Did the Recent Storm Damage My Roof?
Roof Storm Damage: Always Hire a Professional Roofer
If you’re trying to protect your home from damage, it’s essential to have a structurally sound roof. During any type of severe storm, roofs are likely to be the subject of bad weather, especially in the Ohio and Columbus area.
As professional roofers in Ohio, we’ve witnessed first-hand how storms can damage a roof and make your home subject to additional issues. Knowing the risks of roof storm damage and understanding why it’s essential to hire a professional roofer to inspect your roof frequently can help protect you and your family’s home.
Severe Weather Roof Risks
There are various types of weather conditions your roof in Ohio may be subject to. The most common types of severe weather you might encounter includes:
Snow: Snow is a frequent issue in Ohio during the winter months. It can cause problems associated with weight and moisture as it accumulates.
Thunderstorms: Severe thunderstorms can happen at any time of the year. The worst storms can bring high winds that damage your roof structure, allowing rain to make its way inside your home.
Hail: With many storms, hail may show up. There is a high risk of roof damage as hail hits your roof.
Tornadoes: Tornados can bring winds that exceed over 300 miles an hour. This can damage your roof entirely or make it unsafe.
How Roofs Are Damaged During Storms
The most common damage that is likely to happen to your roof after a storm is some sort of wind damage. Hail can cause damage to your roof when the blocks are bigger than an inch in diameter and can contribute to damaged, cracked shingles or create indents in your roof. High-force winds can push off the shingles of your roof, exposing your home to rain or other outdoor conditions.
Besides the elements affecting your home’s roof, heavy rainfalls can cause the ground around a tree to become overly saturated, causing trees to become uprooted. If it’s a less violent storm, you still may have tree limbs hit your roof because of the wind’s impact, which can hurt your roof.
The biggest issue with any type of storm damaging your roof is that it can allow elements, such as water, to get inside of your home. It can lead to more significant, long-term damage to the inside or structure of your home if the water is consistently getting inside your home.
What to Do After a Storm? Check Your Roof!
It’s better to immediately take care of your roof after any type of storm occurs in your area. The first thing you should do is head outside and conduct a quick visual inspection of your roof. Check to see if any shingles are missing, loose, or damaged. Look over at your gutters to see if they incurred any harm.
Check the side of your home to see if any water was able to get underneath your home. If the side materials are dented or cracked, you might have a problem. They should look straight and not contain any gaps.
On the inside of your home, search for signs of any type of leakage. You want to check the areas closest to your roof first, such as an attic or top floor. If you see any kind of water spots located on your ceilings or walls, this is a sign that there is unwanted water entering your home through your damaged roof.
Professional Roofers Are Your Best Option
Even with all your physical checks, you might be missing some important signs that your roof has been damaged. It’s always important to call a professional roofer, like Whitt Roofing and Restoration, to check on your home for signs of roof damage.
Do not put yourself in harm’s way trying to inspect your own roof. Safety is essential when any kind of inspection is occurring, and climbing ladders, especially if the ground is wet, can lead to injury. Additionally, you might find that the roof you’re checking is slippery or slick, which can also impact your ability to fall. Using a professional roofer who is trained on how to perform inspections safely is your best bet.
When there is damage to your home, you can’t waste any time. You need to fix this issue as soon as possible. Roof storm damage can allow pests into your home, along with rain and wind, which can contribute to mold, moisture, or damage to your furniture and belongings. The longer your roof is left untreated, the more expensive and difficult it can be to fix the issue.
What Will a Professional Roofer Look For?
When you hire a professional roofer to check your home, they will be searching for wear and tear, leaks, damage from storms, and any problems during repairs or installation of your roof. The inspector will check:
Structure Damage: First, the professional roofer will check your structure to ensure that there are no uneven parts or sagging of your roof, along with your gutter, fascia and soffit system, and chimney.
Material Damage: Next, the professional roofer will inspect for any curling, missing or loose shingles, or signs of rust, moss, and stains. They will also check for deterioration or gaps around the seals and rubber boots around vent pipes.
Interior Damage: The professional roofer will inspect the inside of your home to look for physical damage or water stains, rot, or mold. The common areas that should be checked include attics, walls, and ceilings.
Don’t leave your roof to accumulate problems. Instead, schedule your roof inspection in Ohio to ensure your home is protected. Intelligent homeowners choose to schedule appointments yearly as a proactive measure to take care of their roof. Contact us today to schedule your Ohio roof inspection.