Let’s be honest. Storms can be scary.
Not only does the thunder and lightning put us all on edge, but if you are a homeowner, you are likely worrying about your home as well!
Storm damage can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home, leading to extensive damage to the interior further down the line. Your roof is particularly vulnerable to damage. However, it can also be sneaky. To the untrained eye, you may think your roof is perfectly fine. Learning how to identify signs of storm damage can help you protect your home before the damage spreads.
In today’s post, we’ll help you learn:
- How to spot storm damage 👀
- Who to call for help 📲
- How to protect your roof 🏠
What Are the Dangers of Storm Damage?
So you lost a shingle or two in the storm last night. What’s the big deal? It’s just a shingle.
The truth is that when your roof works together, it is a pretty sturdy system. However, when a severe storm hits and parts of the roof sustain damage, that sturdy system can quickly fall apart. Here are just some of the dangers of leaving your roof storm damage untreated.
- Water Damage – The biggest and most immediate concern is water damage. When your roof is damaged, water can penetrate through the layers and get inside your home. This can lead to water stains, damaged personal items, and even leaks in your ceiling.
- Mold Growth – Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. If water is getting into your home, you could have mold and mildew growth and not notice it. While most types of mold are not overtly dangerous, they can still have detrimental effects on your respiratory system.
- Gutter Damage – Gutters play a big part in helping to divert water off of your roof and away from your home. If your gutters have been damaged, you may find that water is leaking into your home. This can damage and stain your siding, lead to moss growth on your home, and even create problems for your house’s foundation.
When Should I Check for Storm Damage?
If you’re feeling nervous after reading that list, don’t be. Many of the damaging side effects that come with a severe storm can be easily repaired. However, time is of the essence.
If your home has recently experienced heavy rain, hail, or high wind speeds, you’ll want to inspect your roof as soon as possible. Quickly identifying the problem will help you to fix it before your home suffers further damage.
While we are going to teach you how to identify roof damage, we always recommend consulting with a reputable roofing contractor. A professional roofer will be able to spot signs of storm damage that the untrained eye may miss.
6 Signs of Storm Damage on Your Roof
Ready to inspect your roof? Here are some of the most common signs that your roof has been damaged by severe weather.
1) Craters
Hail damage is one of the primary concerns for many homeowners. If this sounds familiar, we don’t blame you. Those hard chunks of ice can create a lot of trouble for your roofing system. The most obvious sign of hail damage is the formation of small craters on your asphalt shingles. These craters are formed when hail hits your roof at high speeds, leading to denting and cracking.
2) Blown Off Shingles
Finding shingles in your yard? Severe winds have been known to blow asphalt shingles off roofs. This particular type of wind damage leaves your roof exposed to water from rain and snow. Missing shingles leave your roof deck at risk of rotting, which is a much more serious (and expensive) repair.
3) Cracked Shingles
Cracked shingles can be caused by a variety of storm related factors, including hail and falling debris from trees and surrounding houses. The cracks might not look like much, but they will still allow water leaks to occur inside your home. We recommend replacing these shingles as soon as possible.
4) Clogged Gutters
When a major storm passes through, it can take a toll on the plants that surround your home. Your gutters can easily become stuffed with leaves, twigs, and even full branches. When your gutters are clogged, they will not be able to properly divert water from your home. It can also aid in the creation of ice dams on your roof.
5) Granule Loss
If you are finding a black, gritty substance that looks like sand in your gutters and on your driveway, you could be dealing with granule loss. Asphalt shingles naturally lose granules as they age, but high winds and impact from a storm can speed the process along. The loss of granules makes your roof more vulnerable to UV damage.
6) Leaks
One of the most obvious signs of storm damage is a leak in your home. If water is dripping from your ceiling or you notice water stains forming, you’ll want to call a roofing professional right away.
What to Do With a Damaged Roof
Once you’ve assessed that you have a problem, you’ll want to start researching roofing companies. Even if you have found the problems on your own, it is a good idea to get a professional roof inspection in order to ensure that you haven’t missed anything.
It is important to replace any damaged or missing shingles as soon as possible so that your roof damage doesn’t lead to interior damage.
How to Protect Your Roof From Storm Damage
Wondering how to protect your roof from storm damage in the future? Here are some tips.
- Get Your Roof Inspected – Yearly roof inspections can help you identify weak areas of your roof before a storm hits. This will help ensure that your roof is resilient.
- Clean Debris – As we’ve mentioned, clogged gutters are a big no-no for a healthy roof. Make sure to regularly remove twigs, leaves, and other debris from your roof and gutters.
- Trim Trees – Falling branches can seriously hurt your roof. You can minimize the risk of debris damage by keeping any trees near your house trimmed.
Get the Professional Help You Need
Ready to get help tackling storm damage? Call on the roofing experts at Anchor Point Roofing! Our team is known for offering friendly, reliable service to our customers. Contact us today for your free quote!
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