Storms come in many different forms, from bruising hail to high mile-an-hour winds and even blizzards that can deposit heavy snow on top of your roof. The good news is that no matter what kind of weather you’re dealing with, there are some warning signs that could give away the true extent of any damage done already without you knowing it. It can be hard to tell if your roof needs repairs without the help of a professional, but there are some warning signs to look out for.
High Winds
High winds can have a devastating effect on roofing. When high wind gusts come from one direction, they can weaken or loosen the asphalt shingles on your roof or send them sailing to the ground below, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks and moisture penetration. If you’re worried that roof repair might be needed after a high wind storm and you start noticing shingles scattered on your lawn or flapping in the breeze, get your roof examined right away so you can take preventative measures and make repairs as soon as possible.
Falling Tree Branches or Debris
Fallen branches and debris are probably one of the most dangerous roof problems after storms. Even smaller tree limbs can scratch roof surfaces, cut roof eaves, and puncture roof membranes if they hit in the wrong spot. Tree branches flapping in the wind or lying on your roof are also a sign that you need roof inspection immediately. Broken tree limbs tend to leave roof materials exposed, so it’s crucial to seal up roofing membrane or shingle surfaces right away.
Hail Storms
Hail is the most common weather related roof damage that roofing contractors are called to fix. Hail can affect roofing shingles in a number of ways. Hail can bruise shingles, forming an indentation that might be difficult to see but that eventually allows water to seep through over time. Larger pieces of hail can also cause cracks in the sub-layers of your roof materials despite not fully penetrating through. All this damage doesn’t just leave your roof vulnerable to leaks, but it can damage the sub-structures of your roof as well. To assess the full extent of the damage, you may need the assistance of a specialist roof for a comprehensive inspection.
Blizzards
Heavy snow can also cause roofing problems, one of the most common being roof leaks. Snow is heavy and can pile up on your roof fast. This weight is enough over time to deform roof tiles or roof shingles, and in extreme cases, cause your roof to start sagging under the extreme weight. Snow can also build up in gutters and cause ice dams. Damaged roofing materials like roof tiles or shingles can lead to roof leaks when the damage is severe enough so be sure to occasionally check your attic and ceilings for signs of leaks and notify a roofing contractor right away to avoid more costly repairs down the road.
It’s important to remember that roof damage can happen in many different ways and it’s not always easy to identify what the extent of the roof damage is. With so much destruction and potential roofing issues, you should get your roof inspected as soon as possible after a storm has hit. Here at JCM Roofing our professional team will be happy to help with any questions about how we can assist with these repairs or if there are other solutions for your needs. Let us know today by calling (716) 249-0979.