Roofs are built to endure the weather, but big storms can sometimes win the battle against your roof, causing serious damage. Because this damage may be difficult to notice from the ground, a comprehensive roof examination is essential. Homeowners should be on the lookout for symptoms of roof deterioration to avoid more costly problems down the road.
The damage to your roof that a storm may have caused might be quite dangerous. Worst of all, you may not be entirely aware of all of the hazards that have entered your property. A professional roof inspection can assist you in detecting problems that you may not be aware of. Your inspector will be able to tell you if you need a new roof or only a repair.
Signs To Check For on Your Roof After a Significant Storm
- Wind Damage: The first indicator of hurricane damage is missing shingles. Make sure your roof’s flashing is in good shape and not damaged or missing. Flashings are usually made of metal and are located in the most susceptible areas of your roof. If your roof has been exposed to high winds, it is always a good idea to have it inspected by a professional
- Hail Damage: Hailstorms may bruise shingles by creating an indentation on the surface of the shingle. On the shingles’ edges, you may see a unique pattern of tiny round-shaped divots. Another, perhaps simpler, method to tell whether your roof has been damaged by hail is to inspect your flashing for circular indents in the metal. Look for indentations on shingles where granules are missing, as well as a big collection of granules near the downspout’s terminus
- Falling Debris: Trees and other natural debris may fall on your roof during major storms. This may lead to shingle cracks, which can lead to leaks in the future. If you see debris on your roof after a storm, you should hire a professional to determine if there is any shingle damage beneath the debris. To prevent future problems, make sure your trees are pruned away from your roof.
Three Benefits to Having a Professional Assess Storm Damage
- A professional will analyze the stability of your roof.
The first step in an inspection is to assess the stability of your roof. This involves inspecting the roof’s supports to see whether they’ve buckled or are favoring particular locations. If there has been a significant quantity of rain, snow, or ice on the surface, or if a tree limb or other big solid body has gotten in the way of your property, the stability should be examined.
- A professional will not ignore seemingly minor signs.
It’s not necessarily a terrible idea to climb up on a ladder and check your roof. You’ll most likely notice any significant damage so that experts may come in and repair it. However, depending on that examination alone isn’t a good idea. When a professional comes to examine your roof after a storm, they do it thoroughly. Small leaks, shingles that have been damaged, and ice dams are all instances of minor structural damage that should never be ignored. Professionals also know precisely what to check for on both the outside and inside of your roof.
- You can file for insurance claims.
Before you can submit an insurance claim, you’ll need a professional roof inspection. A reputable roofing company, such as Abstract Roofing and Construction, can record any damage, provide cost estimates for a roofing insurance claim, and execute any required emergency roof repairs.