Spot the Top Signs Your Roof Needs Repair After a Severe Storm
After a storm hits, one of the first things to do is check the roof. The roof is the basic armor to protect the home from the elements, and storms can cause damage whose extent may not be clear at first glance. Any minor issue not immediately rectified can become only bigger and more costly and consequently lead to leaks, structural damage, or mold problems in the future.
By being alert following a storm and recognizing the most telling signs your roof may be in need of repair, you can spare yourself a lot of stress and money. Use this guide to help you identify possible damage and understand what to do to help protect your home and family. If you act early enough, you will be able to prevent serious damage from occurring and keep your roof in good condition for many years to come.
1. Missing or Damaged Shingles
The storms can damage or take off the shingles, making the roof vulnerable to moisture. The deck without a protective layer of shingles will be subjected to rain and humidity, which can invade and cause leaks. Eventually, moisture that has penetrated and is trapped may lead to mold growth; this further damages your roof and can later become a health hazard to your family. Care must be taken so that shingles that are missing are repaired and replaced in a timely manner to head off costly or extensive leaks.
What to Look For:
- Shingles that are curled, cracked, or torn.
- Bare spots where shingles are completely missing.
- Shingles are scattered in your yard or around your home.
If you see these signs, get a roofing expert to check and fix your roof. Ignoring shingle damage can cause more harm and cost more to fix later.
2. Granule Loss
The granules on asphalt shingles are very important; they offer protection from the sun’s very harsh UV rays and help keep water away. Some granules get dislodged from the asphalt shingles during a storm due to wind and rain. While some granule loss is commonplace, excessive granule loss deprives the shingles of the ability to protect your roof a great deal.
When too many granules are lost, the shingles become brittle and more susceptible to damage, such as cracking or breaking. This brittleness accelerates the wear and tear of your roof, leaving it more vulnerable to leaks and further deterioration. Keeping an eye on granule buildup in your gutters after a storm can help you identify when your shingles are compromised and in need of repair or replacement.
What to Look For:
- Accumulation of granules in your gutters or at the bottom of downspouts.
- Bald spots on your shingles where the granules have worn away.
- Dark patches on your roof, indicate granule loss.
Seeing granule loss after a storm means it’s time for a roof check. This will help figure out if you need new shingles.
3. Leaks or Water Stains in the Attic or Ceilings
Leaks or stains inside your home are a clear sign of roof damage. Even small leaks can cause big problems, like mold and structural damage.
After a storm, check your attic and ceilings for water signs. Storms can create small holes in your roof, letting water in.
What to Look For:
- Water stains or discoloration on your ceilings or walls.
- Damp spots in your attic or near roof vents.
- Mold or mildew growth in areas where moisture has accumulated.
Seeing these signs means you need to act fast. Water damage can harm your home’s structure and cost a lot to fix if not fixed quickly.
4. Dented or Damaged Flashing
Flashing keeps your roof safe from leaks around chimneys, vents, and valleys. Storms can damage flashing, letting water in.
Bad flashing can cause leaks and water damage inside your home. It’s important to fix it to avoid bigger problems.
What to Look For:
- Flashing that is bent, dented, or lifted away from the roof surface.
- Rust or corrosion on metal flashing materials.
- Water stains around chimneys, vents, or skylights.
If you think your flashing got damaged in a storm, get a pro to check and fix it. This stops more water damage.
5. Sagging Roof or Warped Rooflines
A sagging or warped roof is a big problem. It means your roof might have been damaged by water or weakened. This could be because of water damage or because the rafters and beams are compromised.
A sagging roof is dangerous. It could collapse if the damage is bad. You need to fix this fast to keep your home safe.
What to Look For:
- Noticeable dips or sags in your roofline.
- Areas where the roof appears uneven or warped.
- Visible damage to the roof’s structure from the inside of your attic.
If your roof is sagging, call a roofer right away. A sagging roof needs quick attention to avoid more damage and collapse.
6. Damaged Gutters or Downspouts
Storms can harm your roof’s drainage system. High winds and heavy rain can make gutters loose or detached. Hail can dent or puncture them, making it hard for water to flow away from your home.
Bad gutters can cause water to pool on your roof. This leads to leaks, and water damage, and can harm your foundation.
What to Look For:
- Gutters that are sagging, bent, or detached from the roofline.
- Dents or punctures in your gutters or downspouts.
- Water pooling near your foundation due to improper drainage.
Fix or replace damaged gutters to keep water away from your home.
7. Hail Damage
Hailstorms can badly damage your roof. The damage might not be easy to see from the ground. But it can harm your shingles, flashing, and other materials.
Hail can leave small dents or cracks in shingles. This can let water in and cause more damage over time.
What to Look For:
- Small, round dents or cracks on your shingles.
- Dented metal flashing or gutters.
- Broken or cracked skylights or windows.
After a hailstorm, get a roofer to check your roof for damage. Even small hail damage can weaken your roof and cause bigger problems if not fixed.
8. Debris on the Roof
After a storm, you might see debris like branches and leaves on your roof. While some might not harm anything, bigger items can damage your roof.
Debris can puncture or tear your roofing materials, leading to leaks. It can also trap moisture, causing mold and mildew to grow.
What to Look For:
- Large branches or tree limbs on your roof.
- Accumulated leaves, dirt, or debris in roof valleys or gutters.
- Punctures or tears in your roofing materials are caused by falling debris.
Remove debris from your roof after a storm and check for damage. A roofer can safely remove it and check your roof’s condition.
9. Broken or Damaged Roof Vents
Roof vents are important for airflow and ventilation in your attic. They help control temperature and moisture. Storms can damage or dislodge roof vents, causing leaks and ventilation problems.
Damaged vents can let water into your attic. This can cause mold, rot, and other moisture problems.
What to Look For:
- Cracked or broken roof vents.
- Vents that are dislodged or missing after a storm.
- Water stains around roof vent openings in your attic.
If you see damage to your roof vents, fix or replace them. This stops moisture buildup and keeps your attic well-ventilated.
10. Roof Age and Previous Damage
Think about your roof’s age and past damage. If they’re not well-maintained, older roofs are more likely to get damaged by storms. If your roof is almost at the end of its life, it might leak or have missing shingles after a storm.
If storms or other issues have damaged your roof before, it might have weak spots. These spots can get damaged more easily.
What to Look For:
- Roofs that are 15-20 years old or older.
- Areas of your roof that have been patched or repaired in the past.
- Worn or brittle shingles that are more likely to be damaged in a storm.
If your roof is old or has been damaged before, get regular checks, after severe weather. A roofing expert can check your roof and tell you if you need repairs or a new roof.
Conclusion:
After the storm, some latent damage on the roof may not be readily apparent. Indeed, telltale signs within this category will include missing/damaged shingles, granule loss, leaks, and other issues. Without timely intervention, such issues will create bigger headaches. The key to preventing further damage to the house is to catch them early.
Have a qualified ladder-enabled inspection done on your roof as soon as possible if you suspect that the roof has been damaged by a storm. If you are quick to fix the storm damage, you are protecting not only your house but also saving yourself from expensive repairs in the future. Do not let the minor issue grow too big to handle. Call Lone Star Restoration and Roofing Services now to have a professional perform an in-depth inspection and repair on your roof.
