Storm damage to your roof is a major fear for all homeowners. Roofs serve such an important part of every person’s home, and any damage to them can not only impact your wallet, but also your safety. With storm damage, the key is to catch it early on. Storm damage, or any type of roof damage, will not get better over time. Instead, it will get much worse and will cost a lot of money to fix. Neglected roof damage can eventually spread to the decking of your roof and lead to a necessary roof replacement.
In order to catch storm-related roof damage early on you must know what signs to look for. It is best to look for these signs anytime after a major storm just to be safe. Trust us when we say it’s better to be safe than sorry. Today we will be discussing what signs of roof damage to look for following a storm, how to do it safely, and the importance of addressing roofing issues right away.
At Liberty Roofworks we believe that all homeowners have the right to be educated about the world of roofing. This not only protects them from scammers but also helps homeowners to make the best decisions for their home as well as teaches them how to care for their roof and maintain it. Reading this article is a great first step in. If you are interested in learning more about the roofing process for homes be sure to check out our Learning Hub. It is here that we post new roofing-related content every single week on different realms of roofing.
What causes roof damage?
When it comes to the elements, they are unpredictable and can cause a substantial amount of damage. The most common causes of storm damage include heavy rainfall, high winds, debris, hail, and even snow.
There are some factors that can increase your chances of experiencing storm damage to your roof. The first is where you live since some areas are more prone to certain weather types than others. The second is how old and well-maintained your roof is. Older roofs are likely to have more issues in general and are easier to damage, the same goes for roofs that are not maintained.
Check the outside of your property
This step may seem dumb to some, but it truly is one of the easiest ways to determine if you have roof damage. Check your lawn for any shingles that may have blown off and fallen down. During high winds and heavy rain, it isn’t uncommon for roofs to lose shingles. Another thing to check is both your mailbox and garage. If you notice any dents after a bad storm it is likely from hail and means that your roof has dents as well.
The state of your property at the ground level can tell you a lot about how your roof is likely looking. If you notice damage to your neighbor’s roofs or other roofs in your neighborhood, that is also a strong sign that your roof may have experienced damage too.
Shingle damage
Even if your shingles may not be found on your lawn there is still a chance of shingle damage being present. One of the easiest ways to spot shingle damage is to go to the street or sidewalk area and look up at your roof. Shingle damage can consist of broken, lifted, curled, and cracked shingles. You may even notice a patch of missing shingles that blew away during a storm.
Aside from the standard weather elements such as rain and wind, other storm factors can damage shingles too. Debris is a big issue that many people overlook. If a branch or other object is blown onto your roof, even just temporarily during a storm, it can snag onto a shingle or even cause gutter damage. If you aren’t able to spot any damage from the street view but are still concerned, it is best to hire a professional local roofer to come and perform an inspection.
Debris and clogged gutters
We already talked about how debris can lift and damage shingles, but it can also put holes in your roof. Large branches can fall and cause structural damage to your home or even just minor holes that would eventually cause big issues if not addressed. If you ever notice a larger branch on your roof without damage caused, it is still best to have it removed to prevent damage over time or it falling and being a safety hazard.
Debris also comes in smaller forms such as leaves and dirt. It is important to keep your roof clean, which roofers can help with, to prevent damage from happening over time. It is also extremely important to make sure your gutters are cleaned out routinely since leaves and dirt easily build up.
Gutters are great because they safely transport the water that gathers on your roof from the rain down to the ground. When gutters are clogged, they can no longer do this properly. Instead, the water will pool up and gather on the roof as well as overflow over the edge of the roof. When water pools, it can get under the shingles, damage the roof, and even impact the decking. When water pools over it can eventually cause foundational issues if neglected long enough.
Storms can clog gutters fast especially if it’s windy and leaves are falling. The easiest way to determine if your gutters need cleaning is by looking for water spilling over the edge of the gutter during a storm. If heavy water is flowing over, it is time to get your gutters cleaned out.
Should I inspect my roof myself?
We understand that inspecting your own roof after a storm may be tempting and an easy way to save a bit of money, but we strongly advise against this. Professional roofers know exactly what to look for and can spot damage that the average homeowner may not notice. Failing to notice damage early on will only lead to more damage and extra money spent. Roofs are expensive and it’s even more expensive if the decking and other layers take on damage too.
Standing on top of a roof is also very dangerous, especially if you are not used to doing so. It is always a better option to have an inspection done by a roofing professional. If you are weary about their findings it never hurts to have another company come out for a second opinion.
Wrapping it up
Roof damage is never fun and it never comes at a convenient time. Catching it early on and knowing the warning signs will save you a lot of hassle and stress down the line. It is especially important to look for signs of roof damage after a major storm since your roof may be exposed to the elements.
Don’t forget to have your routine roof inspections every year too. We recommended 1-2 roofing inspections done a year by a professional. Remember, roof damage can occur from other factors such as old age. Routine inspections will help keep your roof in the best shape possible and ensure you get the most out of your money. This also includes regular gutter cleanings.
Finally, do not inspect your roof yourself but instead hire an experienced roofer who is local to your area. They will make sure nothing goes unnoticed and that your roof remains in the best condition possible.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of the severity of storm damage to roofs and what signs of storm damage to look for. Be sure to check out our Learning Hub for other roof-related articles about storm damage and even insurance claim advice.
We are here to help!
At Liberty Roofworks we understand that roofing can be stressful. That is why we work with each and every one of our customers throughout the entire process and answer any questions they may have. Transparency is a guarantee with us and our craftsmanship is like no other.
With over 20 years of professional roofing experience under our belts, this family-owned and operated business will take care of all of your home’s roofing needs. All of our roofers are professionally trained, licensed, and insured. Customer satisfaction is our top priority and we are equipped to take on virtually any roofing project.
Do you suspect there is storm damage to your roof? Contact us and we will gladly send one of our roofers over to perform a thorough inspection. Should damage be spotted, they will then go over what your options are as well as offer their professional opinion. We are even happy to help with insurance claims for roof damage if needed. With us, roofing does not have to be stressful!
Aside from inspections we also offer roof replacements, roof repairs, and we even install solar panels. Whatever your roof needs, we got you covered.