Recent storm damage your roof? If your house went through a hail storm, wind storm, hurricane, or tornado, you will need to assess roof damage as soon as possible.
The choice between roof repair and roof replacement is not always easy. You have to know exactly how much damage your roof has sustained to decide what to do.
Most of the time, some of the damage is obvious, but you need to know where and what to look for when inspecting your roof for storm damage. Here are some tips on how to spot roof damage and when to call in the professionals.
1. Examine the Shingles
The first and most obvious sign of damage is missing shingles. Most roofs have asphalt shingles, which are fairly durable, but not indestructible. Even if no shingles are missing, look for holes and leaks, which might indicate a more serious issue. Leaks can cause rot and eventually compromise the integrity of your roof to the point it requires replacement.
Moreover, pay attention to dings and dents, as well as granulation on the shingles. Known collectively as “bruising” these signs indicate wear and tear and might point towards a deeper problem.
2. Check the Gutters
Gutter damage is not always obvious. The gutters may look fine from the outside, but they could be bent out of shape or blocked by debris. Damaged gutters may leak or cause water to accumulate and seep through the roof, eventually causing mold and rot.
3. Check for Loose or Missing Flashing
Carefully inspect the edges of your roof, as well as around skylights, vents, and chimneys for missing flashing. A storm may tear flashing off, especially around ridge vents and other exposed areas. You should replace these as soon as possible.
4. Examine the Chimneys
If your house features one or more chimneys, you will need to check for chipped or damaged bricks, and cracked joints. Since chimneys are typically settled independently from the house, you will have to pay extra attention to the flashing, as we have seen above.
If you need to climb on your roof to examine your chimney, be careful not to aggravate existing storm damage by stepping on damaged shingles.
5. Indoor Inspection
Finally, inspect the inside of your house for water damage, stains, peeling paint, rust, and mold. These signs indicate you could have a leaking roof.
Also, make sure you check your attic for any sign of moisture. Any moisture there means your roof is damaged, even if you couldn’t find anything during the outdoor inspection.
If you have a leaking roof that might compromise the integrity of your roof, it’s time to call the professionals and have your roof replaced.
Roof Damage? We Can Help!
Here at Crown Remodeling, we are your roofing, insurance, and restoration specialists. If you are struggling with roof damage, we will work directly with your insurance company on your behalf.
We can get your insurance company to pay for replacing your roofs, windows, gutters, and siding. Contact us today and find out how to get your roof replaced without paying anything, except for insurance deductibles!