Roofing Storm Damage 101: Everything You Need to Know
Are you concerned about the potential for roofing storm damage to your home? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll go over the basics of roofing storm damage and provide you with everything you need to know to protect your home and minimize the impact of a storm. We’ll cover topics such as what to look for when inspecting your roof for storm damage, how to spot signs of damage after a storm, and how to prevent storm damage in the future. So read on to learn all about roofing storm damage and how to protect your home from it.
The Different Types of Storm Damage
Storms can cause a range of different types of damage to your roof. These can range from minor issues such as shingle loss to more serious problems like missing sheathing and damaged flashing. In some cases, hail or high winds can cause structural damage to the roof that must be addressed immediately by a qualified roofing contractor. The most common types of storm damage are as follows:
• Shingle Loss: High winds can cause shingles to be blown off the roof, leaving the underlayment exposed. This will allow water to enter the structure, leading to additional damage.
• Leaks: Storms can lead to leaks in your roof, either from damage to the roofing materials or from clogged gutters. Leaks need to be addressed quickly by a qualified roofing contractor to prevent further damage.
• Flashing Damage: Flashing is used to cover any gaps between the roof and other parts of the building, such as walls and chimneys. If the flashing is damaged, water can enter the structure, causing extensive damage.
• Structural Damage: Hail and high winds can cause significant structural damage to the roof. This includes punctures, cracked rafters, and broken trusses. A roofing contractor should be called in to inspect the roof and provide a solution.
Warnings That Your Roof Has Storm Damage
It’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs that your roof has sustained storm damage. Early detection can help you prevent further damage and expense. If you spot any of the following, it’s time to call a roofing contractor:
• Missing or cracked shingles: Missing or cracked shingles can be a sign that your roof has sustained storm damage. They can easily be spotted from the ground level, so check your roof regularly.
• Leaks in the attic: If you find water pooling or dripping in your attic, this could be a sign that your roof has sustained storm damage.
• Granules in the gutter: Asphalt shingle roofs usually have tiny granules on the surface of the shingles that can wash into the gutters after a storm. Excessive granules in the gutter could be a sign that your roof has been damaged.
• Daylight coming through the roof boards: If you can see light coming through your roof boards, this is a definite sign that your roof has been damaged by a storm and needs to be repaired.
• Damaged flashing: Flashing is used around chimneys and skylights to keep water out. If you see any rust spots or tears, this could indicate that the flashing has been damaged.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to contact a roofing contractor right away to get an assessment of the damage and have it repaired as soon as possible.
What To Do If Your Roof Has Storm Damage
If you think your roof has been damaged by a storm, the most important thing to do is to contact a roofing contractor. A roofing contractor will inspect your roof and assess the damage. They can then recommend the best course of action to make sure your roof is safe and secure.
If the roof is still intact, a roofing contractor may be able to repair the damage without needing to replace the entire roof. In some cases, the shingles may need to be replaced or patched, while in other cases, the roofing material may need to be replaced entirely. The contractor will provide you with an estimate of the cost of repairs and you can decide whether to proceed or not.
If the storm damage is more severe, your roofing contractor may recommend replacing the entire roof. In this case, they will remove the old materials and replace them with new materials that are more resistant to future storm damage. If your home is located in an area prone to frequent storms, the contractor may recommend installing a more durable type of roofing material, such as metal or tile.
No matter what type of storm damage your roof has sustained, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. A roofing contractor will be able to help you assess the damage and take steps to ensure your home is safe and secure.
