The area of North Texas sits at the low end of Tornado Alley; therefore, it is known to get many severe thunderstorms, high winds, hail, and some tornadoes every year. High winds and hail can do a lot of damage to a roof. After a strong storm, there are a few things that should be done to be sure you do not have roof damage.
What Kind of Roof Damage Can Wind or Hail Cause?
Wind and hail can cause different types of damage. Hail causes impact damage to roofs, and the bigger the hail, the more likely the roof will have damage.
Hail damage has a random pattern, causing holes, loss of granulation, cracks and breaks in tile, slate or wood roof — and the older the roof, the more likely there will be damage.
Wind damage is different. Wind will pick up the corners or perimeters of the roof, exposing the roofing felt or roof decking to rain. Sometimes it will occur throughout a storm or a little at a time, storm after storm until you notice with a leak or it blows completely off the roof. The other risk during high winds is flying debris and tree branches. Glass, sticks, etc., can blow across your roof causing scratches and gouges in the roof that may need to be repaired. Tree branches that fall onto your roof can puncture the roofing materials, or worse, the whole roof.
It is best to take care of roof damage immediately as it occurs. A roof repair is much less expensive than a roof replacement.
Perform Your Own Visual Roof Inspection
It’s a good idea to take a look at your roof after a strong storm to see if you spot any issues. It usually is not recommended that you get onto your roof; leave that to the professionals.
When you conduct a visual inspection of your roof, keep an eye out for a few things:
- Loss of granulation
- Broken, damaged, curling or missing shingles
- Mold, decay or splitting of wood shake shingles
- Cracks, tears, blisters or wrinkles on flat roofs
- Crumbling of roofing cement – damage to flashing
- Decay, rust, bad seams, bent or sagging gutters
- Damage at chimney, skylights or vents
An indoor inspection is a good idea also. When inspecting the interior of your home, check for:
- Moisture marks in ceilings of gray, yellow or brown spots
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Soft, wet plaster
- Attic moisture, including damp rafters and/or moist insulation
- Attic rafter gaps where sunlight is getting through
Also, keep an eye on your energy costs. If you notice your cooling or heating costs increasing after a strong storm, it could mean than your heating or cooling is escaping through your roof.
How About a Professional Roof Inspection?
It is not a good idea to climb up onto your roof. If you suspect you have wind or hail damage or even if you just want it checked just in case, it is a good idea to give a professional roofer a call. Broadway Roofing has an industry-leading 17-point roof inspection process that is thorough and will reveal any problems…even the little ones. It is always best to catch roof leaks when they are small so that the problem can be remedied early. Our 17-point inspection will find any problems, big or small. This inspection includes:
- Checking for proper shingle overhangs at gutters and eves.
- Measure for and calculate for proper attic ventilation
- Inspect attic intake vents for blockage
- Interior attic inspection for moisture or dry rot
- Inspect attic insulation for proper R-valve
- Inspect all storm collars at pipes for proper seal
- Inspect all valleys for cracks and deterioration
- Inspect roof for missing shingle granules
- Check gutter and downspouts for blockage
- Inspect fasten method used from original installation
- Inspect flashing at all walls
- Check for loose shingles
- Inspect seals on shingles to help prevent wind damage
- Inspect all pipe flashings for cracks
- Inspect all attic vents for holes or cracks or deterioration
- Inspect all rubber boots at top of pipes for dry rot
- Check to see if shingles are curled, brittle or deteriorated
This process is what makes Broadway Roofing a leader in the roofing business in North Texas.
If you suspect storm damage to your roof, contact Broadway Roofing for your roof inspection.