No matter how strong your roof is, strong storms can cause significant damage. Since some storm roof damages have no signs, hire a professional roofing technician to inspect your roof after a storm, especially if some homes in your neighborhood have visible signs of roof damage.
So, what is on a roofing contractor’s checklist during a post-storm roof inspection? Below are some areas a roofing contractor will check when they visit for a roof damage inspection after a storm.
Gutters
Due to the shape of gutters and their light weight, strong winds that come with storms can easily rip the gutters off from their holders. Even if your gutters don’t fall off after a storm, the movements from the high winds can weaken the brackets that join them to the fascia.
Falling debris and branches from nearby trees may also dent your gutters. These dents may turn into rust spots without repair. In addition, since shingle granules lost during a storm ends up in gutters, a professional roofing contractor might also look for granules in your gutters to determine the extent of damage to your asphalt shingles.
Shingles
The strong winds during storms can severely damage shingles or rip them off the roof. Branches and other solid debris may also collide with your roof, tearing the shingles. Some common shingle damages after a storm include missing granules, curled or dangling shingles, and increased wear.
Missing or damaged shingles can cause leaks without immediate repair.
Ridge Caps
If your home design has a ridge, a ridge cap covers the space ridges to prevent water leaks. Though these caps can withstand strong winds, some storms are too strong for them.
Strong winds can pull the ridge cap loose from the roof, exposing the deck below. If you don’t seal the open spaces, leaking can occur, causing further damage.
Roof Flashing
Flashing is also vulnerable to storm damage due to its vertical installation around pipe vents, chimneys, skylights, or side walls. Though the storm may not rip off the flashing, it may loosen the connection between the flashing and roof protrusions or walls.
Since a flashing’s primary role is to protect the vulnerable areas of your roof, any damage could wreak havoc on your roof.
Roof Vents
The most common roof vent damages during a storm include blockage by debris and compression by falling branches. Damaged vents can interfere with your home’s ventilation, leading to serious indoor air challenges.
Attic and Ceiling
Signs of leaking are more visible on the inside than on the outside. Since some minor damages are hard to identify from the top of the roof, a roofing technician will check for signs of leaks in your attic or ceiling.
Common causes of leaks include damaged shingles, flashing, gutters, and ridge caps. An experienced roofer can trace the source of the leak and repair it before it causes more damage.
Protruding Parts
Hail can dent the protruding parts on your roof, like chimneys and skylights, if they are made of light material. Strong winds can also blow these parts’ covers away, allowing rainwater into your house. If they may not spot these issues from the ground, roofing technicians climb up your roof for a closer inspection.
Since a storm can cause significant damage to your roof, a roof inspection is necessary after a storm. This way, you can identify issues and do the required repairs before the damage becomes severe. If you hire an experienced roofing contractor, they’ll check the above vulnerable areas for damage and advice you accordingly.
At Fitz Roofing, we are committed to building relationships with our clients through quality services and excellent customer service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
