While your roof is designed and built to withstand lots of beatings from the weather, there will be instances where torrential downpours and strong winds will finally take a toll on it. In such an event, your roof may sustain minor to extensive damage, potentially losing its ability to protect your interiors from milder elements. This is why it is crucial that you uncover and address signs of weather-related damage before they spiral out of control and cause expensive repairs – compromising the safety and comfort of your family.
In this article, a trusted residential and commercial roofing contractor reveals some of the easy-to-miss signs of storm damage to roofs.
Storm Damage to Roofs – It’s Not Always Obvious!
Unfortunately, there are many forms of storm damage that can occur to residential roofs, and some of them are not always visible to the untrained eye. These include:
Loss of Granules
Many homeowners are unaware that the asphalt shingles on their roofs are covered in ceramic-coated granules. These sand-like ingredients are made from crushed stone and minerals and are used to create the colors and textures of asphalt shingles. When viewed from the ground, this component is nearly impossible to see. However, it performs several essential functions – such as blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing heat buildup and providing additional protection against moisture – that enable your roof to safeguard your home. If you see a substantial amount of granules collecting at the end of your downspouts or scattered all over your lawn, you may be in need of new shingles. Without these granules, your asphalt shingles are exposed to year-round elements like heat and rain. This can lead to a plethora of problems including water leakage and early deterioration of your roof.
Slight Lifting of Shingles
Even a storm that produces no rain or hail can cause notable, often undetected, damage to roofs. When winds move over the roof, they generate higher pressure in the corners, creating stress points that gradually deteriorate as years go by. One of the most common indications of wind-related damage to roofs appears along the edges, and in most cases, it materializes with a slight lifting of shingles. Over time, the affected shingles become looser until winds can get beneath them, resulting in a chain peeling effect. As the damage builds, the roof insulation can ultimately be exposed and rainwater can start seeping into your home. Because it no longer has a watertight seal, your roofing system will not be able to perform up to its full potential. For you to have peace of mind, let an experienced roofer conduct an inspection and replace lifted shingles after a storm event.
Dented Flashing and Gutters
Neglecting some of the less obvious signs of storm damage can come back to hunt you in the end. One such indication of damage that is often overlooked is flashing membrane and rain gutter issues. When it comes to gutters, it is easy to spot lodged branches, broken sections and overflows. However, loose attachments, blocked drain spouts and even small dents can pose a significant risk to the overall performance of your roofing system. When left unchecked, these easy-to-miss signs of storm damage can worsen over time and therefore require time-consuming and costly repairs, if not a total replacement of your current roof.
If you recently experienced a storm with fast winds and heavy rainfall, schedule an inspection to ensure that your gutters and flashing are still secured and firmly attached. That ounce of prevention might be all you need to give your residential roofing a few more years to live.
Minor Cracks
Any form of damage your roof sustains during a storm, no matter how small, is bad news. A minor leak in the roof can spread and affect other parts of your home as well, which can lead to stained ceilings, peeling or bubbling paint, wet floorboards or damp insulation. Even small cracks or tears in asphalt shingles can grow into serious water-related problems down the road. Roofs will also start to fail if punctures from windswept debris are left unchecked for quite some time. This is particularly true for residences or buildings with flat or low-slope roofs.
If you have seen any of these signs, do not wait until your roof is leaking in several different areas before you call a roofing expert. Take care of minor damage while you still can.
Finding Storm Damage to Roofs
If you want to prevent further damage from taking place, it is important that you identify and address storm damage shortly after it occurs. Here are some tips:
Consider your safety first. After a storm event, it can be tempting to climb on top of your roof and do a swift inspection. After all, you are a responsible homeowner who wants to stay on top of your most valuable investment. However, what is more important is that you prioritize your safety every step of the way, especially after a weather event that caused a lot of precipitation. Fortunately, there are many ways you can uncover hidden damage without having to scale your roof and put yourself in harm’s way. Even better, you can call in a roofing company to conduct a thorough post-storm inspection so nothing gets past you. Professional roofers have access to the right set of tools and equipment to help them carry out the work in a safe manner.
Look for debris. During a particularly stormy day, pounding rain and blasting wind can bring down heavy tree branches and carry fallen debris along. If you see that a lot of leaves, branches or twigs are scattered around, there is a great chance that chunks of windblown debris have hit your roof. You should also look around your property for pieces of outdoor furniture or fencing to get a sense of how powerful the gusts were. If large scraps have been blown across your yard, it is best to inspect for wind damage to your roof.
Keep in mind that the ability of roofing shingles to resist wind greatly varies. Check their wind rating, which is usually stated in the warranty. If you purchased shingles designed for climates prone to high winds, your roof would perform well in such conditions. If you went for cheaper shingles with a low wind rating, then examining your roofing for wind damage after a storm would be an urgent matter.
Inspect your roof.
Once the skies are clear and it is safe to go outside, go ahead and assess the condition of your roof from the ground up. With a pair of binoculars, see if there are dark streaks where hail or debris have knocked granules off your shingles. If the tar paper underneath your shingles is exposed in some areas, it is a red flag. Cracks or lines across the roof are also a sign that your shingles were hauled up by the wind.
Do not stop your inspection outside. If your roof appears to be intact, check the attic to make sure. A damp, clammy feeling is a common sign that your attic has been exposed to outside air that raised its level of moisture content. Check the rafters that support the weight of your roof as well. If these structures appear to be warped or wet, call a professional right away!
