How To Spot Storm Damage On Your Roof In Newark & Heath, Ohio?

After experiencing a serious storm, a homeowner should check their roof for any possible damage. There may be no water inside the home, but there could still be roof damage. It is important to avoid climbing up on the roof. Experts recommend a homeowner try to determine if there is damage from ground level. Using a pair of binoculars could help determine if there is damage.

Rain is not strong enough to damage a roof by itself. When a storm involves high winds, hail as well as flying debris, a roof can experience a significant pounding. Damage to a roof may then be easy to detect. When looking for damage, it is important to carefully assess the situation. Some symptoms of roof damage can be difficult to identify.

Signs of Hail Damage

Hail damage will cause immediate shingle loss. Shingles that are present should be replaced. Dents and clogs with round shapes identify the impact location.

*Broken or Clogged Downspouts and Gutters – Gutters need to be cleaned soon after a bad storm. When water drains from a broken gutter into the base of a building, it can erode the foundation over time. This will make the structure unsafe.

*Ice Dams – When a shingled roof has not been properly maintained, ice dams can form. They occur when snowmelt freezes on the eves of a roof. This ice will prevent additional water from melting snow to get off of the roof. This can lead to leaks.

Signs of Wind Damage

When winds are stronger than 50 miles per hour, they are identified as damaging winds. This is often classified as straight-line winds when associated with hurricanes or thunderstorms. This is different from winds associated with tornadoes. Over 50 percent of all serious weather events result in wind damage.

*Loose Debris – When you see things such as outdoor furniture, yard waste around your home, it could mean something hit your roof when there were high winds. It is important to remove the debris as soon as possible. This is also when you should look for broken shingle impact areas.

*Missing Shingles – If shingles were peeling or cracked before a storm, they could be lost when winds reach more than 60 miles per hour. You may have a warranty, but the wind speeds a roof can handle are based on a well-maintained roof.

*Visible Water Infiltration – An obvious leak that goes through the ceiling of a structure can be caused by wind damage. This happens when the roof's underlayment and shingles have been compromised. Water can then flood the upper areas of a building.

*Visible Granule Loss – It is common for there to be some granule loss. Storm damage will have the granule loss occur in horizontal lines. This will happen if the shingle seal is damaged.

Moisture and Visible Attic Issues

An attic and roof are an ecosystem that work closely together.

*Attic – Check an attic to see if there is any evidence of moisture penetration. This could be the sign of a leak. Insulation or other inundated surfaces may need to be replaced. This will prevent the development of mildew or dangerous mold.

Signs of Water Damage

A small amount of standing water left by a storm can cause significant issues. This is another reason it is important for a homeowner to carefully look at their house and its surroundings after a storm.

*Damage to Accents or Roof Supports – It may not be obvious when a roof's supporting elements are damaged. Shingles may appear to be intact, but areas with water that appears to pool could be a problem. The chimney, flashings around vent pipes, and more need to be checked.

Storm damage remediation is an important way a homeowner can protect their home investment. It can provide peace of mind after a storm. Contacting an expert team after experiencing storm damage could fix problems as well as prevent any future damage.

Buckeye Vinyl has decades of roofing inspection and replacement experience. We invite you to contact us today so we can help get your roofing needs and questions addressed by an expert!