Most roofs are designed to be replaced every 30 years, on average. In an ideal world, this would happen. However, in the real world, countless things can wreck your roof, requiring extensive repairs or an entire replacement long before the three-decade mark.
Storm damage is a common reason Americans have to spend on roof repair or replacement. Regardless of where you live in the country, it’s likely that you’ve encountered your fair share of violent storms at some point. But even if you haven’t, it helps to prepare for this rough weather.
This comprehensive checklist provides all the information you need to deal with storm-damaged roofs.
Types of Roof Storm Damage
Various agents can cause roof damage during a storm. Here are some of them.
Wind
Hurricane-force winds traveling at high speeds can cause severe damage to your home’s roof. Colorado Springs residents do not need to worry about these intense winds. For homeowners inside these hurricane-prone areas, these winds can tear or remove shingles, exposing the roof deck and underlayment for waterproofing material to the elements.
Gale-force winds, slower than hurricane-force winds, can also cause visible dents to your roof. Sharp, sudden wind gusts lift or curl the shingles, leaving the roof vulnerable to wind-driven rain.
Hail
Hail storms rarely last longer than a quarter of an hour. However, hailstones can cause visible dents and pockmarks on your roof during that time. They can knock your shingle granules loose, requiring immediate roof repair.
Standing Water
Standing water after a rainstorm is typical on roofs that do not have proper drainage. It’s one of the top signs of a damaged roof, and you must take action urgently.
Sometimes, the issue is caused by clogged gutters. Rainwater backs up under the shingles, allowing moisture to seep into the roof deck or the underlayment.
Debris
During a severe storm, debris can be hurled onto your roof. Anything from small tree branches to much larger tree limbs can impact your roof’s surface and dent it, leaving your roof vulnerable to intrusion by moisture.
What to Check After a Storm
Once the storm has passed, it’s time to examine your roof to determine the type and extent of damage you’re looking at. Here’s a checklist for you to follow.
Start With the Protruding Roof Parts
Check the chimneys, skylights, and other protruding roof parts for damage. Typically, such parts are covered with flashing and sealed to prevent water from leaking into the seams.
You must take action if the flashing or seals seem damaged or compromised. Leaving the problem unattended can lead to water leaks.
Inspect the Exterior Shingles
Roof damage after a storm is most evident on the shingles, as they serve as your home’s first defense against harsh weather. Check for granule loss, curling, and cracking of shingles. Some shingles might also be missing.
When checking the damage, avoid setting foot on the roof. The best approach is to use a pair of binoculars and inspect the roof from the ground. Alternatively, hire a roofing contractor to inspect the roof for you.
Examine the Roof Vents
Some homeowners think storm damage to the roof’s soffit and fascia is superficial and nothing to be concerned about. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Damage to these two parts can interfere with your home’s ventilation system. Once your vents are warped or otherwise damaged, the air they draw into your indoors is compromised. That’s why vents should be part of your roof storm damage checklist.
Inspect the Gutters
Your roof’s gutter system diverts rainwater away from your house during a storm. When gutters get clogged, water backs up under your shingles and can leak to areas where it shouldn’t, including the attic.
Gutters can become clogged during a storm that hurls leaves, twigs, and other debris onto your roof and directs it to the gutters. Forceful storms can even cause the gutter system to detach from the roof.
Inspect these gutters following the storm to see whether they’re in good shape or need repair.
Check the Attic and Ceilings
If your roof seems relatively undamaged on the exterior, check the attic and ceiling for signs of water spots. Hail and wind can cause invisible leaks that cause more significant issues later. Use a flashlight to check for any leaks, and take appropriate action if you see them.
Roof Inspections in Colorado Springs
Pine Breeze Inspections provides thorough roof inspections and roof certifications to ensure that the structural integrity of your roof is intact. We carefully evaluate all aspects of your roof and identify any areas that need repair or replacement, allowing you to prove your roof is in good condition. When we inspect your roof, you can be sure that all the details will be carefully evaluated. Don’t waste another moment; contact PineBreeze Inspections to schedule your roof inspection today.