“Government codes and regulations are designed to ensure maximum safety of a building’s future inhabitants as well as the construction crews that work on them. State and local governments abide by the standards set forth by the International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association” (Government Requirements). We all know the importance of the roof and we all know, even if we are not consciously aware of it, that the safety and security of our family, possessions, and our home itself depends on the strength and reliability of the roof. This is why it is so important to take care of your roofing system, especially following any sort of storm or high wind event. You must check for both the obvious as well as the less obvious signs of storm damage.
After a storm or high winds, such as we see often here in Indianapolis, most homeowners know to look for signs of damage. As soon as the storm passes, they head outside and do a quick check of their property and see if their roof and everything else is still in one piece. However, many homeowners today are not well versed in roof care and specifics so what do you look for exactly when inspecting your roof after a storm? Branches on the roof, broken gutters, holes in the roof, torn or missing shingles, damaged flashing, standing water, and the like are the most common things homeowners look for. Those are all good things to check for since you want to address any damage as soon as possible!
Hidden Signs of Roof Damage – It’s Not Always Obvious!
Unfortunately, there is a lot of damage that can occur to the roofing system that is not so obvious to the untrained eye, especially when looked at from the ground. Less obvious signs of storm damage can easily go unnoticed by the homeowner initially. This leads to an issue where problems grow and become major problems down the road. Th key is to know and identify hidden signs early so they can be addressed before more of your roofing system is damaged or compromised! That is where our team of experts here at Stay Dry Roofing can come in and make all the difference in the world as we look for the hidden signs of roof damage that not everyone can easily identify.
Loss of Granules
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that the asphalt shingles on their roofs right now are covered in sand-like granules. These essential little components are hard to see and are invisible when viewed from the ground. However, it is this component of the shingle that helps block UV rays, reduced heat buildup, and provides a sort of water shield on the surface of the shingle. If there are a substantial number of granules piled at the end of the drain spout or you see them scattered over your lawn and driveway you may need new shingles. Without the granules, the shingles are exposed and will not do as good a job at protecting your roof from the effects of storms and other environmental impacts. This is one of the less obvious signs of storm damage that we see homeowners overlook the most here at Stay Dry Roofing. So, make sure your roof is in tip-top shape and call us today for a post-storm inspection.
Shingles Damaged by Hail
Many homeowners think they know what hail damage looks like. They envision a hole or dent in their shingles that will look the same anytime hail damage has occurred. This is a misconception and it costs many homeowners because they miss the early signs of roof damage. The exact look of the damage will be a little different each time based on the type of roof you have, how bad the hail was, and what direction the storm was moving. Our trained roofing experts, however, can easily identify even the smallest telltale warning signs that damage has occurred. We look for things like dents, bruises, cracks, worn area, and broken edges on shingles usually cannot be seen from the ground level. This is why we recommend you don’t trust a simple walk-around of your home- you need a full up-close diagnosis to be sure. These less obvious signs of storm damage can be easily detected by our team of experts.
Lifting Shingles
Shingles which has been torn off and lay scattered around your yard and driveway are rightfully concerning. However, one of the less obvious signs of storm damage is the lifting of the shingles. When shingles get loose they can begin to pull away and break the tight seal they form on the roof. This might not be as obvious right away, especially if you are inspecting from the ground only. Some homeowners wrongfully assume that if they do detect lifting shingles that they just aren’t worth worrying about. The truth is, the shingles have still been damaged and are no longer performing up to their full potential. Just as a seal that is partly cracked will let some water in, so too will the shingles allow rainwater to slowly seep into your home because there is no longer a water-tight seal. The Stay Dry Roofing team can inspect and replace damaged shingles for you so you can rest easy when the next storm rolls through!
Dented Gutters and Flashing
There are many ways homeowners overlook and disregard some of the less obvious signs of storm damage. And they all come back to haunt them in the end. One such sign of damage that is frequently overlooked is problems with the gutters and flashing. From the ground, you might spot major issues like broken pieces, lodged branches, and other obvious signs. However, even smaller dents, debris lodges within the drain spouts, and loose fittings and attachments can also pose a major risk to your roofing system. Left unchecked, these less obvious signs of storm damage will only grow and will eventually become major issues. It is always best to do an inspection after a storm that has had a lot of rain or wind with it to ensure your gutters and flashing are still firmly attached and are not damaged. That ounce of prevention after a storm will save you time and money down the road so call us today for a post-storm inspection.
Minor Holes and Leaks
Any damage that your roofing system sustains because of a storm is bad. Small damage is still damage and it can still lead to worsening problems down the road. Minor leaks will grow and cause major damage to your roof and your home’s interior as well. Little issues like cracked shingles and loose gutters will soon grow into bigger issues that can cause serious damage. Any damage detected on your roof needs to be treated like a big deal because even if it’s not a big issue right now, it will soon become one if left unaddressed. If you have seen any signs of damage or you are concerned about your roof, pick up the phone and call your roofing experts today for a professional inspection. You would not ignore the check engine light in your car so don’t ignore the warning signs your roof is trying to send to you. Take care of minor damage and problems now while you still can!
Help With the Less Obvious Signs of Storm Damage
“Roof systems (ranging from roof coverings to structural members) typically fail when winds produce forces greater than the capacity provided by the elements of the roof system. Winds can tear roof coverings from roof decks and can separate roof decks from framing. Roofs can also fail if punctured by windborne debris. In most cases, debris punctures pose less of a problem on residential structures, where a roof ’s slope may limit the amount of rain that can enter a puncture (unless that puncture occurs in a valley or other area of the roof where water is channeled or collected). However, in buildings with flat or low sloped roofs, punctures from windborne debris can lead to extensive interior damage” (FEMA).
If your roof has sustained damage after a storm or you think it might have, call us today here at Stay Dry Roofing. We have decades of experience, working in the local area helping homeowners just like you! When it comes to detecting the less obvious signs of storm damage we know what to look for and we know what to do to get your roofing system back in tip-top shape. Call us today for a consultation and free estimate! Keep yourself, your family, your possessions, and your home safe and secure with a quality roofing system that will hold up against any storm. Don’t put off roof maintenance and repair work. Call in the experts and let s show you why more homeowners in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas trust us for expert help with the less obvious signs of storm damage! Get started now!