Are Missing Shingles The Only Sign Of Storm Damage?
One of the most gut-wrenching feelings any homeowner can experience is stepping outside after a storm and finding roofing shingles on the lawn. High winds can rip roofing shingles from the substrate, especially on older roofs or roofs with existing issues. This damage tends to be highly visible, and there's no mistaking the threat posed by exposing your home's roof decking.
However, missing shingles are far from the only problem that storms can create. Unfortunately, many other issues associated with storm damage are much less visible. While it's natural to want to look on the bright side following any storm, don't breathe a sigh of relief until you've had a professional contractor inspect your roof for these three common types of damage.
1. Gutter Damage
Not all homes use gutters, but those that do need them to provide proper roof drainage and protection for critical structural components such as the foundation. Despite their importance, gutters are one of the more vulnerable parts of your home's roof. Wind, hail, and flying debris can damage gutters in various ways, including knocking them from their hangers or denting the gutter channels.
Gutter problems can be relatively obvious, such as when there's a gutter visibly falling off its hangers, but that doesn't mean you'll always notice these issues. Loose screws or dents can be harder to notice, but they misalign your gutters, so the water becomes blocked or leaks. A professional can help you spot these issues so you can conduct repairs before they cause more serious problems.
2. Granule Loss
The texture of asphalt shingles comes from many tiny particles known as granules. There's no single material used in all roofing shingles, but these granules typically consist of rock, ceramic, and other particles used to create particular colors and textures. However, your roofing granules are far from a simple aesthetic feature.
While roofing shingles will shed granules throughout their lives, severe rain or heavy impacts from flying debris can knock many off at once. These "naked" shingles are more vulnerable to heat and UV damage, and the granule loss can also indicate underlying structural damage. Since this damage can be hard to spot from the ground, you'll need an expert to inspect your roof to determine if it requires repairs.
3. Water Damage
One of the most insidious forms of roofing damage is water intrusion on a roof that is otherwise in good condition. High winds and driving rain can push water in unusual directions, forcing it under weak roofing shingles that may look secure from the ground. As a result, water can leak into your home or seep into your roof decking, creating conditions for mold, rot, and further damage.
Without having a professional examine your roof, you may not notice these problems for weeks, months, or even longer, at which point your home may require more extensive repairs. A thorough inspection by a storm damage expert can ensure these problems don't go unnoticed for long enough to cause serious damage to your roof decking.
Contact storm damage roof repair services to see how to deal with your roof.