Damage caused by the storm may not be visually obvious. While a roof surface may appear to be intact from the ground, shingles, flashing, underlayment or other elements may be compromised beneath the surface. Heavy winds, hail, intense rain and wind-blown debris cause subtle vulnerabilities that can result in leaks and further degradation over time. Familiarity with the typical indications of storm related damage enables the homeowner to have his or her roof certified in a timely fashion.

Why Storm Damage Can Be Difficult to See

Certain roofing materials are able to obscure deterioration during installation. For instance, a shingle might be installed, but its seal is broken, or the shingle is cracked. Likewise, flashing might move a little and open up a little without igniting an apparent gap. Since many roofing parts are layered, not all damage will be visible until the next rainfall.

Look for Loose or Missing Materials

The first thing a home owner should do following a storm is to see if any roofing material has shifted or blown off of the home. High winds can lift and dislodge ridge caps, shingles, flashing, and other materials. Even if it only looks like a small area consider having it inspected.

Check for Hail Impact

Hail has been known to cause small dings, cracks, or surface damage that may not be immediately obvious without an up close examination. The tiles on asphalt shingles tend to lose the protective granules after multiple hits, which leaves the asphalt much more vulnerable to the weather conditions and the sun. Since there can be damage to various points on the concrete repair, not just the side that can be seen when examining, you need to look at many different sections to get a fair assessment.

Examine the Gutters

Gutters can also provide some clues as to what has happened up on the roof. Homeowners can run into odd amounts of shingle granules, breakage from roofing materials or other debris in their gutters after a storm. By all means some debris is to be expected, but an abnormal amount after a severe weather event should be examined. Additionally, gutters can be broken or come loose and need to be repaired if they are not directing water away effectively.

Look Inside the Attic

Occasionally, the attic will show evidence of damage to the roof that is not noticeable from outside. Check insulation for dampness, wood for water stains or discoloration, and the presence of moisture around vents and roof penetrations. The owner should only venture into the attic when it is easily accessible and safe to do so. If electrical fixtures, unsafe walking surfaces, or substantial moisture are present, a professional is the better choice.

Watch for Ceiling and Wall Stains

Some water that gets in through a leaky roof will most likely show up on the ceiling or walls as a stain. It may leave a discolored, soft or swollen area. . The obvious location does not tell where the water is entering the roof. The water may travel within framework until reaching the interior surface so it is best to have a professional check it.

Pay Attention to Unusual Odors

A new stale odor after a rain storm could also be deposits of moisture that have gained access into the roofing system or attic. Issues may be identified by the odors preceding the emergence of the water damage and may alert a homeowner to a potential problem prior to experiencing visible damage.

Inspect Flashing and Roof Edges

Possible failure points include flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, wall, and roof transitions. These flashing points are susceptible to wind blow off or impact damage from debris. Roof edges and roof valleys are another prime area for heavy water flow during a storm. A professional assessment should inspect these areas as small weaknesses in the flashing can let water into the underlying roof layers.

Think of the Age of the Roof

Age and prior condition of a roof can also play a role in the effect intense weather conditions might have. Roofs built some time ago might have pre-existing brittleness, cracking, and other problems. Even a modern roof can be damaged at the time of the storm however a pre- existing roof condition should always be taken into account with the assessment of damage incurred. Storm damage may even necessitate a new roof rather than repairs on an aging system.

Arrange a Professional Inspection

It‘s also important to caution against the temptation to climb high onto a damaged roof to look for unseen issues of damage. Roofs may have slick, loose or fragile surfaces following a storm. A professional will have the experience and equipment to safely access hard to reach places. Once identified, professional storm damage roof repair Spring TX can be used to repair any failing materials and restore the roof to optimal condition.

Do Not Delay After a Storm

Damage that has not yet manifested itself may exacerbate once water from rain begins to soak through compromised areas. The limited opening could allow water into the insulation, decking or other parts of the roof assembly. Early inspection allows time for the homeowner to respond to the issue before more significant damage occurs both inside and on the roof.

Conclusion

There are many other ways to spot subtle storm damage besides missing shingles. Home owners need to look for evidence of granules in the gutters, wetness in the attic, stains on the ceiling, strange smells, and deterioration around the edges of the roof. Not all signs can be safely or correctly diagnosed from the ground, so calling out a professional to assess the damage might be the smartest move. Nipping storm damage in the bud can be a big help to the home owner, save them from doing more costly repairs, and allow them to ascertain whether a roofing standard or a repair will suit their needs.