If you’ve recently sustained a storm or live in an area prone to severe weather, you may wonder if your roof has suffered any damage. It can be hard to tell from the ground whether or not your roof has been damaged, but there are some signs to look for. By understanding the most common types of roof damage caused by storms and how you can tell if your roof has been affected, you can be sure to get the repairs you need to keep your home safe and weather-proof.
Wind damage
The most common type of storm damage to rooftops is wind damage. High winds can loosen or break shingles, dislodge gutters, and even cause trees to fall on your roof. This is because the wind puts extra pressure on your roof, which can cause the materials to break down over time. If you live somewhere that frequently experiences high winds, it’s essential to check your roof regularly for any damage. To inspect for any wind damage, look for missing or damaged shingles and any holes or cracks in your roof. If you see these signs, it’s important to call a roofing professional to come and assess the damage. This way, you can be sure to get the repairs you need to keep your roof in good condition and protected from future wind damage.
Hail damage
Another type of storm damage that can affect your roof is hail damage. While hail is not as common as wind damage, it can still cause significant damage to your roof. Hail can crack or break shingles, dent gutters, and downspouts. If you see any cracked or missing shingles, dented gutters, or downspouts, this can indicate hail has disrupted or destroyed these parts of your roof. The best preventative measure against hail damage is to have a professional roofing contractor install impact-resistant shingles on your roof. These shingles are designed to withstand impact from hail and can help to prevent any damage to your roof in the event of a severe storm.
Ceiling leaks
Another clear indication that your roof has sustained damage from a storm is if you see any leaks in your ceiling. If the wind or hail has damaged your roof, water may have begun to seep through the cracks and holes. Take a walk upstairs to your attic or upstairs rooms and look for any water stains on the ceiling. These can appear in many forms, such as brown or yellow stains, water spots, or mold growth. If you see any of these signs, it indicates that your roof has incurred damage and needs to be repaired. It’s always best to catch roof leaks as soon as possible. The damage could escalate and cause even more significant leaks, leading to further damage to your home and more expensive repairs.
Chimney
The chimney is another roof area that is susceptible to storm damage and can indicate to a homeowner that their roof has been damaged. The chimney is particularly vulnerable to high winds, which can cause the chimney cap to become dislodged or even blow off entirely. In addition, the wind can also cause the flashing around the chimney to become loose or detached. If you see any of these signs, take a closer look to see if the damage is severe. If the chimney cap is missing or the flashing is significantly loose, this can indicate that your roof has sustained damage and needs to be repaired.
Curling shingles
The infamous curling shingles are another sign of something wrong with your roof. If you notice that the edges of your shingles are beginning to curl or buckle, this indicates that they are no longer adhering to the roof correctly. In addition, if you see any granules from the shingles in your gutters, this could mean they are no longer attached to the roof. These two signs could point to the fact that your roof has sustained damage and needs to be repaired.
Call a professional
If you live in an area prone to severe weather, you must keep an eye out for any damage to your roof. By inspecting your roof regularly, you can catch any damage early on and have it repaired before it has a chance to cause further damage to your home. If you see any of the signs listed above, it’s important to call a professional roofing contractor to come and assess the damage. This way, you can be sure to get the repairs you need to keep your roof in good condition and protected from future damage.
