A roof inspection is a crucial part of protecting your home from damaging weather conditions. If you have a storm-damaged roof, you should look for signs of water damage to the granules, flashing, and lumber in your attic. Slow water ingress may result in dangerous mold, and it can compromise the supports of your roof. While it is likely that some water will naturally blow in through roof ventilation, you should look for visible water drops and see if they are discolored.
Roofing flashings
Roofing flashings reinforce vulnerable parts of a roof and prevent leaks. A storm can cause high winds and flying debris to tear flashing and buckle it around a roof’s penetrations. If damaged or missing, a leak will form and cause extensive internal damage. If you see loose or wavy shingles, this may be an indicator of damage. Leaky flashing can lead to major leaks.
Despite the dangers of leaking Wilmington roofing, for example, flashings are important components of your roofing system. Whether they’re made of metal or other material, your roofing flashings need to be well-maintained and in good condition after a storm. A storm can break trees and debris onto the roof. Regardless of where you live, it’s important to pay close attention to roofing flashings after a storm to prevent further damage.
Roofing granules
One of the first signs that your roof may be failing is the shedding of shingles. Granules are added to roofing shingles for various reasons, including fire resistance, sunscreen, and design. Loss of these granules is normal. However, if you notice granules missing from the surface of your roof, it may be due to improper installation. The most common cause of premature granule loss is incorrect installation. The stair-step method involves laying shingles side by side, from eaves to ridges, from left to right. This installation method causes significant granule loss.
While the appearance of your roof will be affected by granule loss, it’s important to keep the roof protected and dry. If the shingles have not yet popped, you can leave them unpopped. That way, you’ll be able to keep your home dry and protected while the shingles are still intact. However, if you notice that a few shingles have been popped, this could mean that more of them are coming off of the roof and potentially damaging the rest of your roof.
Roofing pockmarks
After a storm, you may notice dark spots on your roof. These spots may be difficult to see without binoculars, but they may indicate that heavy rains or hail have damaged your roof. Roofing pockmarks will reduce the life of your roof. Even mild storms may result in shingle replacement. However, it is never too late to take care of the damage before it becomes serious.
Hail is especially harmful, causing pockmarks and dents on roofing surfaces. It can also knock granules loose from the shingles, ruining the aesthetic appeal of the roof. Roofing pockmarks after a storm also occur if there is poor drainage under the roof. If your gutters are clogged, rainwater can back up under the shingles, which allows moisture to penetrate the roof deck.
Roofing ice and water shields
A roofing ice and water shield is a special membrane that is installed on the exposed areas of a roof after a storm. This type of protection prevents leaks caused by ice dams and fierce wind-driven rain. When hurricanes or severe thunderstorms hit a region, rain can be driven sideways and can cause water to seep under finished roofing materials. Roofing ice and water shields help prevent these leaks by protecting the roof from damaging snow and ice.
Ice and water shields are usually applied to the entire roof, although they can also be applied where leaks often occur. For example, in cases of ice damming, the barrier product may need to be extended up to three feet past the edge of the roof. In addition, low-slope roofs often require the barrier product to be extended up a substantial distance, particularly in the valleys.
Leaks
If your roof is leaking after a storm, you need to find the source. Look for gaps inside the attic and other visible signs of damage. If the roof has slopes, look for holes that allow water to flow down. However, don’t go outside during a storm to check for holes. It’s unsafe! Fortunately, there are many ways to fix a leaky roof without risking the integrity of your home.
The best way to find a roof leak is to look up your roof. Look for blown-off shingles, cracked shingles, and a misplaced gutter. You may also find a leak in the attic, where you can use a flashlight to see what’s inside. Look for water stains, mold, and black marks. If you can find these things, you should immediately call a roofing professional such as Summit Roofing and Construction a Storm Damage Roof Repair. Repairing a leaky roof early can save you money and will help you avoid a costly mold problem.
