Greater Lansing gets its share of serious weather: high winds through the spring and fall, heavy hail, and the occasional derecho that leaves a trail of damage across multiple counties. What most homeowners don’t realize is that storm damage to a roof isn’t always dramatic and obvious. Sometimes it’s a missing shingle here, a dented ridge cap there, or flashing that got lifted just enough to let water in.
That subtle damage is actually the more dangerous kind, because it often goes unnoticed until it causes significant interior problems.
What Wind Damage Looks Like
Wind damage doesn’t have to be tornado-level to cause real problems. Strong straight-line winds, which we see regularly in mid-Michigan, can lift shingle edges and break the seal strips that hold them down. Once that seal is broken, shingles can rattle and flex in subsequent storms, eventually cracking or blowing off entirely.
From the ground, look for shingles that appear raised, wavy, or misaligned. Missing shingles are obviously a red flag. Also check for damaged or detached soffit and fascia, which can create entry points for water and pests.
Hail Damage: Harder to Spot Than You Think
Hail damage can be tricky because it doesn’t always cause visible dents or cracks from the ground. On asphalt shingles, hail impact bruises the mat beneath the granule surface, causing granules to loosen and eventually shed. Over time, those impact points become the spots where UV degradation accelerates, and leaks begin.
After any significant hail event, check your gutters and downspout splash pads. An unusual amount of granules is a sign your shingles took some hits. Also, look at soft metals on your property, aluminum AC fins, metal porch railings, flashing on dormers; if those show dents, your shingles likely took impact as well.
If you have any doubt, schedule an inspection. A good roofer can spot hail damage that’s invisible from the ground but will cause problems within a few years.
The Insurance Question
Storm damage is often covered by homeowners’ insurance, but there are some things worth knowing before you file a claim. Most policies have a timeline, typically one year from the date of the storm, within which damage must be reported. Waiting too long can cost you the coverage.
If you think you may have storm damage, document what you can safely observe from the ground (photos with your phone are fine), note the approximate date of the storm, and call a roofing company you trust to do an inspection before contacting your insurance company. Having an independent assessment helps you understand what you’re dealing with and gives you something concrete when you talk to your adjuster.
We assist Capital Roofing customers through the insurance process regularly. It’s a lot less complicated than people expect.
Don’t Wait on Suspected Damage
The fall window in Lansing, roughly September through November, is actually the best time to address storm damage from the summer. Contractors are available, the weather is still workable, and you have time to get repairs done before the freeze makes things more complicated (and more expensive).
If you had any significant weather events this past summer and haven’t had your roof looked at, now is the time.
Ready to schedule your free roof inspection? Call or text Capital Roofing at (517) 896-5872 or visit capitalroofingpro.com. Serving Lansing, East Lansing, Grand Ledge, St. Johns, Okemos, and communities across Greater Lansing.