How to Spot Hidden Roof Damage After Summer Thunderstorms in Gloucester County

Summer thunderstorms in South Jersey can be more deceptive than full-blown hurricanes. While a massive storm makes its damage obvious, a quick but intense thunderstorm can leave behind hidden, subtle damage that you won’t see from the ground. These seemingly minor issues—from microbursts of wind to small hail—can compromise your roof’s integrity, leaving it vulnerable to a major leak or catastrophic failure during the next big storm. Don’t wait for a ceiling stain to tell you your roof is in trouble. Now is the time for Gloucester County homeowners to be proactive.

The Hidden Threats to Your Gloucester County Roof

Even when a roof appears intact, a summer thunderstorm can cause significant, hard-to-spot damage. The primary culprits are not the heavy rains, but the powerful forces that accompany them.

• Microbursts: These are powerful, concentrated downdrafts of air that can hit a small area with wind speeds comparable to a tornado. They create a powerful uplift force that can tear shingles from the roof deck or break their wind-resistant seals.
• Small Hail: Even hail the size of a pea or marble can cause serious damage. While it may not break a shingle, it can “bruise” the asphalt and knock off the protective granules that shield the shingle from UV rays. This accelerates the aging process and exposes the shingle to future damage.
• Wind-Driven Rain: Strong, horizontal winds can force water into tiny crevices and under shingles, even when they seem properly sealed. This can cause water to saturate the underlayment and lead to slow, unseen leaks in your attic.

According to T.A. Hughes roofing experts, “We often see homeowners who thought their roof was fine after a summer storm, only to find significant water damage in their attic a few months later. Those tiny, unaddressed issues become a major problem when the next hurricane or nor’easter arrives.”

Why Waiting Is a Costly Gamble

Ignoring potential hidden damage is a gamble you can’t afford to lose. What seems like a minor issue after a summer storm can turn into a major, costly disaster.

• Financial Impact: A small leak that goes unnoticed can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs for water damage, mold remediation, and ruined insulation.
• Insurance Complications: Many homeowners’ insurance policies won’t cover damage they determine was caused by neglect. If you fail to address a small issue from a July storm, a claim for a major leak in September could be denied.
• Stress and Hassle: A damaged roof leaves your family and your possessions exposed. Dealing with a temporary tarp, navigating insurance claims, and waiting for emergency repairs can be a huge source of stress and disruption.

A homeowner in East Greenwich Township, for example, saw their camper’s roof blown off during a tornado in August 2023. While an entire roof tear-off is an obvious issue, many other properties suffered less visible damage from the same storm that could have turned into major headaches later on. A professional inspection is the only way to avoid this risk.

7 Ways to Check Your Roof for Hidden Damage

You can perform an initial, safe check of your roof from the ground. Here’s what to look for:

1. Check Your Gutters for Granules: Look for an accumulation of tiny, sand-like granules. This is a tell-tale sign that hail or wind has stripped the protective layer off your shingles.
2. Inspect Gutters and Siding for Dents: If your metal gutters, downspouts, or siding have dents, it’s a strong indication that your roof also took a hit from hail.
3. Look for Dented Vents and Flashing: Use binoculars to carefully scan your roof’s metal vents, chimney flashing, and other metal components for any dents or pockmarks.
4. Do an Attic Check: Go into your attic with a flashlight. Look for any new water stains on the wood, signs of damp insulation, or a musty odor, especially around vents, chimneys, or skylights.
5. Scan for Lifted or Curled Shingles: From the ground, look for shingles that appear to be slightly curled at the edges or lifted. This is a common sign of wind uplift.
6. Look for Missing or Cracked Shingles on the Ground: After a storm, walk around the perimeter of your home. Find any shingle pieces, tabs, or full shingles that may have been blown off.
7. Schedule a Professional Inspection: The most crucial step is to have an expert perform a professional inspection. A trained roofer can safely climb onto your roof to identify subtle damage, soft spots, and compromised seals that are impossible to spot from the ground.

T.A. Hughes has over 35 years of experience serving Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington Counties. We know what to look for in South Jersey’s unique weather patterns and are GAF-certified to ensure the highest standard of repair.

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm — Get Your Roof Inspected Now

Waiting until the next major storm hits could leave you with a massive, preventable repair bill and a long wait for service. T.A. Hughes offers professional, hurricane-season roof inspections to identify and address these hidden threats.

Protect your home and your peace of mind by acting today. Call T.A. Hughes at (856) 845-8505 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free inspection. Secure your spot before the next storm makes that decision for you.