If you suspect roof storm damage, then you’ll need to handle it right away as having a secured roof for your home is important. Here are 5 signs to look out for and what steps to take next.
Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home, and one that you need to take good care of. If your roof sustains damage, then the rest of your home is at risk. How can you tell when a roof has been damaged in a storm, and what should you do if the damage has already occurred?
Here’s everything you need to know.
5 Signs of Storm Damage to Your Roof
After any storm, you’ll need to go out and check your roof. In most cases, you can do your inspection from the ground or in the attic. If you’re unsure of anything though, it’s always a good idea to call a professional and have them take a look for you.
Here’s what you should be looking for when you do your inspection:
1. Broken or Missing Shingles
This will be the most common sign of damage on your roof. In bad storms, those shingles can come loose and even come off entirely. They could also start to cup or buckle as they become saturated with water. Either way, that is now leaving a chink in your roof’s defense, where water can get in.
2. Broken or Missing Flashing
This is a similar sign that you should be looking out for. Flashing is strips of material that cover t5he joins in your roof, especially around areas like your chimney. Again, if that’s broken or missing, it can be letting water in.
3. Water Leaks in the Home
Did you develop a leak somewhere in your home after a storm? That’s a sign that there’s damage to the roof somewhere. You may see dripping water, or a water stain appear on the ceiling.
4. Clogged or Broken Guttering
When inspecting your roof, make sure you check the guttering too. During a storm, debris, such as leaves, gets blown around. They will end up in your gutters, clogging them up. You may also find broken guttering if it was a bad storm. This is something that you’ll need to handle quickly, as that guttering won’t be able to direct water away from the house.
5. Moisture in the Attic
Make sure you’re checking your attic as well as outside the roof. If you find there’s moisture in there after a storm, that shows you that water is making its way in somewhere. Moisture is also a sign of other problems, such as poor ventilation. If you’re inspecting your roof regularly, you should be able to tell if this is a new problem after bad weather.
Types of Storm Damage
There are a few different types of storm damage that your roof can sustain. It pays to be aware of this, so you know what you’re looking for during an inspection:
Wind damage: Storms usually come with high winds, and these cause havoc on your roof. That wind can get under shingles and pull them loose, as well as blowing away granules and blowing that debris into the gutters.
Hail and snow damage: If you have a snowstorm in your area, then this can bring a whole new set of problems. If the gutters are clogged, this leads to ice dams that then allow water to back up onto the roof. The hail can also ‘bruise’ your shingles, rendering them less likely to protect your roof from water.
Water damage: This is a big danger when it comes to storm damage. With storms come rain, and that rain can get into your roof through several different avenues. Once the water is in, it creates leaks, mold, and wood rot among other issues.
What to Do Next
Now you’ve done your inspection of the roof, what do you need to do next? The golden rule is to address the problem as quickly as possible. The longer damage is left, the longer it will allow the roof to fall into disrepair.
Next, you’ll need to consider whether you’ll need to call in professionals to help you correct the damage. There are some smaller jobs you can do yourself, but remember that roofing is a dangerous job. If you’re ever unsure of what to do or feel that you don’t have the skills to take on a role, then you should always call on the professionals to help.
Replace shingles and flashing: If any shingles or flashing are missing, then they need to be replaced right away. Remember, the longer they’re missing, the longer water has a way into your roof. This is something you can do yourself if you’re confident, but it’s usually best to have roofers do this.
Clear out gutters: This is a simple task and one you can do right away. Grab a trash bag and start pulling any debris you find out of the gutters. This will allow water to flow through, so it won’t back up on your roof. Consider installing a gutter guard to help with this.
Brush snow off the roof: If you’ve had a snowstorm, then you won’t want water sitting on your roof for too long. You can use a roof rake to safely brush that snow off, all from ground level.
Ask for a professional inspection: If you haven’t already, make sure you call in a professional roofer to take a look at the roof for you. They will inspect it from the inside and out, and recommend any repairs that need to be made. With their help, they’ll be able to get your roof in top condition so it can weather more storms in the future.
Conclusion
If a storm blows over your area, there’s no need to worry too much. If you get out there as soon as it’s over and see what needs to be repaired, then you can avoid most large repair jobs. The key is to address it quickly, so you won’t have to worry about the roof getting more damaged over time. Call the professionals, and they can do all the right repairs for you.
