Storms and other natural events can be very strong and cause a lot of damage. Even if your roof doesn’t look damaged, you should check it for harm after a storm. The roof of your house is its first line of defense against the weather. If it gets damaged, it can cause major issues like leaks, water damage, and expensive fixes. If you know how to find damage to your roof after a storm, you can fix it quickly and keep the damage from getting worse. When you check your roof after a storm, here’s what you should look for.
1. Missing or Damaged Shingles
When there is damage to a roof after a storm, missing or broken shingles are often a sign. High winds can lift shingles off your roof, exposing the underlying layers to the elements. Look for any areas where shingles are missing or broken. If you notice damaged areas, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent water from seeping under the roof and causing leaks.
If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, look for flake loss. Shingles get their color from granules, which also help protect the roof from UV rays. After a storm, you may find piles of granules in your gutters or around your yard. If this is the case, it may be an indication that the shingles are deteriorating and need to be replaced.
2. Cracked or Curled Shingles
In addition to missing shingles, storm damage can cause shingles to curl or crack. This type of damage often occurs when high winds or hail hit the roof, causing physical impacts. Cracked or curled shingles no longer provide proper protection and may allow water to seep into your home, potentially causing water damage.
Inspect the surface of the shingles carefully. If they appear bent or cracked, or if they no longer lie flat against the roof, it’s time to have them repaired or replaced by professionals. North Port roofing professionals can help you figure out how bad the damage is and if you need a new roof.
3. Leaking or Water Spots Inside the House
One of the most obvious signs that your roof has been damaged is water leakage inside your home. After a storm, check your attic for any signs of water infiltration. Look for water stains or puddles, as well as any damp or musty smells. Water damage inside the home often points to a compromised roof that allows rainwater to enter.
Leaks, no matter how small, can quickly become bigger issues that cause mold growth and structural problems. If you see signs of water damage on your ceiling or walls, you need to call a professional roofer right away to stop the damage from getting worse.
4. Debris on the Roof
After a storm, debris, such as branches, leaves, and even loose roofing material, can accumulate on your roof. Debris can block gutters and downspouts, leading to water backup and potential leaks. It’s important to remove debris from your roof as soon as it’s safe to do so.
While removing debris, also inspect the roof for any signs of physical damage. Storms with high winds can cause large branches to fall onto your roof, potentially leaving dents, cracks, or punctures. If you see any damage, you should call a professional roofer to figure out how bad the problem is and make the fixes that are needed.
5. Damaged Flashing and Gutters
Flashing the metal pieces around chimneys, vents, and skylights plays a crucial role in keeping your roof watertight. Storms can cause flashing to become loose, cracked, or bent, which can lead to water entering the home. Inspect the flashing for any visible signs of damage, including rust or missing sections.
Similarly, gutters can also sustain damage from heavy winds, hail, or falling branches. Check for dents, bends, or areas where the gutters have pulled away from the roof. If the gutters are broken, water might not be able to drain properly. This could lead to water building up on the roof and holes.
6. Professional Inspection is Key
It’s fine to look at your roof, but for a more thorough check, you should always call a skilled roofer. As the roofers at North Port Roofing have done their jobs for a long time, they can find problems that most people would miss. Also, they can tell you how bad your roof really is and offer ways to fix it or replace it completely if that’s what you need.
You should never wait to check your roof after a storm. Damage to the roof can get worse over time, and a problem that seems small at first may quickly become one that costs more to fix. If you suspect any roof damage after a storm, don’t hesitate to call a reliable roofing contractor to assess the situation and keep your home safe from further harm.
Conclusion
It’s very important to check for damage to your roof after a storm if you don’t want things to get worse. You can spot problems early if you look for missing, cracked, or curled shingles, leaks, trash, flashing, or gutters that aren’t attached properly. If you think your roof might be damaged, you should call a professional roofing company like North Port Roofing to look it over and fix any problems they find. Taking care of your roof will keep it safe and give you peace of mind for many years.
