Are you worried that harsh weather, like strong winds and heavy rain, might’ve damaged your roof? If your area was affected by such weather events, it’s wise to get your roof inspected and look for any sign that your roof needs repairs or roof replacement. It’s best to solve any issue early on, as neglected damage can create bigger problems.
Unfortunately, many roof problems can go undetected, as the shingles appear to be unharmed at first glance. This is why you should know where to look for wind damage and water damage. Here is a guide on how to do that.
Damage Caused by Strong Winds
Although a roof system is designed to protect your house from the elements, repeated exposure to harsh weather can damage it in time. High winds can have destructive consequences on your roof, whether they are directly affecting its structure or by causing other objects to crash into it.
One way the wind can weaken your roof is by loosening, tearing or removing shingles from it, exposing the underlying structure to water, wind and other factors. In some cases, you might notice the shingles curling, which is a clear sign that the seal bonding them together is broken.
Another area of your roof to check after high winds is the chimney flashing: the metal sheets that waterproof the area where the chimney connects to the roof. If you notice any movement, looseness, dents or roof leaks in the area, you might want to hire a professional for a check-up and make an insurance claim in case you do have problems.
As mentioned before, storm damaged roofs might not always show obvious signs of tear, as stress points are often hidden near joints, edges or under the surface of the roof. Sometimes, the evidence leading to a damaged roof is indirect, like fallen tree branches on your lawn, or damage to your windows and gutters.
Check the state of your windows, shutters, porch, outside walls of the house and the vegetation near your house. If you see signs of damage there, your roof probably took a blow too. If you suspect roof damage, call a professional to assess the situation, as going up the roof yourself can be dangerous, especially after a storm.
Damage Caused by Rain and Other Types of Precipitations
Water damage can be hard to detect, as it infiltrates discreetly in your roof’s weak points and won’t be noticeable until it reaches your living area. After heavy rain, it’s good to inspect your roof, but also your attic and ceilings. Signs of roof leaks are water spots, dripping, the presence of moss or mould. Water damage can lead to ice dam conditions, which can cause even more damage in time.
Hail storms can affect your roof, too. Shingles have a protective layer of crushed stone and minerals, which gives them the durability and strength needed to protect your house from the rain or sun. These shingle granules can be dislodged from the asphalt base in a hail storm, as the hailstones crash into the roof at speeds proportional to their size. These dents in the protective layer can become weak points in your roof, leading to roof leaks, water damage, and other issues.
Depending on the roofing material, storm damage might look different. Wooden shingles and roof structures can get moldy or rotten, asphalt shingles lose their protective mineral coating and curl up, while metal roofing can get dents and loose tiles after a strong storm. It’s important to look for any weak points and to remember checking the adjacent structures, like the gutters, the attic or the windows.
If you need an expert’s evaluation on the state of your roof system after a storm, don’t hesitate to contact City2Surf Roofing, for great services including leaking roof repairs. Give us a call on 1300 296 842, to schedule a consultation.