Wondering how your roof has survived the latest heavy storm that’s rolled through the Minneapolis-St. Paul area? Let’s face it, anything from hail and high winds to broken tree limbs and downpours can really do a number on your roofing. And since no one wants to face the frustrating and costly effects of a big leak, you’ll want to address storm damage right away.
If there’s been damage, you’ll see these 8 warning signs that it’s time to have a roofer do a thorough inspection.
What to Look for When Assessing Possible Roof Damage
As soon as the weather clears, it’s time to check your house and ensure your roof is intact. The safest way to check your roof is from the ground—so grab a pair of binoculars and walk far enough away to get a good look from all angles.
(Tip: Getting on your roof puts you at risk of a fall, and you might also damage your roofing by walking on it without the proper equipment, so leave the ladders and climbing to the pros.)
Here are the 8 signs you should look for as you safely check on your house:
1. Missing or Curled Shingles
This is a telltale sign that your roof isn’t as secure as it needs to be. High wind can loosen weak shingles so they curl up (and flap in the breeze)—or it can tear them completely off your house. You’ll see this either as bald patches on your roof, or as pieces of roofing laying on your lawn or in the road.
2. Broken or Cracked Roofing
Heavy hail strikes can dent, crack, or break shingles so that they expose the underlying surface to moisture damage, mold growth, and pest infestations. You’ll likely see areas that don’t lay flat or that look odd. A professional roofer can check this safely for you.
3. Leaks and Water Stains
Obviously, if you have water pouring in through the ceiling on your top story, a compromised roof is the most likely culprit. But keep in mind a roof leak can also show up as an unsightly brown stain on your ceiling or brown streaks down your walls. If you miss the leak, it may fester, leading to a moldy smell. Signs like these should be checked right away to find the root cause, because moisture damage only gets worse over time.
4. Other Damage to Your Roof
Remember that your roofing consists not just of shingles or roofing panels, but other elements too—like your chimney, vents, skylights, and flashing (the metal pieces that cover the seams around vents and chimney). If you see loose flashing on your roof, vent tops lying on the grass, or other signs that something’s amiss, it’s important to have your roof inspected to assess the full amount of the damage involved.
5. Granules in Your Gutters
As shingles age, their grainy surface gets worn down, which makes them less effective at keeping out leaks. This process can get worse after exposure to a lot of harsh storms. If you see a large number of gritty granules in your gutters or downspouts, it’s a good bet they’re from worn shingles that need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
6. Broken or Dislodged Gutters
Speaking of your drainage system… Heavy storms with hail and high winds can knock your gutters and downspouts out of place. Since they’re a vital part of keeping your roof intact and safe from water damage, you’ll want to address any damage you see—which can look like uneven, loose, or broken spots in your gutters.
7. Tree Limbs on the Roof
Strong storms and tornadic weather can pull a tree right up from the roots and cause it to topple on your home—so fallen trees mean a roof inspection is a must. But even smaller tree limbs can cause problems by scraping heavily against your roofing and causing shingles to come loose. So, you’ll want to look for roofing issues anytime a limb falls onto your house.
8. Wet Spots or Damp Insulation in Your Attic
Roof damage not only appears outside your home, but inside it too. We’ve already addressed signs of leaks in your living spaces, but don’t forget to inspect your attic after a big storm. Leaks may not show up right away as stains on your ceiling, but you might notice insulation is soggy—which it shouldn’t be! Use a flashlight to peer into your attic and look for wet beams, or have a pro climb into your attic and inspect it.
Get Peace of Mind About Your Home’s Condition After Stormy Weather with a Thorough Roof Inspection
Doing your DIY check from the ground and around your home is step one after any big storm. If you notice issues that have you concerned, a professional inspection is the next step to take.
At Iron River Construction, our roofing experts take pride in providing you with honest, clear information that empowers you to make decisions that serve you well. Reaych out to us for a free roof inspection, and if needed, a detailed estimate on how best to care for your roofing to protect your home. We’re here to serve you anytime!
