First things to do after a storm damages my roof?

Allstate Exteriors • January 2, 2023

Wind, hail, heavy rain, and snow can cause damage to your roof. While roofs are made to handle most weather conditions, an unusually strong storm can cause problems. After the storm is over, you will want to make assess the condition of the roof and gutters. The first step is to inspect the interior for leaks. If you see any leaks or water stains, you can stop there and immediately schedule an inspection with a qualified roofing contractor .

The next step is to walk around the exterior and look for missing or damaged shingles, gutters that have been pulled away from your house, and tree branches or debris on the roof. Some damage can’t be seen easily, so you will want to schedule an inspection to be safe if you have any concerns about possible damage. Don’t be tricked by storm chasers,  who try to find homes with storm damage and quickly have you sign a contract for repairs. You risk having shabby work done and possibly voiding a warranty. These fly-by-night operators will disappear quickly after being paid.

Signs a Professional Inspection is needed 

Water Leaks Inside or Outside

You may see dark streaks on interior walls or around the ceiling. The siding may be stained or have watermarks.

Missing or Damaged Shingles

Damage to shingles might not be obvious. Curling of the edges due to high winds can lead to water leaks.

The Sealant is Cracked

This is hard to spot from a distance. If you are not comfortable climbing around your roof, leave this to a certified roofing contractor.

Dents and Dings From Hail

The hail pounding the shingles will knock off the granules. There may be damage from the sun’s rays with this protection gone. Your roof will lose its appearance and look old and worn without the granules. Hail storms generally do not last long, but the damage occurs quickly.

Flashing is Gone

Look around your yard for pieces of flashing that were carried by the wind. You may see sections partially bent and pulled away from the roof.

The Effects of Roof Damage 

Water

Shingles can be ripped off the roof exposing the underlayment or roof deck. High wind will force the edges of shingles to curl and lift. This eliminates the overlapping and gives water a path under the shingles.

Hail

The hail pounding the shingles will knock off the granules. There may be damage from the sun’s rays with this protection gone. Your roof will lose its appearance and look old and worn without the granules. Hail storms generally do not last long, but the damage occurs quickly.

Debris

Large tree branches can cause ripping of the shingles leaving vulnerable areas just like a hail storm. Moisture can enter these areas.

Wind

Shingles can be ripped off the roof exposing the underlayment or roof deck. High wind will force the edges of shingles to curl and lift. This eliminates the overlapping and gives water a path under the shingles.

The Estimate and Inspection

Now it’s time to call a professional roofing contractor for an estimate for the repairs. Make sure to get the estimate in writing. You will need it to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. 

These contracts are complicated. If you need help concerning insurance coverage, an experienced contractor can explain the details about what type of repairs are covered in the policy. Hail, rain, and wind damage are usually covered by these policies. Extreme storm damage sometimes called ” Acts of God” is normally included in your coverage. This would include hurricanes and tornadoes.

If you replaced the roof, check your warranty, but there may not be covered for weather-related damage. Sometimes, only manufacturers’ defects are covered in warranties.

Ready to begin Repairs

Once you have completed a professional inspection, have a written estimate, and filed a claim if possible, you are ready to begin repairs. A reputable contractor will work with the insurance company to get the best deal for you. Schedule the repairs as soon as possible. The damage can escalate quickly if you wait an extended amount of time. A small leak can grow quickly to include a mold problem and structural problems if left untreated over time.  

Please contact Allstate Exteriors & Restoration for a free estimate and inspection after a storm. We have been proudly serving customers since 2002 with locations in Central Ohio and Southwest Florida. Don’t delay repairing storm damage. A small repair can escalate very quickly into an extensive restoration if leaks are not repaired for an extended length of time. Let’s get those repairs done so you can enjoy your home again!

Westerville Homeowners: Keeping Your Roof in Top Shape

April 8, 2026
Your home is more than just a place to stash your stuff; it’s the place you’ve poured your life into. Living here in Westerville, we’re lucky to have such a great mix of tight-knit neighborhoods and quick access to everything we need. Whether you’re grabbing coffee near Uptown or taking the kids to spend an afternoon at Inniswood, you know this area is special. But let’s be honest: Ohio weather isn't always kind to our houses. Between the brutal freeze-thaw cycles in the winter and that sticky humidity we get living near the reservoir, your roof takes a beating. It’s the first line of defense for everything inside your walls.  If you’ve been spotting a few stray shingles in the yard or just have a nagging feeling that your roof is getting a bit long in the tooth, you’re in the right place. As a local roofing company, we’ve been up on enough Westerville rooftops to know exactly what makes them tick, and what tends to go wrong. Why "Local" Actually Matters There’s a big difference between a national franchise and a crew that actually lives and works here. We aren’t just reading a manual; we’ve dealt with the same storms you have. The Ohio Reality Check We don’t have mild winters here. We have "ice dam" winters. When your attic isn't venting heat properly, the snow on your roof melts, runs down to the eaves, and freezes again. That cycle can force water right under your shingles and into your insulation. If you’ve ever seen water spots on your ceiling after a winter thaw, that’s usually the culprit. On the flip side, our summers can be relentless. All that heat and humidity can lead to moss or algae growth, especially on the north side of the house where the sun doesn't hit as much. If you let that stuff sit, it eventually eats away at the grit on your shingles. Matching the Neighborhood We’ve worked on everything from the historic homes with unique angles to the newer builds in the suburbs. Every home needs a slightly different strategy. A quick patch might be fine for one house, but a total re-roofing might be the smarter, cheaper play for another. We’re not here to upsell you; we’re here to tell you what your specific roof needs to last another 20 years.

