Apart from regular roof inspections, post-disaster roof inspections also help you to spot potential areas of concern. That way, you can repair damages or make preemptive improvements to prevent damages. Below are potential roof damages you might detect after a storm.
Flashing and Vents Damage
Almost every roof section is susceptible to storm damage, including critical parts such as vents and flashing. Check those parts of the roof for damage that might lead to further roof problems. For example, windstorms can rip off flashing from the roof, and hailstones can dent the roof. Vent damage can lead to poor ventilation, and flashing damage can lead to water leaks.
Shingles Damage
Storms damage shingles differently, depending on the storm type and strength. For example:
- Hailstones can crack shingles
- Hailstones can erode shingle granules
- A windstorm can uplift shingles
- Rainstorms can drive water under the shingles
You can check shingle damage both directly and indirectly. For example, debris in the gutters may indicate shingle granule loss. Direct examination of the shingles can also show cracks, discolorations, and displacements due to storm damage.
Gutter Damage
Wind, snow, and hailstones can cause direct gutter damage. For example, snow can accumulate in the gutters and interfere with their pitch, and wind can rip off the gutters. Indirect storm damage is also possible. For example, debris from the roof or windblown debris can end up in the gutter and block water flow or disconnect the gutters at the seams.
Debris Accumulation
Debris accumulation on the roof is a problem for two main reasons. First, debris on certain roof parts, such as roof valleys, can block water flow. The accumulated water can penetrate through the roof and cause damage. Secondly, debris can prevent the roof surface from drying as quickly as possible. Constant exposure to water accelerates the deterioration of roofing materials.
Existing Problems
Lastly, a storm can also reveal existing problems on the roof, even if it doesn't create new problems. Say your roof has an existing crack or hole you don't know about. A storm can trigger a leak through the damaged part and help you locate it. Similarly, a storm can help you spot improperly pitched gutters that you didn't know about.
Hopefully, your roof won't suffer serious damage during the storm. Consult a roofing contractor for further roof assessment if you suspect some damage. Professional roofers have the skills, equipment, and experience to detect hidden damages that you might not spot, such as water damage under the roof's surface.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.