Common Signs of Storm Damage to Watch For
Pensacola has been directly hit by eight hurricanes since 1975. This makes it the 8th worst place for Hurricanes in the United States according to experts.
So, what can you do when you spot signs of storm damage on the exterior of your home?
From missing shingles to cracked tree limbs, this guide will go over some of the biggest problems caused by storm damage. Let’s jump into some red flags to watch for so that roofing problems don’t become bigger ones down the road.
What Problems Does Storm Damage Cause?
The roof is the most common place to get damaged in a storm. Wind and heavy rain can cause leaks that are hard to spot, but if you start seeing water stains on your ceiling, it’s a sign of trouble.
During a bad storm or hurricane, roofs aren’t the only problem area. If you have a window that’s cracked or broken, get it fixed before further damage happens inside your home. If your gutters get damaged during the storm, they may need replacing before the next storm arrives.
Common exterior damage to watch for includes:
- Leaky roof
- Roof wind damage
- Hurricane roof damage
- Gutter damage
- Water pooling
- Fallen trees
When to Check for Signs of Storm Damage
After the storm has passed, it’s important to check for damage. If your roof suffers damage from wind and rain, it could be leaking into your home and causing water damage. This is always something that should get handled by roofing experts, however.
It’s dangerous to try and look for roof damage yourself. Without the proper equipment and safety knowledge you’re putting yourself at risk. It’s also difficult to know what to look for if you don’t work with roofing.
Your roofing contractor will look for missing shingles on your roof and check for cracks in the remaining ones. They will also check the gutters for clogging with debris such as leaves or twigs. They will help remove trees from your roof and replace or repair anything that is damaged.
Hail Roof Damage
While hail is rare during a hurricane, it happens. Hail damage is usually caused by large chunks of ice falling from the sky during a thunderstorm.
Hailstones can be as small as a penny or as big as golf balls. No matter how heavy they are and what they hit, they’ll leave behind dents in your roof that need to be repaired.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are a sign of roof damage and need to get replaced. If you notice that one or more of your roof’s shingles are missing, it is important not to ignore this issue because it can lead to further problems down the road.
If you have any doubts about whether or not your missing shingles need replacing, contact a qualified contractor for advice on how best to proceed with repairs. After a storm, give our professional team a call to check if shingles are missing. You may find them on the ground or in your yard after a storm.
Most often, shingles disintegrate or end up blowing out of site. If you see particles of shingles or black pieces that look like crumbs, this could be a sign there’s damage above. If you don’t see these signs or visible missing pieces, only a trained roofer will find them when they asses your roof.
Clogged Gutters
If you see leaves or debris in your gutters, this is a sign of clogging. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and leak into the home. This leads to harmful mold and bacteria.
You may also notice that water collects around the foundation of your home if there are holes in the gutter or missing pieces from where it attaches to the roof. If you’re unsure if your gutters are damaged, call the professionals.
With the heavy winds experienced during tropical storms in Florida, it’s common for gutters to get clogged or even ripped from your home. A broken or missing gutter isn’t doing its job. Have a professional come and repair or replace your gutters before the next storm hits.
Cracked and Damaged Shingles
Shingles can be damaged in several ways during a storm. Wind can cause shingles on your roof to crack or break off completely. This can happen if there was strong wind during a storm, or even just high winds from an unseasonably warm day or cold night.
Cracked shingles expose your roof and home to the elements. Water and heat will crack more over time causing further damage in your home.
Over time, sunlight will fade out the coloration of asphalt shingles. This process happens faster if there are no trees around them to block exposure. This is very common in the Florida sun and heat.
Leaks from a Damaged Roof
In the event of a storm, you may notice that your home is leaking. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including roof damage. During a storm, if the rain is bad enough, it could seep into your home from the roof or windows.
The older your roof is the more susceptible it is to damage and leaks. Having your roof inspected regularly will keep it lasting longer.
Damaged Trees
Trees are often damaged by storms and high winds. Trees can also get hit by lightning. During the extreme winds of some tropical storms and hurricanes, it’s common to find broken or cracked trees.
If you’re home when tree branches land on your roof, you’ll notice the signs right away. Have a professional check your roof to see if any branches or limbs fell on it during a storm.
Call for Roofing Services Today
If you’ve experienced any signs of storm damage, it’s time to call the professionals. Get it taken care of before more damage occurs to your roof.
To get a free estimate fill out the contact form here. Buckworth Roofing will come to inspect your roof after a storm and anytime in between to keep your home safe and protected.
