Summer storms can wreak all kinds of havoc on homes and roofs. Some damage may be apparent, while other types of damage may be less extreme and/or less noticeable. That’s why it’s important to have a professional examine your roof if you think there may be a chance that it was damaged during a storm. When it comes to roof damage, a small, simple problem can quickly escalate into a large, expensive one.
Strong Winds
There doesn’t have to be a tornado for wind to cause damage to your roof. Strong winds can lift up shingles or blow them completely off the roof. If your roof is left exposed for long periods of time, that’s when major, costly damage can occur. After the strong winds have passed, walk around your yard while keeping an eye out for shingles, pieces of shingles, or shingle granules on the ground or in your gutters. If you see any, contact your local roofing contractor to have your roof professionally inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Fallen Debris
Most debris comes from trees: branches, limbs, twigs, pine needles, and leaves. Parts of trees can break off during storms, when a tree is sick with disease, or when branches become too heavy for the tree to support. To avoid damage to your roof or home from fallen debris, consider trimming back large branches that hang over or near your home.
Algae and moss can transfer over to your roof from a nearby tree and grow and spread across your roof. They can then collect moisture and leave dark spots on your rooftop that can cause your shingles and roof to deteriorate and rot over time.
Small debris like leaves and pine needles can also collect in your gutters, putting extra strain on them. When your gutters are clogged, water won't be able to flow freely and will build up. The additional weight could cause your gutters to break off of your house, and the increased moisture could lead to rot or leakage into your home.
Hail
If it hails during a storm, it’s always smart to check your roof and yard afterward for damage. Sometimes hail damage is hard to detect, leaving only a small trail of evidence behind, such as hairline fractures or small granules that have broken off of shingles.
Heat
Aside from the intense heat of summer lightning, another heat source that can wear down your shingles and make your home more susceptible to problems. If your roof is getting old or it has already been damaged in certain areas and left vulnerable, the sun could worsen the damage by drying it out or causing it to age more quickly than it should.
Moisture
The underlying source of most roof problems is usually linked to moisture, whether that be from ice, snow, rain, or condensation. Most of the problems listed above leave your roof vulnerable and exposed. Then, moisture sweeps in and can cause extensive damage: mold, rot, mildew, leaks, etc. Dealing with small problems as they arise will help you avoid leaving your roof vulnerable to moisture.
Roofing Repairs in Ankeny
If you need roofing repairs or inspection, and you live near Ankeny, Huxley, or Ames, contact Hedrick Construction. We can come out to your property and give you a free roofing estimate and determine what, if any, damage has been done. Give us a call at 515-597-7663 or fill out our online form, and we’ll contact you soon!
Comments