When a storm comes, it can bring with itself a handful of problems that any homeowner must recognize and call a professional for help. In this blog, we will go over the telltale signs of storm damage, teach you how to identify them, and give you some tips on what to do about leaks inside your home. Roof problems are never fun, but below you will find out the first thing you should do to fix the damage to your home.
Broken Gutters, Downspouts, & Flashing
A broken gutter will quickly cause many problems because, when it rains, water will begin pouring out where it isn’t supposed to. Plus, breaks in the gutter material will allow debris and dirt to fall into the gutters and clog them. Before you know it, there will be clogs that cause water to pool at the foundation of the house. This can create many safety issues in the home.
Flashing can also be damaged by a storm, but this is harder to notice because it is usually caused by hail damage. The heavy pounding of hail creates dents in the flashing, leading to leaks that can cause extensive damage. And we all know that leaks through the roofing materials and into the home can lead to serious damage, such as stains on the ceiling.
Check out GAF, North America’s leading manufacturer of roofing materials, for more information on roof storm damage.
Granule Loss
Granules are a protective coating added to the stops of asphalt shingles to protect them from UV rays. If you just had a heavy hail storm, it will be a good idea to check the roof for granule loss. Here’s how you can tell that those hailstones damaged the granules on your roof:
- You look at the ground right below the roof and see traces of granules on the ground
- The roof itself has dark spots or discoloration
- You look into gutters and see granules pooling, which can indicate missing shingles and potential roof damage.
Sometimes a closer inspection by a roofing contractor is needed, especially if the hailstorm was stronger than usual. If you just went through a storm like this, you may want to call a roofer who can climb on top of the roof and inspect the storm damage.
What exactly do roofers look for when assessing roof storm damage, especially after a tornado or hurricane? Find out on our blog.
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Water Leaks from the Roof
Water leaks coming from the roof are never anything that can be ignored, as they can lead to significant damage inside your home. This type of water damage always wreaks havoc on the home, leading to mold, wall, and ceiling damage, which may require roof replacement. The combination of wind and heavy rain causes significant damage to the roof when leak barriers are not installed on your roof. If you look around the walls and ceiling and see water making its way into your home, it is time call a professional as soon as possible for a roof inspection. Acting fast and getting a roofer on site can help protect your roof from further damage.
Missing or Damaged Roof Shingles
If you have a shingles roof and look up to find a missing or damaged shingle after a storm, you will need that repaired as soon as possible. Missing or damaged shingles expose the roof deck and other materials, making them vulnerable to damage as well. If those shingles are not replaced or repaired, you will have even more roof damage on your hands that will cost a lot of money to repair.
Attic Damage
Heavy snowstorms that also bring high winds can wreak havoc on your attic, so be aware of these risks and check for possible damage after a storm. If you look around the attic and see dark spots on the walls, there’s likely a moisture buildup that must be addressed quickly before it damages the wall structure or causes mold to develop. Be aware of musty smells in the attic as well, as they can also indicate mold growth after a storm. If you notice these issues, you must call a professional roofing contractor to look for the root cause of the damage caused by missing shingles.
Find out if the storm damage to your roof can be covered by your homeowners insurance policy on our blog.
Do Not Delay & Call a Professional Roofer!
If you just weathered a storm like a hurricane, contact a professional roofing contractor for an inspection, especially if you have seen these signs of roof damage. Ignoring them will lead to more roof issues, like deterioration of the underlayment and water damage.
Get Connected With Koalaty’s Trusted Network of Roofers
In search of a reliable roofer who can offer a fair assessment and real solutions for your roof replacement needs? Look no further than to Koalaty Roof, a network of vetted, top-notch roofers in your local area. With their expert help, your roof will be restored in no time.