Ideally, your roof is built and installed to be sturdy enough to withstand storms. However, this does not mean that nothing can happen to it during its service life. For example, high winds and hail during storms can have devastating effects that must be dealt with promptly so that your roof can effectively protect your home.
In addition, winds can lift the roof's edges, tear off shingles, or cause nearby branches to blow onto your roof. Moreover, hail damage causes dents and loss of granules. This is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the signs of storm damage. Below are four examples:
Granule Loss
Discolored spots on your shingled roof are a sign of granule loss which, if not fixed in time, may eventually result in leaks. You may also notice granules on the ground if they get washed down the gutters and downspouts. As soon as you observe either of these two signs, have your roof system inspected and the issue addressed professionally.
Out-of-Place Shingles
Storm winds can be strong enough to lift your roofing's edges and may cause some of your roof's shingles to come off. This is especially common with old roofs that have worn-out seams and nails. When shingles go missing, they leave the roofing's insulation or sheathing exposed to water damage. Consequently, you may need to install new shingles, or in some cases, your roofer may be able to patch the open spaces.
Water Damage
After a storm, water damage may also result from damaged components, clogged gutters, or ice dam formation. One indicator of water damage is a soggy insulation system. Other manifestations of this damage are spots on the ceiling. Nonetheless, it may not always be easy to spot leaks, especially if there is no color change on your ceiling. An attic inspection is necessary to check for either water pools or even peeling paint in such cases.
Damaged Components and Protrusions
Roofing parts and protrusions also include the chimney, flashing, valleys, gutters, pipe boots, etc. Unfortunately, when storms hit your roof, these components can sustain damage, too. For example, the flashing may shift position and break the seal. You may also notice cracks and dents on these parts and protrusions, which a contractor must repair before they escalate.
Whenever a storm hits your area, it is important to take precautions and call a roofing service—such as Bauer Roofing Siding Windows & Doors Inc.—who can check the condition of your roof. Comprehensive inspections reveal all types of damage, whether major or minor, so you know when to repair or replace your roof.