Hail, wind, and tornadic activity — and what each one does to your roof.
Hail
Even small hail (1") can bruise asphalt shingles, breaking the mat under the granules.
Wind
50+ MPH winds break the seal strip on shingles, leaving an open path for the next rainstorm.
Tornadic activity
Even outside the actual tornado path, outflow winds and pressure changes can cause widespread damage.
Debris
Tree limbs and yard debris driven by wind cause punctures and impact damage.
Need a real opinion on your roof?
Free, no-pressure inspections across Huntsville and North Alabama.
Local Factors That Change How Alabama Storms Damage Roofs in Huntsville
River-valley humidity across Madison, Morgan, and Limestone Counties feeds algae streaking and keeps decking damp after leaks. Moisture that lingers is what takes a minor flashing failure into rotted sheathing.
Local code matters too. Roofing work inside Huntsville city limits follows the International Residential Code as adopted locally, which sets nailing patterns, drip edge, underlayment, and attic ventilation minimums — and allows no more than two roof coverings before a full tear-off is required. When a roof is replaced, the new installation has to meet current code even if the old one predated it.
What to Do Next
- 1Write down when you first noticed the issue — carriers and contractors both ask for a date.
- 2Look for granules in gutters and at downspout outlets, which signals shingle wear or impact.
- 3Avoid climbing the roof yourself; wet or aging shingles cause most homeowner falls.
- 4Have the roof and attic inspected together, since half the useful evidence is underneath.
- 5Compare any two estimates line by line: underlayment, flashing, ventilation, warranty.