STORM DAMAGE AND YOUR ROOF

A heavy storm came through your neighborhood and you worry that you might have roof damage. While you don’t see anything that is concerning it’s difficult to know for sure. Often, small issues can balloon over time into large problems. Let’s take a look at the types of storm damage and the effects they have on your roof and home.

TYPES OF STORMS AND THEIR EFFECTS

Storm damage varies. Depending on the level of damage, wind and hail damage can lead to roof repairs or an entire roof replacement. Here are five different types of storms and how they can affect your roof.

WIND DAMAGE

Wind damage can hit the roof sporadically and cause shingles to be missing, peeled back, or cracked. After severe winds, assess your roof for damages. If there was also rain, check your ceiling for water damage. Missing shingles can lead to water leaking on the ceiling.

HAIL DAMAGE

Hail damage to your roof and siding. Siding damage is easy to spot in most cases, but you are not going to see any roof damage unless you get on a ladder. Hail can leave dark spots where the shingles granules came off. This happens with normal weathering on a house, but granules help prevent water leakage and deterioration.

TREES

Trees or other heavy objects falling on your roof will cause damage to it. Gutters will clog from branches and leaves that fall. Smaller objects scratch shingles and leave minimal damage. However, trees can shatter windows and make your roof cave in.

WATER DAMAGE

Water damage can have long-term effects on your home. Continuous rain can wear down your shingles faster. The shingles can peel up or be knocked off. Mold can start to grow within 24 hours if the water isn’t cleaned up properly. This may not be able to be done if there is flooding. Flooding can damage your furniture and walls in a few hours. Flashing is typically used on roofing to protect the joints from water damage. Common wear and tear and faulty flashing can let your roof more susceptible to water. This could cause mold growth or damage to the structural wood of your home.

SNOW AND ICE DAMAGE

Snow and ice damage are another source of concern for your roof. If snow sits on your roof for a long time, it can cause leaks or other water damage. When the temperature is below freezing, ice can form under the roof’s flashing. This is called ice damming. Gutters can also freeze when snow is not cleared off of them immediately and eventually build up on the roof. Then, water will start to sit under the ice which will cause severe roof damage. In any season, the gutters need to remain clear of debris.

It is important to have a functional and stable roof, especially during storms. When your roof has misplaced or damaged shingles, it can cause other problems if it is not fixed. If you think you need to have a roof replacement, Badgerland Restoration can help. Call for a free roof assessment today!