While roofs are designed to withstand harsh elements and heavy storms, sometimes storms can win the battle and result in damage to your roof. Not only can this be devastating in terms of potential damage within your home due to a damaged roof such as water leaking into your living space because of a hole in your roof, but it can be devastating in terms of breaking your wallet. Roof damage can be a costly expense and one that arises at the most unexpected times. While roof damage isn’t always preventable, having the right roofing professionals to be there when an incident does happen can help give you peace of mind knowing you have reliable service. It is also essential to have a plan in case a storm does cause extensive damage to your roof. You’ll want to have contacts and know that you have a reliable roofing company there to help you with the repairs or replacement.
Inspect Your Roof and Property Following a Storm
After a storm has happened the first thing you should do is check your property and roof for damage caused by the storm. This makes sure that any issues that may have been caused by the storm are caught early and prevents any risks of them becoming worse and causing you to need roof replacements that were avoidable. These inspections can be done yourself, but hiring a professional roofer can help ensure that nothing is missed and that all issues are caught and fixed as early as possible. They can also climb onto the roof safely without you risking injury to assess the damage.
Inspections should be conducted inside and outside of the home. Inside, checking the attic, the ceilings, and the wall for any damage and/or leaking. Wet spots, streaks, rotting wood, mold, mildew, cracking paint are all signs to watch for as well that can indicate roof damage following a storm. Also check to see if there is sunlight showing through the roof. On the outside, be sure to check the roof for missing or loose shingles that will indicate damage. Examine the parts of the rood you can see and take note about if they appear intact or not. Next, walk around the perimeter of your home or building and watch for nails, shingles, or other debris that may have flown off the roof. Fall tree limbs are another indication of damage, especially if they are on or around your home. Tree branches can scrape shingles and loosen/weaken them and cause there to be less protection for your home.
Types of Storm Damage
Rain on its own rarely causes damage to roofs, but adding wind, debris, and hail into the mix can be a different story. Oftentimes the roof damage is noticeable to the naked eye while some types of damage are not so easy to see and are often missed when a professional isn’t called in for an inspection. The most common types of storm damage seen with roofing professionals are wind, hail, and water damage.
Wind Damage
Winds often accompany storms, especially in areas like Northern Utah: both light and heavy winds. Damaging winds are considered 50 miles per hour or more and are the reason for much of the roof damage caused to homes in the area. The types of damage as well as the severity of the damage will determine if repairs or a replacement is needed. There are some common signs to indicate that the roof damage you may be experiencing was caused by wind damage, some include:
- Loose Debris: Most people know that wind can cause and carry debris and cause even more damage with the debris. Debris can include items such as tree branches, yard waste, outdoor furniture and much more. This damage is almost always visible and can be prevented by clearing all loose items from your yard or property before the storm starts when you know there will be wind.
- Granule Loss: Granular loss is common and normal for roof over time and it usually happens little by little, however when your roof goes from no loss to significant loss after experiencing a storm, there’s a good chance the storm was the culprit and the roof will need repairs. Normally, granule loss can be seen with horizontal lines that indicate where the shingles’ seal was broken. Granules rub off as shingles flap in the wind.
- Missing or Loose Shingles: Shingles that were already peeling or cracked before the storm are very likely to come loose or missing following the weather. At this point the rood is weak and more susceptible to the effects of heavy wind. The best way to prevent shingles damage from a storm is to make sure your roof is regularly maintained and that all shingles are in good condition. This can be inspected by you or a professional roofer.
- Water Leaks: Most water leaks travelling through the ceiling are a result of wind damage and can cause even more problems for you in addition to the hole in the roof. When water has compromised the shingles and the underlayment then water can flood upper rooms of the home and building.
Hail Damage
In Utah, hail and snow happen a lot especially during the fall and winter months and can result in extensive damage to the roof of your home or building and force you to spend a fortune on repairs and a replacement. Some common signs of hail and snow damage on the roof include missing or damaged shingles, clogged gutters, and ice dams.
- Missing/damages Shingles: Hail damage can result in shingles missing from the property all together, or cracks and peeling of the existing shingles. Dents are also possible and are often round when they are caused by hail.
- Clogged Gutters: Following a storm, clogged gutters should be cleaned out as soon as possible. Water can drain from the broken gutters to the foot of the building and eventually erode the foundation and cause the structure to be unsafe. Bending and dislocation are also signs as well and should be repaired.
- Ice Dams: Ice dams are a result of snowmelt freezing of the eaves of roofs that are poorly maintained. The ridge of ice prevents the water from melting the snow and leaving the roof which can cause leaks and shingle damage over time. These are usually visible and require immediate attention.
Water Damage
Water damage can be a result of a variety of different incidents, but especially storms. Some signs of water damage may be:
- Moisture and Issue in Attic or Upper Rooms: Following a storm be sure to check your attic and upper rooms of the building for leaks and other signs of moisture. This may indicate a hole or crack in the roof that needs to be repaired. Repairing and replacing ths damage can help prevent problems relating to mold and mildew.
- Damage to Roof Supports: Damage to the roof supports and accents may not be visible immediately after the storm, and may require the attention of a professional to identify the issue. Shingles can appear intact and water can still be pooling after heavy rain.
Did a Storm Damage Your Roof? Call a Professional Today
It is very important to address your roof damage as early as possible if you suspect your building has suffered roof damage. Further damage and repairs may be required if the issue is not quickly resolved and can be more costly for you overall. Give our professional roofing experts a call today at Kanga Roof to learn more about our services and how we can help.
