After a strong storm in North Carolina, your roof is the first line of defense keeping your home safe and dry. However, even the most durable roofs — like slate or asphalt shingles — can suffer hidden damage that turns into costly leaks if ignored.
In this article, we’ll show you how to detect leaks early, what warning signs to look for, and when it’s time to call a professional before the problem gets worse.
Slate and asphalt roofs are popular for their longevity and appearance, but storms with wind, heavy rain, or hail can still compromise their integrity:
Hail: can crack slate tiles or knock off the protective granules from asphalt shingles, reducing their lifespan.
High winds: can lift shingles, exposing the underlayment to water.
Prolonged rain: allows water to seep into small cracks that expand over time.
Branches and debris: can break, tear, or dislodge shingles and clog gutters.
👉 Even minor storm damage can lead to leaks weeks or months later if not addressed.
Perform a visual inspection from the ground or with binoculars (don’t climb the roof if you’re not trained). Look for:
Missing, cracked, or curled shingles.
Color variations or uneven patches can indicate displaced materials.
Granules in gutters or downspouts.
This means your asphalt shingles are wearing down.
Pieces of slate or shingle debris in your yard.
A clear sign of hail or wind damage.
Loose or lifted flashing.
Especially around chimneys, skylights, or roof valleys.
Clogged or sagging gutters.
Standing water can back up under shingles and cause leaks.
Sudden discoloration or moss growth.
Trapped moisture can foster biological growth and damage.
📸 Tip: Take photos of any visible damage. These can be useful for insurance claims or a professional inspection.
Sometimes, the damage isn’t visible from the outside. Check the inside of your home for:
Dark or yellowish stains on ceilings or walls.
These are classic signs of roof moisture.
Peeling or bubbling paint or drywall.
Water trapped behind the surface pushes finishes outward.
Musty smell or mold in the attic.
Indicates ongoing moisture intrusion.
Damp or stained insulation.
Touch it (with gloves) — if it’s wet, the leak is active.
Light coming through the roof boards.
Any visible light means gaps or cracks in the roof structure.
💡 Pro tip: Inspect your attic right after a storm or during light rain to locate active leaks.
Water can travel along beams or pipes before showing up inside your home. To confirm the source:
Perform a controlled water test.
Use a hose on small roof sections while someone observes from inside.
Check seals and junctions.
Leaks often start around chimneys, skylights, or valleys.
Note timing between rain and appearance of stains.
A delay suggests slow seepage under the shingles.
⚠️ If you’re unsure, avoid DIY repairs — you could make the issue worse or risk your safety.
Contact a certified contractor like American Roofing & Construction, LLC if:
You can’t locate the source of the leak.
More than 10% of your roof shows visible damage.
You notice mold or a persistent musty odor in the attic.
Leaks return after temporary fixes.
It’s been over 10 years since your last roof inspection.
A professional can use drone or thermal imaging inspections to detect hidden moisture without removing shingles.
Document the damage (photos and videos before and after).
Notify your insurance company if the leak was storm-related.
Request a free inspection from American Roofing & Construction, LLC to evaluate repairs or replacement.
Avoid quick fixes like tape or sealant — these can trap moisture and worsen the problem.
Act fast: prolonged moisture leads to mold, wood rot, and even loss of warranty coverage.
A leak can start with just one loose shingle but end up damaging your entire roof structure. Detecting the problem early can save you thousands in repairs.
👉 At American Roofing & Construction, LLC, we provide professional post-storm roof inspections across North Carolina. Our experts identify hidden damage and help you protect your investment.
Contact us today for a free inspection and make sure your roof is ready for the next storm.
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