By: Joshua Finley
Every season brings its share of bad weather, from high winds to hail, ice, and heavy snow. Damage from the elements can wreak havoc on your roof and threaten the integrity of your entire home.
It’s important to recognize the signs of roof damage, know what to do when you find it, and how to prepare your roof for storm damage to prevent it before it happens.
Common Signs of Roof Damage
Even minimal damage can compromise your roof and threaten the rest of your home. Recognizing the following common signs of damage a storm can cause to your roof is critical.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
After high winds, you may find shingles lying on the ground or missing shingles from the roof after a ground inspection. Wind can rip or lift shingles and hail can pound holes, dents, or cracks in your roof.
Granules in the Gutters
Granules on the surface of asphalt shingles protect your roof from harmful UV rays. It’s normal to lose a small of granules over time, but if you see excessive granules while cleaning the gutters or notice horizontal lines on the roof, stormy weather, especially hail has stripped the granule surface and can lead to problems with weatherproofing.
Damage to Flashing. Gutters, Fascia, and Soffit
Strong winds can loosen fittings, and gutters clogged with debris can shift flashing out of place. Soffits and fascias, important components to keep water out of your home’s interior, can suffer storm damage.
Water Stains on the Ceiling or in the Attic
Discolored rings on the ceiling or damp walls, wood, or insulation, are signs of water leaks. Check your attic, walls, and ceilings after every storm to look for these signs. Water damage can lead to mold and mildew and compromise roof supports.
Ice Dams
Winter snow and ice storms can cause the formation of ice dams. They occur when heat from the attic escapes and melts snow on the roof. When the water drips down to the roof’s edges, it can be refreeze. This cycle of thawing and freezing causes ice to accumulate and move back up the roof. The ice can rip gutters loose, break underneath shingles, and block melting snow from falling off the roof.
What To Do If You Find Damage
Inspect your roof’s condition frequently and take action right away. Pictures and videos will provide a record of the damage to report to your insurance company. It’s important to contact a professional roofing contractor to repair your roof as soon as possible. Waiting will shorten the life of your roof and lead to water damage in your home’s interior.
Storm Prep to Prevent Damage
You can’t prevent storms, but fortunately, several actions will minimize storm damage to your roof.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean and in good condition.
- Repair or replace loose shingles and tiles.
- Keep trees trimmed and clear debris from the roof.
- Reinforce vulnerable areas of your roofing system.
Published by: Martin De Juan
