The Major Causes of Roof Damage
When was the last time you thought about your roof? Like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your roof until you notice water spots on the ceiling or shingles in your front yard. The solution? Regular roof maintenance and inspections can help prevent big issues and save thousands of dollars in the long run. Damage that goes unnoticed can result in costly repairs, as well as serious problems on the inside of your home (cue the water spots). It’s important to maintain regular inspections to insure your roof is working properly and keeping all the water out.
Do you know all the ways your roof can be damaged? Regular roof maintenance, like gutter cleaning and removal of tree branches, can help prevent seasonal wear and tear. But preventing major problems means you need to know what can cause them. Read through the list below to see the common causes of roof damage, and download our roofing storm damage checklist to know when you need to call a professional!
Common causes of roof damage:
Hail Damage
No roof is safe from hail damage. Hail is notorious for pounding a roof, leaving behind dents, pocks, punctures, and loosening protective granules. There are two main types of hail damage:
- Latent: when granules are removed from your shingles, exposing them to the sun and weathering and speeding up their deterioration, or when there is structural weakening. Latent damage allows more time for scheduling and planning repairs for a convenient time but should still be fixed relatively quickly.
- Severe: when the shingles are visibly punctured or torn by hail. Severe damage should be repaired as quickly as possible.
Winds and High Winds
Even when a storm produces no rain or hail, your roof can still sustain damage from strong winds. When wind blows across your roof, nails loosen, shingles curl, and your roof’s aging process accelerates. Strong winds can create stress points on a roof that, over time, can weaken and become compromised. While roofs are designed to resist typical wind loads, they can be incrementally damaged over the years by high winds and debris.
Ice Damage
Did you know that snow and ice can can diminish a roof’s lifespan? In addition to wind, natural elements like rain, sun, snow, and ice can deteriorate your roof over time. As ice and snow melt and run off, water can settle under the shingles. When the water freezes again, it can lift the shingles and flashing, setting the stage for serious water damage, like corrosion and deterioration. If you live in an area gets freezing temperatures, it is a great idea to check your roof every spring.
Roofing Storm Damage Checklist
One of the questions we hear frequently as we visit our customers is, “How do I tell if my roof has been damaged?” As a preferred contractor for most major insurance companies, we have more than 40 years of experience and can help you understand what to look for after a storm blows through. The roofing storm damage checklist below will guide you as you assess your roof’s health.
- Evaluate the damage, including torn, curled, punctured, or missing shingles. Make sure to take photographs of any damage you see.
- Assess gutters and windows. Even if your shingles show no obvious signs of damage, gutters and windows can be cracked, which indicates that your roof may also have damage.
- It’s safer to check for hail damage on flat ground around your house. Look closely at your vehicles and decks for signs of high winds or hail.
- A damaged roof can cause a leak that trickles through to an interior ceiling. Go room to room inside, including your attic, and check for signs of leaks.
- Call your insurance company. Sage works directly with your homeowner’s insurance company to help you navigate the ins and outs of insurance language, policies, and inspections.
When you need help quickly after a storm, depend on Sage, your Owens Corning Roofing Preferred Contractor. Feeling overwhelmed after filling out the roofing storm damage checklist? Whether the skies are stormy or blue, we’re always here to come out for a FREE Roof Inspection to ensure your roof is safe and structurally sound.
Sage Roofing LLC is qualified to handle any need on your property. Give us a call today (972-420-6500) or contact us here to see how you can qualify for our FREE 10-year warranty. We offer a no-obligation inspection of your home.
