Your home’s roof is designed to withstand various weather conditions, but severe storms and tornados could be too much for it, causing significant damage from wind, rain, and objects hitting the roof directly. A damaged roof can affect your entire home. The damage can allow rain and moisture to penetrate the home, wreaking havoc throughout the structure.
Understanding what to look for may help you spot the signs early enough to correct the problem before more serious damage occurs.
Types of Roof Damage
Different elements of a storm or tornado can cause specific effects on the roof. Three common types of damage include:
One of the most common types of damage that occurs during storms and tornadoes is wind damage. High winds or straight-line winds can lift shingles, which exposes the underlayment. In some cases, the shingles will be pulled off the roof. Even if they remain in the correct place on the roof, lifted shingles may curl or crack, which can decrease the amount of protection the roof offers.
Impact damage comes from hail, branches, and other objects hitting the roof. The damage might be easily visible, but that’s not always the case. Items may remain on the roof after they’ve fallen, so they’d have to be removed before the extent of damage can be determined. This can lead to structural damage to the roof trusses or rafters. In extreme cases, the roof can collapse.
When shingles lift or are torn from the roof, it can lead to water infiltration. Even if the roof appears to be in good shape, heavy rains can lead to leaks in the roof. These leaks might not be visible from the ground, but they can cause significant damage to the home. A water leak that’s left unaddressed can lead to mold, wood rot, and a decrease in the structural integrity of the home.
Signs of Storm Damage to the Roof
After a storm or tornado passes, you should visually inspect your home’s roof. You should inspect your roof for common signs of roof damage.
Shingles should lay flat against the roof and have a good layer of granules on top of them. Shingles that are torn, curled, cracked, or missing granules indicate that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. If the granules, which provide UV ray protection and fire resistance, are washed off or blown away in a storm, you may notice them accumulating in downspouts or gutters.
Water stains on the ceiling or top of the walls within your home are a clear indication that the roof is compromised. These stains may appear as discolored patches or streaks in areas near the damage. If your home has an attic, water stains and discoloration may not be present in the main living areas of the home.
The roof of your home should be straight and even. If you notice sagging in spots, it’s an indication that there’s likely a structural issue. This could be because of water damage or because something was struck with debris and broke. Any signs of roof sag are an urgent issue that requires immediate attention from a qualified roofer, such as F S Roofing LLC.
Any debris left on the roof after the storm will likely require assistance. Debris that slides off, whether that’s because you had it pulled off or because it’s naturally sliding down the roof, can damage shingles. Because of this, an evaluation should be done to determine how to proceed with roof care for that area of the roof.
The joints and edges of a roof are sealed with flashing. Anytime the flashing is damaged, the home is at risk of water damage. Flashing is usually found on joints and edges and around areas such as vents, skylights, chimneys, and valleys. Any breach in that flashing can allow water to enter the roof.
When to Call a Roofer
If you notice any signs of roof damage or if the storm was a particularly severe one, contacting F S Roofing LLC should be your next step. The professional team offers a comprehensive set of roofing services, including inspections, repairs, and replacements for homeowners in the greater Traverse City area. You can count on us to give you an honest report about the condition of your roof and your options to repair or replace it. Contact us today to find out more!
