During severe storms, roofs can become easily damaged. Not all roof damage is easy to see from the ground, nor is it readily apparent to the untrained eye. You have to know what to look for when it comes to identifying roof damage after a storm.
The most common damage to roofs will be to the shingles, which, for most homes, are made of asphalt. Asphalt shingles consist of asphalt that is re-enforced with an organic filler material or fiberglass. They are then coated with tiny metallic granules that are designed to protect your roof from UV rays. Storms, particularly those with high winds, can easily damage these shingles. Hail is also a leading cause of roof damage, and hail damage to a shingle will look like a bruised dark spot. This darkening is due to the shingle losing its metallic granules during the storm.
Other signs of roof damage include missing shingles, torn flashing, cracked shingles, and split seams. High winds can cause entire squares or sections of your roof to be torn off or blown away. Roof shape and style can also affect how prone your roof is to damage from high winds. If your shingles become damaged or missing, your roof can experience significant water damage that can weaken structural integrity and cause it to cave in. If you notice any water damage, you should make the call for roof repair immediately.
Check Items Outside:
Storms will often damage more than just your shingles, so you should take a careful look at your exhaust caps, roof flashing, and roof vents for additional signs of damage. You should also look for leaks and split seams for hidden signs of water damage.
Windows:
If your windows have become damaged in a storm, there is a good chance that your roof is damaged as well. Look for shattered windows, cracks, damage to the wood, pits, and holes. If you see any of this type of damage, contact us immediately. It is far better to pay for an inspection of your roof and catch any potential damage early on than risk having to purchase a new roof.
Loose granules:
If granules start to fall off your roof in large quantities, that is a clear sign of roof damage. Look for collections of granules or mineral deposits in your gutters, downspouts, and driveway for any evidence of possible further damage. If you find this type of evidence, again, contact us – as your roof will likely require repair.
We specializes in identifying and repairing roofs that have been damaged by storms.
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