Wind and hail storms can cause a lot of damage to your home. They can cause the shingles on your roof to loosen and even fall off. Luckily, there are ways to spot roofing damage after a storm. If you are able to detect it, you may be able to take preventative measures to protect your home.
Loose Shingles
A roof helps keep the outside weather out, and it also plays a crucial role in your home’s curb appeal. Taking care of your roof will help ensure you get more offers and sell your home for top dollar when the time comes. After a storm, look for loose or missing shingles that are visible from the ground. They’re a clear sign of damage from the storm and can be a major concern if left untreated. Loose or missing shingles can be an issue that could start to leak and cause extensive damage to your home. It’s important to address this issue before it turns into a bigger problem and requires a complete roof replacement. To check for damage, lift the shingle tabs of each shingle in a row above the damaged one. Next, remove the nails that are going through each shingle. Once you’ve removed all of the nails, slide a new shingle into place.
Damaged Gutters
After a storm, it’s important to check your gutters for any damage. These are vital parts of your roof’s drainage system, so they need to be in good working order for your home’s safety and longevity. Gutters should channel water away from your home, but if they are clogged or leaking, it can lead to structural damage. This is a common problem, especially after heavy rains. If you have a lot of moss, grass, or plants growing in your gutters, it’s likely that the plant roots are growing too deeply and blocking water from flowing into your downspouts. This will lead to a clogged gutter, so it’s time to call a gutter professional to clean and repair the problem.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a thin waterproof material that helps prevent water from entering your roof and then flowing down the side of your home to the gutters. It’s an important part of the overall structure and should be carefully inspected after every storm to ensure it is working properly. A small hole could allow water to seep underneath your shingles, which would then cause leaks. Check areas around your chimney, skylights, vents and ridge vents for missing flashing and replace it immediately. Bends, cracks or dents in metals can also be a sign of damage. These are usually minor, but can weaken the structure of the flashing and break the galvanized coating on steel. If you see any of these signs after a storm, it’s essential to get the flashing repaired as soon as possible. This is not only a good idea to avoid leaks, but it’s also to protect the integrity of your roof and the rest of your home from potential water damage.
Damaged Siding
Wind, hail and flying debris can cause significant damage to your siding. While it may not seem like a big deal, damaged siding can compromise your home’s structural integrity and make it susceptible to water damage and rot. While you can’t completely prevent storm damage, there are things you can do to minimize its impact on your home. For example, make sure all your lawn furniture and other outdoor items are stored away before a storm hits. Also, consider pruning tree branches before a storm to reduce the risk of them damaging your house or smashing your car. This will not only keep you safer, but it will also look better, too. When it comes to checking for roof and siding damage after a storm, the best way to do it is with a professional. This will help you identify any problem areas that the untrained eye might miss, which is important when dealing with insurance companies.