Roofers will often tell you to look your roof over after every big storm and to contact them if you are in need of roof repairs. This is great advice, but homeowners often find that it is incomplete. They wonder what they are actually looking for when they assess their roof for storm damage. Keep reading to discover the key signs that your roof needs repairs after a storm.

Lifted Shingles

If there are no missing shingles, that is certainly a good thing, but also look closely at the shingles that are still on the roof. Are they lying flat, or do they appear to be lifted along one or more sides? Lifted shingles are not an immediate threat to your roof and probably won't start leaking right away, but they are definitely something to have your roofer take care of before the next storm. One more strong wind could blow them off completely. A roofer will either seal them down or replace them.

Black Spots

This one is particularly important to look for if the storm brought any hail with it. Look for spots that are black, a little bit shiny, and round. These are where the hail hit the shingles and knocked the granules off. Shingle granules are important for helping the roof shed water, so you don't want them to be missing in too many spots. A roofer will usually replace shingles that have been hail damaged. If the hail damage extends over the whole roof, though, you may be advised to have the whole roof replaced.

Damaged Fascia or Flashing

Finally, take a close look at all of the metal components of your roof. This includes any flashing around chimneys and vents, flashing in valleys, and fascia placed along the edge of the roof. If you notice that these components are pitted, lifted, peeling, or otherwise damaged, contact a roofer for repairs. These metal pieces are basically your roof's first line of defense as they generally keep water from seeping under your shingles. You don't want it to rain again before you have them replaced or repaired.

Storms can be hard on roofs, which is why it is so important to check for roof damage after every storm. Now, you know what to look for. While the problems above are some of the most common, you should call your roofer if you notice anything else wrong, too.

Contact residential roofing services near you to learn more.