Are you worried about your roof due to severe weather in the area? Are you wondering if you need a roof repair or if you should wait it out?
The roof is the most important part of your house as it protects you, your family, and your house from bad weather. So, if your roof is damaged, you will suffer heavily if not corrected immediately. Unfortunately, many people wait for the worst to happen before taking action, and this may not be enough.
There are certain signs of roof damage that you need to look out for if you have experienced severe weather conditions.
Here are some tips to consider.
Missing Shingles
If you notice pieces of your shingles on the ground or scattered around the edges of your roof, this is a sure sign your roof with storm damage has suffered serious trouble. Missing shingles can cause water and debris to enter your home, leading to further water damage and property damage.
The edge of the roof is often the first place to show damage, with missing shingles being a unique indicator. If there is missing shingle evidence, make sure to have your roof inspected by a qualified roofer as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs may be.
Leaky/Clogged Gutters
After experiencing a severe storm, inspecting your roof for potential signs of damage should be at the top of your to-do list. One sign to look for is leaky or clogged gutters.
Poorly draining gutters, as well as dirty, overflowing gutters, can show a significant problem with the roof. Damage to the shingles, broken seals beneath the shingles, clogged sedimentation filters, or damaged skylights can all be to blame for a clogged gutter.
Be sure to check the downspouts for blockages as well. If your gutters are not draining properly, this can lead to water backing up and seeping into your roof, resulting in mold and mildew growth, as well as roof rot and future roof storm damage.
Loose Debris
Loose debris, like shingles, branches, and leaves, is typically the result of strong winds. If the winds are strong enough, they can rip off pieces of the roofing, allowing loose debris to scatter onto the ground.
Even if the roof looks intact, missing roofing material could be hiding underneath the remaining shingles or other roofing material. You might need to climb up on the roof to check more thoroughly for loose debris in tight corners and crevices. Any loose debris that remains on the roof should be cleaned up immediately to prevent any further damage from occurring.
Water Damage to Walls or Ceilings
If the storm has caused a leak from the roof, chances are water will make its way into the house. This can start with visible water stains on the wall or ceiling or a generally damp feeling throughout the area.
Other signs include wood discoloration, crumbling drywall, warped wood panels, and a musty smell. If left alone, water damage can lead to further structural damage and health hazards such as mold and mildew growth.
Hail Damage
Many times, hail damage can be determined by looking at the shingles. Look for shingles that are missing granules or that have dents or cracks in them.
Sometimes pieces of asphalt may be missing after a hail storm. If this happens, it is best to have a roof inspection so that nothing else is damaged or weakened.
Problems in the Attic
After a storm, there are many signs of roof damage that one should look out for in their attic. These signs can include pieces of roof shingles scattered on the ground, cracked roofing materials, displaced roofing components such as tiles, panels, or even missing roof caps, water stains, drips, or water seeping inside near the roof line, damp insulation, and peeling paint on the ceiling or walls.
Other less common problems include rotting wood, mold, and the growth of algae. These problems in the attic can show water damage due to storms and should be addressed and fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and costly roof repairs.
Hidden Damage
Active leaks, shingles that are missing or damaged, sagging areas, and other visible signs of damage should all be inspected after a storm. Hidden damage can be harder to notice and can cause significant unseen damage.
To check for hidden damage, take a walk around your property and pay close attention to any areas that may have taken a direct hit. Look for lost granules in the gutter, cracked/bent flashing, and any signs of disfigurement.
The Extent of Shingle Damage
Excessive winds, hail, and heavy rains can cause many problems with a roof, but shingle damage is particularly noteworthy due to its costly repair. There may also be exposed nails that were driven too far into the roof when the shingles were replaced.
If either of these issues is spotted, it’s important to take immediate action and call a roofing contractor to assess and repair the damage. Shingle damage is typically more severe in cases of high-grade winds and hail; failure to promptly address even minor damage can result in costly repairs and moisture damage that can cause mold and mildew to flourish.
What to Look for When Inspecting for Roof Damage
Storms can take a great toll on the roofs of our homes. It is important to stay vigilant and inspect the roof of our houses after major storms for indications of damage.
If visible damage is found, contact a professional to properly assess the extent of the damage. Don’t wait – protect your home and family by keeping an eye out for signs of roof damage after a storm.
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