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Originally Posted On: https://www.homelovr.com/how-to-identity-roof-damage-after-a-storm/

 

Did you know that the best way to prepare for storms such as hurricanes is to create an emergency plan, strengthen your home, collect necessary supplies, and recognize warnings and alerts?

Even if you take all of the steps to prepare your family and your home for dangerous storms, it is still possible that unexpected events such as roof damage will occur.

If this happens, you will need to take steps to repair your roof. To help you know how to identify roof damage after a storm, we have put together a guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.

How to Assess Your Roof for Storm Damage

Before you start checking for storm damage, you’ll first need to understand that every style of roof will require different strategies for inspection.

With this being said, you should always start your inspection by looking over your roof’s exterior. This will help you get an idea of what condition it is in. It is not necessary to climb to your roof to do this.

All you’ll need to do is stand on the ground and keep an eye out for clear-cut signs of damage. If it is hard to tell from the ground, you can use a pair of binoculars.

You can also look around your house for any debris that the storm blew onto your roof. Depending on what type of debris it is, these objects might have caused damage when they hit your roof.

If possible remove this debris right away. If you notice that there is a hole in your roof, consider calling professional roofing contractors. They will be able to help you with any of your roof repair needs.

How to Measure Different Kinds of Roof Damage

If you cannot tell whether it will be necessary to repair your roof by looking at it from the ground, you should carefully climb to your roof to do an inspection. But do not climb onto your roof unless it is safe to do so.

The most common reasons why you might need to repair a roof is because of wind, water, hail, snow, or ice damage.

Different Roof Types: How to Assess Storm Damage

There are several surprising ways that storm damage can show up. If you are not certain what to look for, it is a good idea to get ahold of a roofer who can come to do an inspection.

They will be able to explain what type of roof you have and what action steps might be necessary for you to take.

Asphalt-Shingled Roofs

When you are assessing storm damage on this type of roof, you will need to keep an eye out for loose, shattered, or cracked shingles. Also, look for shingles that have bubbled or have blisters.

This might be a sign that water has found its way to the interior of the shingle. You will need to replace any shingles that are damaged. This will prevent additional leaks from developing.

Wood Shake Roofs and Wood Shingles

These types of roofs are much less common than asphalt-shingled roofs. They also tend to require more maintenance than other types of roofs.

This is why you should be sure to inspect your roof after a storm if you have a wood shake roof or wood shingles.

Search for any shingles or shakes that are broken, separated, or damaged. If you don’t fix or replace these materials, your roof might start to leak. 

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs tend to be more pricy than other kinds of roofs. They do a great job of resisting fires. They also might offer more protection from strong winds.

You’ll want to try to find tiles that are broken or chipped when you’re examining a tile roof for storm damage.

All keep an eye out for tiles that are separated from one another. This may offer the opportunity for water to seep in.

Metal Roofs

It is fairly easy to identify storm damage on metal roofs. Look for indentations where hail might have landed on your metal roof. If your metal roof is damaged, you might not need to replace it. 

Look for gaps between sheets of metal where water might be able to enter your home. You will also need to take note of any signs that the metal has begun to rust.

Flat Roofs

Most flat roofs are constructed with materials that are waterproof, which means they tend to be resistant to storm damage. But you will still need to take time to inspect flat roofs for damage after storms.

It is usually easy to identify storm damage on flat roofs. But you might need to climb to your roof in order to do this.

If you do not feel comfortable doing this, make sure to get hold of a skilled roofing contractor to ask for help. A roofing contractor will be able to quickly identify storm damage.

They will also be able to quickly and efficiently offer solutions such as applying waterproofing sealants or replacing damaged materials.

Identify Roof Damage After a Storm

If you are not sure how to identify roof damage after a storm, it is important to keep in mind that it may be necessary for you to climb to your roof in order to do this.

If you are interested in finding out more about caring for the exterior of your home, make sure to visit the Outdoors section of our website.