Roof storm damage can be detrimental to the integrity of your roof. It’s important to be able to assess your roof and to know when to call a professional.
No matter how well you take care of your roof, if a storm blows in, it can sustain damage. While it is worrying to see roof storm damage, you don’t need to panic. Most damage is easily corrected; you need to ensure that you get it done quickly to avoid any further damage such as leaks.
If you have experienced roof storm damage, can you fix it yourself, or should you call the experts? Here’s how to assess the damage and get the help you need.
Assessing Types Of Damage
If you’ve had a storm come through, the first thing you should do is assess your roof. This will show you if it has sustained any damage, and you’ll be able to check the severity of it. Remember to be safe while you do this. Usually, it’s best to do your assessment from the ground and see what your roof looks like. You can use a pair of binoculars to get a closer view if needs be.
There are a few different types of roof storm damage that you may encounter. Here’s what to look out for:
Rain damage:
If you’ve had heavy rains, then you need to be on the lookout for this. Rainwater is the number one enemy of the roof, as it can get in through any crack or gap and start wreaking havoc.
There are a few different ways water can damage your roof, most of them over more extended periods. Rotting roof timbers is a surefire sign of water damage from storms. If this is leftover some time, you’ll see some fundamental structural issues with your roof.
Water will often lead to roof leaks, too. You may see water dripping somewhere in your home, or there may be water stains on the ceiling. Follow these up into the attic, where you can see where it’s coming from. Be aware that not all leaks are due to roof damage, so be on the lookout for other causes too.
The last thing to look for is mold in your attic or elsewhere in your home. Mold thrives in damp environments, so if your roof is leaking, it’s perfect for it. If you do spot mold, it needs to be dealt with right away, as mold is dangerous to your health.
Wind damage:
Storms will often come with high winds, and this is problematic for your roof. If your roof was installed by professionals, then hopefully, the damage will be minimal. However, depending on your roof type, wind can be a real problem for you.
If you have a shingle roof, you may spot missing shingles when you go out to inspect it. It’s very easy for them to be lifted and blown away by high winds. These need to be replaced quickly, as those gaps in the roof will let water in if you see rain in the near future.
If the wind is severe, then you may find other debris on your roof afterward. Some larger debris, such as tree limbs, can cause damage to the roof as it lands, so you need to be on the lookout for this, too.
Finally, high winds can blow debris such as leaves into your gutters. If this is allowed to sit, it will block them and let water back up onto the roof. This again leads to water leaks, so this needs to be addressed quickly too.
Hail damage:
The final kind of roof storm damage you’ll see is hail damage. It’s less common but can cause all types of damage. Usually, the damage you’ll see will include ‘bruising,’ where hail has hit the shingles and cracks and tears in them. If this is left for long enough, then again, water can make its way into your roof and start causing damage.
What Damage Can You Fix Yourself?
Now you’ve assessed the roof storm damage, and you’ll need to get it fixed. What can you handle yourself? If you’re a confident DIYer, then there are some minor repairs that you can easily do yourself and get your roof back into top shape.
For example, you can replace some shingles if only a few have come off the roof. Ensure you’re taking the proper safety precautions as you do this, so you can be secure as you do this repair.
If there’s debris in your gutter, this is another simple fix. You can scoop it all out into a trash bag to unblock the gutters, avoiding future issues. You can also install a gutter guard to stop it from happening again.
You can do some preventative work to avoid damage, too. For example, you can remove trees or trim tree branches near your roof to stop high winds blowing debris onto it.
When To Call In The Experts
So when should you avoid doing repairs yourself and call in an expert? Usually, if you’re at all unsure about a repair, you shouldn’t handle it yourself. Your roof is crucial to the health of your home, and so you want to ensure all repairs are done well. If you’re not sure how to go about a repair, always call in the experts.
You should also call professional roofers if the damage is severe. For example, if falling debris has left a hole in the roof, or you’ve spotted wood rot in the timbers, you’ll need their help. Again, you need an expert to handle the job and ensure your roof is left in top condition.
There are a few different ways roof storm damage may occur, and now you know how to assess that damage. With this knowledge, you’ll see what you can fix yourself and see when it’s time to call in the experts. Whatever you do, it’s always essential to call them in quickly so you won’t see ongoing roof storm damage.
