Michigan Storms Bring Hail, High Winds & Potential Roof Damage: What Homeowners Should Know

Severe weather has been moving through Michigan today, bringing strong winds, hail, heavy rainfall, and powerful thunderstorms to communities across the state. For homeowners, the storm may be over in a matter of minutes—but the damage it leaves behind can create problems for months or even years if it goes unnoticed.

The National Weather Service placed numerous Southeast Michigan counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch today, including Lapeer, Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Livingston, St. Clair, and surrounding areas. Some storms have been capable of producing wind gusts around 60 mph and quarter-size hail, with the National Weather Service specifically warning of potential damage to roofs, siding, trees, and vehicles. (National Weather Service)

If your home was in the path of today's storms, here's what you should know.

How Today's Michigan Storms Can Damage Your Roof

Storm damage isn't always as obvious as a missing section of shingles or a tree falling onto your house. In many cases, the initial damage can be relatively small.

High winds can lift, loosen, crease, or completely remove shingles. Once the seal between shingles is compromised, future rain can find its way underneath your roofing system.

Hail can knock protective granules off asphalt shingles or create impact marks that weaken the shingle. Today's storms have produced reports of hail, including hail around an inch in diameter in some areas. (WWMT)

Heavy rainfall can then take advantage of areas that have already been compromised by wind or hail. Water intrusion may not immediately become visible inside your home, which is why seemingly minor storm damage shouldn't be ignored.

Signs of Storm Damage to Look For

Once the severe weather has safely passed, homeowners can look around their property from the ground for signs of damage. Don't climb onto a wet or potentially damaged roof yourself.

Keep an eye out for missing or displaced shingles, pieces of shingles in the yard, damaged gutters or downspouts, fallen branches, exposed roofing material, or new signs of water intrusion inside your home.

Even if you don't see anything obvious, that doesn't necessarily mean your roof escaped damage.

Why a Roof Inspection After a Major Storm Matters

Some of the most important storm damage can be difficult to identify without getting a closer look at the roofing system.

A professional roof inspection can identify areas affected by hail and wind before they develop into more significant issues. Catching a compromised shingle, damaged flashing, or another vulnerable area early may help prevent water intrusion and more extensive repairs later.

This is especially important after severe weather like Michigan experienced today. The National Weather Service warned that storms moving through portions of Southeast Michigan could specifically cause wind damage to roofs and siding and hail damage to property. (National Weather Service)

Think Today's Storm Damaged Your Roof? Call The Roof Depot

If your home was hit by today's hail, extreme winds, or severe thunderstorms, don't wait until you see a leak to have your roof checked.

The Roof Depot offers FREE roof inspections to help Michigan homeowners determine whether their roofing system suffered storm damage.

Our team can inspect your roof, explain what we find, and help you determine the appropriate next steps.

The Roof Depot — Your One Stop Roofing Shop

📞 586-707-7663🌐 www.lapeerroof.com

Schedule your free roof inspection today.