If it's raining cats and dogs, make sure your roof is in tip-top shape.
Storms wreak havoc on our homes. On average, hail costs homeowners between $8 billion to $10 billion in repairs across the United States.
Ensure your home isn't suffering from roof damage after a recent storm by checking these areas.
1. Check Your Shingles
Heavy rain is ideal for plants, but it can do some serious damage to your roof.
Once the storm has passed, inspect your roof's shingles. High winds tear and remove shingles. This leaves your roof exposed to rain and hail.
Sometimes, strong winds lift and curl shingles. Once your shingles are lifted, your roof becomes vulnerable to rain damage.
If there was hail, there may be small dents on your shingles. These are necessary to repair. They displace granules that protect your home from sun and water damages.
Be very careful when inspecting your roof. You should not climb on your roof if there is damage. Your roof may be weakened, and if it recently rained, your shingles will be slippery.
2. Inspect Your Gutters
After a heavy storm, check out those gutters. Telltale signs of storm damage include:
Bent or sagging gutters
Missing sections of your gutters
Decay or rust
Leaky seams
If your gutters are hanging loosely from your home, they've likely been impaired by the storm.
If your gutters are filled with debris, clean them as soon as possible. Clogged gutters can freeze and cause extra weight on your gutter fasteners. They won't work as well if there's large buildup.
If you're unsure if your gutters are damaged, watch them during the next rainfall. If you don't see water flowing from your gutters, there's likely a clog.
3. Look for Water Spots Inside
After a severe storm, water damage can quickly spread to your home's interior. After you've checked the outside of your home, do an indoor walkthrough. Pay attention to your ceiling, light fixtures, and attic.
As you inspect your interior, check for:
Moisture marks on your ceilings and walls
Brown or yellow stains
Peeling wallpaper or paint
If you have an attic, look for signs of storm damage on a sunny day. If any holes were created in your roof, sunlight will shine through them. You can also check for wet insulation as a sign of storm damage and rain runoff.
4. Observe Odd Smells
If your home was damaged during a storm, water may accumulate indoors. As the water sits, mold grows. While you may not see the mold, you can smell it.
Sitting water and mold causes a musty and stale odor. As you inspect your home for visual damage, sniff around to detect any rotten smells.
A professional roofing inspection checks for hidden mold or sitting water that's causing the unpleasant odor.
5. Don't Wait to Call a Professional
If you're unsure of any home damage, call a professional roofing technician. Don't risk your safety by climbing on your roof and further damaging your property.
Waiting too long for help leads to hefty expenses later. Trained professionals know how to safely inspect your home for storm destruction.
Do You Have Roof Damage?
A recent storm's huffing and puffing may not have blown your house down, but it might have caused some harm. Roof damage is serious and needs to be handled by a qualified technician.
Contact our team and we'll send a well-trained roofer to your home or business as soon as possible. From new roof installations to storm repairs, our professional team does it all.
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