On average, a roof is built to last at least 30 years, but this is only possible in an ideal world. In real-life situations, numerous things can compromise the structure of your roof, and on top of the list is a storm. Storms are the leading reason why many homeowners have to schedule roofing repairs or replacements. So, how do you know your roof has suffered storm damage? Here are the main areas your roofing provider will consider during inspection after a storm.
Wind damage
Wind damage is one of the obvious impacts you’ll notice on your roof after a storm. The first thing a roofing contractor will look for on the exterior is damage, such as dents and holes. Wind can also cause shingle granules to separate from underlayment, resulting in exposed nails or screws that may rust over time. This causes further issues with your roof’s structure and aesthetically displeasing problems.
Falling debris
Heavy winds can also cause your roof to be struck by branches and other objects. This may result in more noticeable damage such as broken tiles or missing shingles, or even missing gutters that will need replacement before long. All these will be spread across your compound when the siding is removed.
Water or hail damage
A storm can also cause a lot of water to pool on your roof, which will lead to issues like missing shingles and mold and mildew growth in the damp areas left behind after the siding has been repaired or replaced. In addition, standing water can cause seepage and hail damage to your ceilings. And though this may seem like a simple fix, it can quickly turn into an extensive problem as the water spreads across the ceiling beams and down walls through electrical wiring or even insulation if not addressed right away.
Examine the gutters
Another tell-tale sign of storm damage is clogged gutters. If you notice an unusual amount of debris in your gutters, it’s likely because they are not performing their function correctly after the storm. This can be due to several things: shingles or tiles were blown away during the winds and now obstruct water flow from the gutters. Alternatively, the damage to your roof caused water seepage that has accumulated in their channels and is causing them to overflow.
Inspect the roofing vents
Storms can also cause damage to your roof’s ventilation system. When the wind blows intensely, debris may get blown into vents that are not adequately protected or clogged up completely. This will lead to several issues with moisture build-up and humidity levels in the long run, so it needs immediate attention if you want to avoid further problems down the road.
Check the ceiling or attic
If you notice any visible signs of water damage after a storm, it’s essential to check your attic as well. If the ceiling is wet or moist in areas that are hard to reach, moisture may have seeped through from the inside out. This will lead to mold growth which can be dangerous if left untreated over time. If you have a basement, it is also important to check that it is not flooded.
Check for roof leaks
If you notice any new water penetration, chances are there is a storm-related leak somewhere on your rooftop, especially after heavy rains. Also, check to see if the color of shingles has changed as this may indicate moisture infiltration into their fiberglass backing, which will lead to significant degradation in time.
Inspect your skylights
Finally, If you have a skylight installed on your roof, it is significantly more susceptible to storm damage as the wind can shift its weight or cause cracks when struck by debris. You want to inspect these windows for any fallen tree limbs in the area during impact. Also, check for any dents on the glass as this can signify stress fractures in their structure.
What should I do after roof storm damage?
Once you can confirm that your roof has suffered storm damage from the above roof storm damage checklist, you’ll want to:
Contact your insurance company
Upon confirmation of roof storm damage, it is important to document everything. Take pictures of all your damaged roof parts, including broken roofing accessories, tiles, and gutters with clogged drains. This will be helpful when filing an insurance claim if there are disputes later on about costs for repairs.
Call emergency services
If necessary, call your local emergency services, such as the fire department or police, for help. There might be downed power lines in the area that need careful handling, so do not attempt this on your own. Also, if there are persons or pets trapped inside your home, you’ll need the emergency personnel to help rescue them safely.
Call a roofing contractor or roofing company
Finally, you’ll have to schedule roofing repairs or a possible overhaul, depending on the extent of the damage. For this, you’ll need a reliable roofing company to carry out a comprehensive inspection, suggest the best way forward, and provide you with a quote.
Should I replace or repair my roof after storm damage?
You’ll want to ask your roofing contractor if it is advisable to replace old tiles, shingles, roof vents, etc., instead of repairing them. If you have flat roofs with a bit more weight on the structure to hold heavy equipment like air conditioners and other appliances, chances are these need replacement rather than repair.
Need Storm Damage Repair?
At Executive Roof Services, our professional roof repairmen will do everything to restore the integrity of your roof after a storm. We have the tools and techniques to deliver excellent results that you will love. Contact us anytime you need our roofing Vancouver WA services, and we’ll be there!