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Commercial Roofing Solutions for Beavercreek Businesses

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 Running a business in Beavercreek, Ohio comes with its unique set of challenges and responsibilities. One of the most critical investments for any commercial property is the roof. A well-designed, high-quality roof protects your building, employees, and assets while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Understanding the best options for your property is crucial, and Commercial Roofing Solutions for Beavercreek Businesses from Allstate Exteriors are designed to meet the diverse needs of local businesses throughout Greene County. From office buildings in central Beavercreek to retail centers near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, commercial roofing requires specialized knowledge. Allstate Exteriors combines decades of experience, local expertise, and a commitment to quality to ensure that your business receives roofing solutions that stand the test of time. Why Commercial Roofing Matters for Beavercreek Businesses Commercial roofs face different pressures than residential roofs. They cover larger areas, often have more complex structures, and are exposed to frequent foot traffic during maintenance. Weather in Beavercreek adds another layer of complexity. Summer storms bring heavy rain and high humidity, while winter conditions include snow, ice, and temperature fluctuations. Over time, these elements can degrade roofing materials if not properly maintained or installed. Investing in a professional roofing system reduces the risk of leaks, structural damage, and costly emergency repairs. It also protects your employees, inventory, and customers from exposure to the elements. A well-planned roof contributes to the operational efficiency of your business and can even improve energy performance, which is increasingly important for modern commercial properties.

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Historic Roof Care: Preserving Ashville’s Older Homes

March 5, 2026
Ashville, Ohio is a community rich with history, character, and homes that tell the story of generations. For many homeowners throughout Ashville and neighboring communities such as South Bloomfield, Tarlton, and Canal Winchester, preserving the charm and structural integrity of these older homes is a priority. When it comes to protecting these architectural treasures, Historic Roof Care: Preserving Ashville’s Older Homes is not just a service, it is a vital investment in maintaining the legacy and value of your property. At Allstate Exteriors , we specialize in delivering expert historic roof care tailored to the unique needs of Ashville’s older homes and historic districts. In the heart of Ohio, older homes were often built with materials and methods that differ significantly from modern constructions. These roofs carry years of history and have faced decades of weather, from icy winters to humid summers. Understanding how to preserve these roofs requires more than a standard roofing service. It demands a specialized approach rooted in respect for historical craftsmanship and knowledge of local conditions in Ashville . In this post, we’ll explore practical guidance, local insights, and the reasons why trusted historic roof care from Allstate Exteriors makes all the difference for homeowners committed to preserving Ashville’s architectural heritage. Why Historic Roof Care Matters in Ashville Many homeowners in Ashville are drawn to older homes because of their distinct charm, unique character, and timeless appeal. However, historic roofs often present challenges that modern roofing systems do not. Traditional materials such as slate, cedar shake, or metal roofing installed decades ago have specific maintenance requirements. The purpose of historic roof care in Ashville is to extend the life of these roofs while maintaining their original appearance and structural integrity. Historic roofs were built in an era before modern synthetic underlayments, advanced flashing systems, and today’s wind-resistant technologies. Over time, exposure to Ashville’s seasonal climate variations can cause traditional shingles to crack, valleys to weaken, and flashing to corrode. Homeowners who postpone preservation work risk accelerated deterioration, water infiltration, and costly repairs in the future. By investing in historic roof preservation , you are protecting the original craftsmanship that makes your home unique while also enhancing long-term durability and performance. At Allstate Exteriors , we take a customized approach to historic roof care that accounts for both the architectural significance of your home and the environmental factors specific to Ashville and the surrounding areas. With decades of combined experience working with historic properties, our team is well-equipped to assess, protect, and preserve roofs that others might overlook. Whether it is a slate roof dating back nearly a century or a cedar shake roof in need of rehabilitation, we provide solutions that honor Ashville’s past while preparing your roof for the future. Understanding the Unique Challenges of Historic Roofs in Ashville Historic roofs are more than just a collection of shingles or tiles, they are an integral part of a home’s architectural identity. Because of this, the process of historic roof care in Ashville begins with understanding the distinct issues these roofs face over time. Material-Specific Challenges Slate, for example, is a beautiful, long-lasting material that can endure for over a century, but individual slates can become brittle and break. Cedar shake roofs offer natural beauty and insulation qualities, but they are susceptible to rot and insect damage if not properly maintained. Metal roofs, often found on historic barns and outbuildings in Ashville, can suffer from corrosion if protective coatings deteriorate. Architectural Complexity Many historic homes in Ashville feature steep slopes, intricate gables, and architectural bezels that create aesthetic appeal but also complicate maintenance and repairs. Without careful inspection and a preservation strategy, water can find its way into vulnerable areas such as valleys, flashing seams, and chimneys. Climate Impact Local weather patterns also play a role. Ashville’s humid summers can cause wood materials to expand, while Ohio’s cold winters bring freeze-thaw cycles that stress roofing components. Heavy rains, spring storms, and strong winds can loosen historically significant roofing elements. Allstate Exteriors’ historic roof care services include proactive measures that anticipate these challenges and address them with precision and care.