Residential Storm Damage

Residential Storm Damage

Severe weather is a fact of life in central Texas. To reduce potential damage to the rest of your home, you must have your roof inspected after each significant weather event.

How can I tell if I have storm Damage?

By design, your roof is withstanding weather events, but sometimes heavy storms can win the battle with your roof, and it may cause damage. It is crucial to have a thorough roof inspection, as this damage may be hard to see from the ground. Homeowners should watch out for roof damage signs to avoid more expensive burdens that may be right around the corner.

Here are a few signs that your roof may have storm damage

Wind Damage - Missing shingles are the first sign of storm damage. Be sure to look at your roof's flashing and ensure that it is not damaged or missing. Flashings are typically metal, and they are often in your roof's most vulnerable spots. Other wind damage may not be easy to see, especially if the adhesive seal that provides a water-shedding surface is breaking. If your roof is being exposed to significant winds, it is always best to contact a professional to inspect your roof.

Another sign is thin horizontal lines on the shingle. These lines indicate that granules have worn off the top 1-2 inches beneath the above shingle and that the shingle seal could be breaking. The broken seal will then flap against the shingle above it. This is why it is essential to make sure your shingles are correctly sealed to each other.

Hail Damage - Hail storms can bruise shingles by causing indents. You may also be able to see a distinct pattern of small round-shaped divots on the edges of the shingles. Another, possibly more manageable way to see if there is hail damage to your roof is by looking at your flashing to see if there are round indents in the metal. It would help if you were looking for repeated round spots all over your roof and flashing.

You will also want to look for indentations on shingles where granules are missing or a large pile of granules at the end of your downspout (a small amount is average, but not a large amount)

Falling Debris - Major storms can cause trees and other natural debris to fall on your roof. Your shingles can become cracked and will eventually lead to leaks. If you see that debris is still on your roof after a storm, it is essential to check it yourself or call a professional to examine any shingle damage that may be lying underneath. Be sure to have your trees trimmed away from your roof to avoid these issues in the future.