Uncovering The Hidden Signs Of Storm Damage

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to your roof isn’t always easy to spot, and it is the things that you don’t see that are most dangerous, because problems which are allowed to linger will often turn into bigger and more expensive ones. Below are some signs of hidden roof damage and how to spot them.

Granule Loss

Roofing that is made with asphalt shingles will be covered in a special material called granules. This material resembles sand and is used to protect the surface from ultraviolet rays while lowering the buildup of heat which can cause deterioration. However, they are tough to spot from ground level and may be lost as the result of a storm which will leave the roof surface exposed to the elements.

Tiny Holes with Leaks

Even the smallest holes in a roof will allow water and moisture to seep in, and this is something that you must avoid at all costs, since it can lead to the development of mold in the interior and all the bad stuff that comes with it. Unfortunately, even those that get up on the roof and look closely at the surface might actually miss these openings, which is why you should hire a contractor with a trained eye and the right equipment.

Hail Damage

The majority of property owners assume that hail damage is simple to spot because it always appears as dents or holes, but this is not true. In actuality, hail damage can appear different depending on the roof type, the severity of the impact and storm direction. Often, the only way to tell if a roof has been damaged by hail is to hire a professional who can expect the surface up close and who knows what to look for. As with leakage and tiny holes, it takes trained and experienced eyes.

Gutter Dents

Gutters are essential as they capture rainwater which falls from the roof. If the gutters are missing or damaged, water might pool and then seep through roofing materials which will cause mold and rot. While gutter dents might not seem like a big deal, the damage will prevent water from diverting away from the property, so this is one of the first places you should inspect in the aftermath of a storm.

Lifted Shingles

Just because a storm hasn’t ripped the shingles off the roof doesn’t mean that damage hasn’t occurred. Sometimes the shingles are merely lifted up, but when they become loose the tight seal that they maintained with the roof will break. This scenario is just as bad as having small holes, because water and moisture will get through the opening and travel down into the interior.

Because roof repairs can be expensive, many homeowners put off doing it, in the hope that the problem will go away by itself. Of course, life doesn’t work this way and the problem will only worsen until things become so bad that the homeowner is forced to take action, and by that time the cost can be financially debilitating, which is why it is so important to contact a contractor as soon as you suspect damage.