Roof Storm Damage: How to Prevent and Fix It
By: Victors Home Solutions
Spring and summer can be some of the worst months for seasonal storms. As the rains become heavier and the winds stronger, it is important to consider what this means for your home and, more importantly, your roof.
The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so you need to know whether it is in good condition and ready to withstand a storm. Even then, no matter how well you prepare, the right weather conditions can damage even the strongest roofing systems.
Read on to learn more about preparing for storm season, what to do after a storm hits, and how to address roof storm damage.
Preparing Your Roof for Storm Season
One simple way to put your home and family in a better position this storm season is by performing regular maintenance on your roofing system. Ensuring that your roof is kept in good condition is key to preventing damage in the future. From thorough cleanup to regular inspections, here are a few ways you can care for your roof.
Remove Built-Up Debris From Gutters and Roof
Cleaning gutters and downspouts of leaves, dirt, and other debris regularly is one of the first steps to preventing water damage.
When your gutter system is backed up, rainwater cannot be effectively routed away from your home. This can lead to rain pooling on your roof and around your home’s foundation.
If you have the means, gutter cleaning is a task you can take on yourself as part of your normal yard work, or you can hire a company to do it for you.
Gutter guards can also help make maintaining your gutter system easier. Strainer-style guards are useful for preventing leaves from building up in gutter troughs.
Consider installing seamless gutters to protect against future clogs. These types of gutters are more effective than traditional gutters by allowing water to flow even more freely through them.
Beyond removing potential blockages from your gutters and downspouts, it can also be helpful to clean debris, like moss, from your rooftop.
Debris on your roof and shingles can negatively impact the performance of your roof because material like this can further contribute to gutter clogs and affect its ability to ventilate properly.
Address Existing Roof Damage
Before a storm event even happens, take note of any potential problems with your roof that already exist. Here are some common types of roof damage that you may be able to spot on your own:
- Wind zippering: When shingles lift, curl, or break along a straight line
- Broken/rotted flashing: When the metal flashing meant to create a seal around roof penetrations (think pipes and chimneys) breaks down
- Cupping: When shingles curl upward at the edges
Over time, wind zippering, broken flashing, and cupping can be caused by environmental conditions like temperature fluctuations, wind, and moisture.
These types of roof damage are dangerous because they compromise the seal formed by your shingles. This broken seal can allow water underneath the shingles, making your home more susceptible to leaks. This damage is especially problematic during the storm season because of high winds (which exacerbate the problem) and increased rainfall.
Even if you do not see any leaking or water spots in your home, check for excessive moisture by investigating your attic space for mold. This could also mean your roof is improperly sealed and may develop a significant leak.
If you have any concerns about the condition of your roof, put your mind at ease by bringing someone in to inspect the roof for you. This is a great way to ensure you get the necessary repairs before the next storm hits.
What to Do After a Storm
When a particularly intense storm hits your property, it is important to check for any immediate signs of storm damage. Calling a professional may be the right step for you if you notice any of the following:
- Broken and fallen shingles
- Detached gutters or downspouts
- Active leaks into the attic or ceiling
- Structural damage caused by debris like fallen trees
The person or place you call first depends on what damage you see and whether you have homeowners insurance. If you have structural damage, you’ll want to file a claim with your insurance company. If the damage is minor or you’re unsure how your roof was impacted, you’ll want to contact a professional roofing company to come inspect your roof.
Find Your Roofing Expert
Hiring the right roofing contractor is critical for the safety of your home and family. As you begin your search, beware of storm chaser roofing companies. The contractors that work for these companies are often non-local, inexperienced, and deceptive in their practices. They tend to come to your home (without invitation) after a storm and try to pressure you into getting low-quality repairs.
A licensed, reputable contractor will have greater knowledge about your type of roof and give you a detailed breakdown of their findings (e.g. wind damage, hail damage, etc.). They will then give you an estimate of what it will cost to repair your roof. If the damage is extensive, the estimate may include figures for a complete roof replacement.
Victors Home Solutions is here to help in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana if your roof has been damaged. If you have been impacted by a storm recently and want to see if your roof suffered any damage, call us at 800-941-5754 for a free roof inspection and estimate today!