When you're checking your property after a storm passes through, don't forget about your roof. A storm can cause different kinds of roof damage due to wind, hail, and impacts from blowing objects and falling branches. Here are three tips for inspecting your roof after a storm and some repairs you may need to have done.
1. Check The Surface For Tree Debris
Strong winds can blow branches off trees. The impact of the branches could damage shingles on your roof. The branches can also cause damage when wind blows them across the shingles and scrapes off granules.
If you see branches on your roof, check the shingles closely for signs of damage in case you need to have some replaced. Also, check for tree debris stuck on the roof since clumps of wet leaves or a pile of small branches could hold dampness against the shingles that can cause water damage.
2. Have A Roof Inspection After A Hailstorm
Hail can do a lot of damage to shingles, and it's important to inspect your roof thoroughly after a hailstorm. Notice the size of the hailstones and compare that to the rating of your shingles. Thicker and more durable shingles can stand up to larger hail. If you have basic shingles, smaller stones might do damage.
In any case, hail damage might be difficult for you to spot from the ground, and it's a good idea to have your roof checked by a professional so repairs can be done before the window closes on when your insurance will pay for a roof replacement.
3. Check Shingles After Strong Winds
A storm with strong winds can lift shingles, so you'll want to check the shingles as best as you can from the ground. Check the edges where the wind blows against the last row of shingles. Look around flashing and on the high points of your roof for crooked and missing shingles. Even if you don't spot any damage right away, keep a close eye on your roof for loose shingles that flop in the wind, or go to your attic and check for rain dripping through during the next storm.
Roof damage isn't always easy to spot, so you'll want to be alert for problems. A roofer can quickly replace loose or missing shingles, but if you don't notice the damage in time, there could be water damage to the roof deck eventually, and that is more difficult and more expensive to repair.
Storm damage roof repairs could be simple fixes, or they could be as complex as rebuilding your roof after a tree crashes on it. Storms are unpredictable, so you don't want to assume your roof survived unscathed just because there is no obvious damage. If you're concerned about storm damage to your roof, have the shingles inspected by a roofer so you can avoid a leaky roof later on.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers residential roof maintenance and repair.