A building’s roof forms its first defense against inclement weather, including storms. Most roofing materials, including those used in both residential and commercial applications, are chosen to withstand some pretty serious wind and hail, but that doesn’t mean they are invincible. It’s important to evaluate the state of a roof after any serious storm to look for signs of Storm Damage. Look for the following symptoms of serious trouble when evaluating a residential roof, and call a contractor such as JF Baker Roofing to schedule a professional damage assessment as soon as possible if needed.
Loose or Missing Shingles
When strong winds begin to blow it can threaten the integrity of any roof. With asphalt shingles this manifests itself as shingles that have begun to pull up off the roof, or have even been blown off entirely. There should be no need for a dangerous expedition onto the roof itself to check for missing or loose shingles. A pair of binoculars used from the ground should do the trick.
Torn Flashing
Another symptom of wind damage is torn flashing. Not only is this a problem in and of itself, as it can cause the roof to leak, but it can also indicate the presence of other underlying damage. Schedule a professional evaluation for the entire roof to make sure no further damage occurs.
Shingle Granules
Acute damage is usually fairly easy to diagnose, but the kind of wear that occurs over time is less obvious. Look for shingle granules in the gutters or near the downspouts. If they are accumulating at the base of the house, they are not up on the roof doing their job: protecting the shingles, and the roof, from premature failure.
Dents and Cracks
Hail can cause more serious damage than rain to any roof. If the hail stones are large enough, they can cause cracks or dents upon impact. These will grow larger if they are not addressed by a professional, leading to leaks further down the road. It can be harder to diagnose symptoms of hail damage without getting up on the roof, so it’s not a bad idea to call a professional for a Storm Damage evaluation after a large hail storm.
