Storms can wreak havoc on even the most modern and well-designed homes. Unfortunately, your roof will often be the first victim of storm damage. Your roof's primary job is to protect your home and its occupants from the elements, but severe weather can mean that your roof won't always come away from this task unscathed.

Responding quickly to storm damage is the best way to minimize further damage to your roof and protect the rest of your home. If you suspect your roof has storm damage (even if it seems relatively minor), you should treat the situation as an emergency. Keep reading for three steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a storm to minimize costs and protect your home.

Step 1: Make a Safety Assessment

Storms can do more than cause minor cosmetic damage or create the potential for leaks. Severe damage to your roof can compromise your home's structure and make the entire house unsafe to occupy. Your first step following a major storm should be performing a quick check to ensure your roof isn't dangerously damaged.

While a tree leaning on your house is a sure sign that you'll need to spend some time in a hotel, don't forget to look for less obvious issues. Any holes or signs of collapse are a warning sign that the roof may have a compromised structure. If in doubt, contact an emergency roofer to perform an immediate inspection.

Step 2: Look for Interior Leaks or Damage

Once you're confident you can safely remain in your home, you'll want to check for signs of leaks or other damage. Heavy winds can often drive rain under shingles and allow it to seep into locations it might not otherwise reach. The immediate aftermath of a storm is a good time to look for these issues since you might be able to see wet spots in your attic.

Any sign of leakage is a major problem. Water damage can cause serious issues, and unaddressed leaks can lead to mold or even rot sections of your home's structure. Moldy or damp smells in your attic or in other areas that should be dry are another warning sign that the recent storm may have allowed water to enter your home.

Step 3: Consider Making an Emergency Roofing Call

A professional inspection is always a good idea following a major storm. Issues such as hail damage or torn shingles might be hard to spot from the ground, and a trained eye is often necessary to locate these problems from up close. However, any damage you can see from the ground (or inside your home) is a sign that you need to contact a roofer immediately.

Bringing an emergency roofer to your home will allow you to quickly determine the damage's extent and make immediate repairs or take temporary measures to prevent further water damage. Quick action will ensure that water doesn't continue to leak into your home, causing even more damage and forcing far more extensive repairs.

Contact a roofing contractor to make an appointment.