The number of billion-dollar disasters is increasing in the United States, and you risk property damage if your home is in the path of one of these severe weather events. Hail, hurricanes, and tornados are all significant threats to your home’s integrity. Monitoring your house’s condition after these storms pass is an excellent way to protect your family.
Roof damage is one of the most significant issues you’ll encounter after a storm. Knowing the types of roof damage can help you identify minor issues before they become expensive roof problems.
The good news is that you’ve come to the perfect guide to learn about the types of roof damage and the signs of a leaky roof. Continue reading to prevent water damage and protect your family’s health today!
Shingle Damage
Most homes in the United States use asphalt shingles to protect the house from water damage and leaks. It’s a cost-effective option that provides significant durability. The most significant weakness of asphalt shingles is their propensity to come loose after significant wind storms.
The shingles are the first measure of defense for your home. Replacing your shingles regularly protects against loose shingles that allow water to leak in.
If you’re worried your shingles are going wrong, look for signs of discoloration and missing granules. They’re clear signs your shingles need to be replaced. Missing or out-of-place shingles are another sign to look for before fixing a roof.
Water Damage
The most common element your home’s roof will face is water. Rainstorms will put your roofing materials to the test. The signs to look for when your roof is leaking are water stains on the ceiling and leaks throughout the home. You’ll confirm you have a leaky roof by identifying these signs.
Moss growth between your roof’s shingles is another sign to watch for. If moss grows on your roof, it’s a sign it isn’t draining as designed. You risk a rotting roof structure and mold growth in your home if you ignore the signs of a leaky roof.
Wind Damage
Water damage often works hand in hand with wind damage to disrupt your roof’s integrity. It’s much easier to spot wind damage on your roof when you use asphalt shingles to direct water away from the house. Missing shingles are another way to identify roof damage after a wind storm.
Missing shingles are problematic because your roof will leak the next time rain occurs in your area. It’s vital to work with a roofing company for your roof storm damage repairs.
Consider getting on your roof and looking for other signs of damage after the weather clears. The corners of your asphalt shingles could curl up from the force of the wind. It’s a sign you may miss if you examine your roof from the ground.
If you live in a windy area, it’s wise to look at other roofing materials to find a suitable alternative. You’ll enjoy peace of mind and avoid future roof problems and repairs.
Hail Damage
Hail is another associate of severe weather, and it’s part of what makes thunderstorms and tornados dangerous for people, cars, and homes. It’s easy to view hail as an insignificant threat to your home’s roof. It doesn’t cause the same physical damage to your roof that you’ll notice with missing shingles or leaks.
Still, it’s best to examine your roof after a hail storm passes to look for signs of underlying damage. Hail causes scratches and scrapes to your home’s roof, and if ignored, you’re asking for leaks that could cause thousands of dollars in water damage.
The hail will remove the top layer and granules from your shingles. They won’t protect your home from UV rays, heat during summer, or water damage during spring and winter. The decreased protection reduces your roof’s longevity and results in expensive roof repairs.
You can’t do anything to protect your roof from hail. The best approach is to look at roofing materials that provide the durability to limit the damage.
Damaged Flashing
Your home’s roof comprises more than wood and shingles, with flashing acting as an unsung hero for weather resistance and protection. The construction company uses flashing to seal areas of the roof where it’s vulnerable to water damage and leaks.
You’ll notice the metal flashing around your house’s chimney and skylights. It’s the most effective way to prevent debris and water from entering your roof and damaging your home’s structure.
Flashing makes it challenging to identify damage. Small tears and punctures can result in significant damage. Rust is another issue to watch for if you live in a climate with hail, rain, and snow. You can seal damage with caulk while waiting for professionals to begin fixing the roof.
Structural Damage
Structural damage is simple to identify, but it’s the most expensive roof damage to repair. It results when the roof’s integrity begins failing. The failing support beams often give way due to water damage and rot.
You’ll notice the signs of structural damage without climbing onto your house’s roof. It often manifests with holes or collapsing support. Sagging and bending aspects of the roof are also red flags that you need to begin repairing the roof.
Aging Roof
Aging roofs are specific to any types of roof damage, but it’s vital to monitor your roof’s age to determine when to plan a replacement. The average roof is designed to protect your home and family for 20 to 50 years. If your roof is getting old, look for signs of damage and failure before scheduling a replacement.
Identify the Types of Roof Damage for Your House
Identifying the types of roof damage for your home is crucial to protecting your family and preventing structural damage. Missing and damaged shingles are prime signs of roof problems, and your roof’s age will also provide insight into when to replace it. Sagging support beams and wind damage are other signs to watch for before repairing a roof.
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