Roofing Tips: What You Need To Know About Storm Season In The Midwest

by Sue White | Jun 6, 2022 | roof tips

roofing Texas residents know how unpredictable weather can be. It can seem like there is always a new storm, sometimes with wind and high temperatures in the same week, which could negatively affect your roofing system.

Storms can cause roof damage that can have other negative effects on commercial and residential properties. If a roof is not properly restored, it could pose a threat to your family’s security and protection. Learn when storms are most likely in the Midwest and how you can protect your home from damage.

Roofing Tips Ahead Of Storm Season

The Texas Tornado Season

A tornado is one of the most devastating and destructive storms that can occur in the Midwest. It is important to be safe and seek shelter. When a tornado warning is issued, make sure you know where to seek shelter.

When is Tornado Season?

The United States is home to the most tornadoes in April, May, and June. These storms can form when warm, humid air collides and cold, dry atmosphere. The warm air rises and the colder air around it can cause an updraft.

Are Most Tornadoes Seen in the Midwest?

Tornado Alley is a place in the Great Plains that sees a lot more activity each tornado season. These states are Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

What is the Damage Tornadoes Cause?

It is possible for a tornado to cause severe damage depending on its intensity. To determine the strength and intensity of a tornado, experts use the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

How Do Tornadoes Damage Property? Tornadoes Cause Roof Damage

High winds and falling debris are the main causes of tornado damage. These can cause shingles to be ripped off a house or damage siding, windows, and other areas of the home by flying or falling debris. Fortunately, most tornadoes that are recorded in the United States are weak. This means that homeowners usually do not suffer severe damage.

We recommend that you schedule a property assessment if there is a tornado warning or high winds in your region. Also, be sure to check for these signs:

A home’s shingles could have their edges cut off, curled or torn. A drone roof inspection can help you determine if your roof is damaged.
Inspect gutters, chimneys, fascias and other roof accents for damage. Some of these elements can be moved by strong winds.
If your roof is damaged by a storm, you will notice leaks or discoloration on the walls or ceiling. To avoid serious damage to your home, it is important to act quickly.

Even areas not directly affected by tornadoes may be affected by strong winds and heavy rains. You should inspect your home for signs of wind damage if there has been a storm.

Hail Storm Season in Midwest

Hailstorms can cause significant damage to your roof, depending on how big the hail is.

When does Hail Occur?

Although hail can strike at any time during thunderstorms, most storms occur between May and September. A possible hailstorm is indicated by a drop in temperature during this period.

How Does It Form?

Raindrops can be carried into the cold air by updrafts that rise into the atmosphere when warm and cold fronts collide during a storm. According to The National Severe Storms Laboratory, hail drops are formed when they reach a size where the updraft cannot support their weight.

How to identify hail damage to your roof

Hail damage can vary depending on how severe the hail was in your area, but property owners need to remember where to look after a storm for hail damage.

Shingles: Your shingles are the first place you should inspect for damage. Your shingles can be damaged by hail, including cracking, dents, or even missing from a big hailstorm. A lack of granules may be another sign of damage to your shingles. These are the parts of the shingles that give them a beautiful color and texture.

Siding: This part of your house can be just like shingles. If hailstorms caused severe winds to hit your siding, you’ll see cracks and dents.

Windows: Hail can cause cracking or shattering of windows in your home if it is too large. This type of damage can be caused by hail storms. Contact a professional roofing contractor immediately if you notice it!

Gutters: Damaged or misplaced gutters and downspouts could be another sign that there has been a severe storm. The gutters should be inspected by homeowners for any granule buildup that has resulted from damage to the roof shingles.

For expert assessment, contact your local roofing contractor if you are unsure if hail damage has occurred from the recent storm.

Thunderstorms in Midwest

Thunder and lightning are the most common types of storms that form in the Midwest. Sometimes, the same weather conditions that cause thunderstorms can also lead to hail and tornadoes.

How do severe thunderstorms and lightning develop?

When warm moist air is forced into cooler parts of the atmosphere by a cold front, a thunderstorm can form. This causes updrafts or downdrafts. Lightning is caused by tiny ice particles colliding millions of times per second and forming a large charge within the storm.

Can Thunderstorms Damage Homes?

Thunderstorms can cause roof damage when they are accompanied by hail and/or high winds. Experts will inspect your roof for damage to siding accents or roofing shingles, as well as any dented, curled or missing shingles. To find out if you are covered by insurance for storm damage, contact a professional roofer in your area.

Hire a local roofing contractor for a property assessment after a storm. They’ll be able spot any small damage that was caused by the storm. A roofing expert can help you determine the urgency of roof repairs and whether to contact your insurance company. You can file an insurance claim to cover storm damage to your home.

Roof Leakage Can Be Caused by Snowstorms

It’s important to remember the effects winter weather can have upon a roof. If snow accumulation isn’t cleared, roofs can cave in. Ice dams can also cause damage to your roof. When snow begins to melt, ice dams form. The water freezes and blocks more water from the roof. This water can eventually build-up, causing roof leaks and water damage to your gutters.

Although we cannot predict the exact timing of a severe storm, we can assure homeowners that we will be there to assist them in repairing any damage caused by severe weather.