosen flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
• Dislodge ridge caps and hip shingles
• Drive rain and snow under damaged or lifted shingles

What to look for: Missing shingles, shingles lying in your yard, exposed underlayment, or daylight visible through your attic ceiling.

2. Heavy Snow Load Stress

A cubic foot of fresh snow weighs approximately 7 pounds, while wet, packed snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot. When several feet accumulate on your roof, the weight can cause:

• Sagging or bowing in the roof deck
• Cracking sounds in the attic or ceiling
• Doors and windows that suddenly stick or won't close properly
• Cracks in interior walls or ceilings

What to look for: Visible sagging rooflines, interior cracks appearing after snowfall, or unusual sounds from your attic during or after storms.

3. Ice Dam Complications

While ice dams themselves are a concern (covered in our winter roofing tips guide), the damage they cause deserves special attention:

• Water backing up under shingles and into the attic
• Soaked insulation losing its R-value
• Wood rot in roof decking and rafters
• Ceiling and wall water stains

What to look for: Water stains on ceilings near exterior walls, damp insulation in the attic, or musty odors in upper-level rooms.

4. Debris Impact

Winter storms often bring down tree branches, and occasionally entire trees. Even small branches can cause significant damage:

• Punctured or torn shingles
• Cracked or broken roof tiles
• Damaged gutters and downspouts
• Compromised flashing

What to look for: Visible debris on your roof, dented or damaged gutters, or new holes or tears in roofing material.

Your Post-Storm Inspection Checklist

Exterior Inspection (From the Ground)

Safety First: Never climb on your roof, especially after a storm when it may be wet, icy, or structurally compromised.

Using binoculars from the ground, check for:

• Shingles: Missing, cracked, curled, or lifted shingles
• Flashing: Loose or damaged metal around chimneys, vents, and valleys
• Gutters: Sagging, detached, or clogged with debris
• Soffits and Fascia: Damage, water stains, or hanging sections
• Roof Line: Sagging, uneven areas, or visible dips

Interior Inspection

Check your attic and upper-level rooms for:

• Water stains on the ceiling or walls
• Daylight visible through the roof
• Damp or wet insulation
• Musty odors indicating moisture
• Dripping or pooling water

Document Everything

If you find potential damage:

1. Take clear photos from multiple angles
2. Note the date and time of the storm
3. Record any interior damage
4. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs

This documentation is crucial for insurance claims.

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require immediate professional attention:

Emergency Situations

Call Great Oak Roofing immediately if you notice:

• Active leaks or water intrusion
• Visible holes in the roof
• Sagging rooflines
• Large amounts of missing shingles
• Damaged or collapsed structural elements

Non-Emergency but Important

Schedule an inspection within a few days if you see:

• Minor shingle damage
• Slightly damaged flashing
• Gutter issues
• Small amounts of debris on the roof
• Interior water stains that aren't actively dripping

Preventing Future Storm Damage

Pre-Season Preparation

Fall Maintenance:

• Trim overhanging branches before winter
• Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly
• Inspect and repair any existing roof damage
• Ensure attic insulation and ventilation are adequate

Professional Inspection: Schedule a professional roof inspection each fall. Our experienced team can identify and repair weak spots before winter storms test your roof's integrity.

During the Storm

• Monitor weather forecasts and prepare accordingly
• Keep gutters clear if safe to do so
• Move vehicles away from trees and your house
• Have emergency supplies ready, including tarps and buckets

After the Storm

• Document any visible damage immediately
• Remove light snow from accessible areas if safe
• Contact your insurance company if significant damage is suspected
• Schedule a professional inspection even if no damage is visible

Working with Insurance

If your roof sustained storm damage, your homeowner's insurance may cover repairs:

1. Contact your insurance company within 24-48 hours of discovering damage
2. Document everything with photos and detailed notes
3. Get a professional assessment from a licensed roofer
4. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs or tarping
5. Review your policy to understand your coverage and deductible

At Great Oak Roofing, we work with all major insurance companies and can help document damage and provide detailed estimates for your claim.

Why Choose Great Oak Roofing for Storm Damage Inspection

Our team brings decades of experience inspecting and repairing storm-damaged roofs throughout Anne Arundel County:

• Thorough Inspections: We examine every aspect of your roof, not just obvious problem areas
• Honest Assessments: We'll tell you if repairs are sufficient or if replacement is necessary
• Insurance Expertise: We help navigate the claims process and provide detailed documentation
• Emergency Services: Available 24/7 for urgent storm damage situations
• Quality Repairs: All work backed by our satisfaction guarantee

Serving Maryland Communities

From Annapolis and Severna Park to Bowie, Crofton, and Glen Burnie, Great Oak Roofing is your trusted partner for winter storm damage inspection and repair. We understand Maryland weather and know exactly what to look for after winter storms hit our area.

Don't wait until minor storm damage becomes a major problem. Contact us today to schedule your post-storm roof inspection and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected.

📍 Serving: Severna Park, Annapolis, Bowie, Arnold, Glen Burnie, Crofton, Davidsonville, Edgewater, Severn, Crownsville, Pasadena, and surrounding Anne Arundel County communities

📞 Contact us today at (410) 378-7663 for emergency storm damage inspection and repair!