Strong winds, blistering sun, heavy rains, and even snowfall take a major toll on your home’s roof. It’s critical to address all types of storm damage quickly to avoid costly repairs and possible structural issues.
Missing shingles, water stains, and weakened rafters are all signs of serious roof damage. Start by performing a visual inspection.
Wind
Even though roofing materials are designed to withstand strong winds, high wind speeds can damage your roof. High winds can cause shingle tearing, which exposes your roof deck and underlayment to moisture damage. This also leaves your home more vulnerable to water leaks in the future. High winds can also knock down tree limbs, which can cause major structural damage to your house and roof. Fallen limbs and trees can also hit power lines, posing a fire risk as well as putting the safety of your family at risk.
After a storm, it’s a good idea to take a walk around your yard and check for any debris that might have been swept up by the high winds. Debris like broken glass and tree branches can scratch or gouge your roofing materials, adding to the damage caused by the wind.
The corners, edges and ridge of your roof are more susceptible to wind damage than the center areas. This is because high wind gusts do not hit your property evenly. You should have your roof inspected before severe weather strikes to ensure that there are no areas of weakness, and make sure that the shingles are properly attached and secured.
You should also consider replacing your shingles with a higher quality roofing product that is specifically rated for your climate. Certain roofing products are designed to resist wind and hail better than others, so be sure to choose the right one for your property.
Rain
Rain is probably the most common cause of weather damage to your roof. Typically, it is caused by leaks that can occur on the surface of the roof or in the interior of the home. These leaks can lead to water damage, rotting of the roof structure, and even mold and mildew. If left untreated, water damage can ruin the value of your home and pose health risks to you and your family.
It may seem counterintuitive that rain can damage your roof, but it’s a very real risk. Rainwater can quickly wear down the shingles and soften them, which can allow for water to seep through the roof and into your home. The water may be able to reach electrical wiring and cause a fire hazard as well.
Typically, a home’s roof will have a pitch (angle) to facilitate proper drainage. This is to ensure that the rain will easily flow off of your roof and into the gutters and downpipes. However, a poorly designed or maintained roof can have issues with proper drainage and this can lead to problems during heavy rainfall.
The continuous pounding of raindrops on the roof can also erode the protective layers of the roof, which could expose it to additional damage from the elements. This erosion can make shingles brittle and susceptible to breaking, and it can also diminish the ability of the shingles to shield your home from harmful UV rays.
One of the biggest concerns with rain-related roof damage is that a leak can go unnoticed for a long period of time. If a leak isn’t repaired right away, it can allow for rainwater to seep into the attic or walls of the house, which could lead to wood damage, water damage to the insulation and walls, as well as mold and mildew in your home.
Leaks are often a result of a minor point of damage in your roof, so if you have a routine inspection and repair schedule for your roof, it will be easier to catch these smaller leaks before they become bigger problems. Also, remember to never attempt to get on your roof during a storm or in bad weather, as you may be at an increased risk of falling off. Instead, have a professional conduct an inspection and make any necessary repairs.
Snow
Snow may look pretty as it covers the landscape with a winter wonderland but, on your roof, it can be a major nuisance. The weight of snow and ice puts pressure on areas of your roof that may not be structurally sound, potentially causing it to sag or break under the load. Additionally, melting snow can seep into cracks in the shingles and cause moisture damage to walls and ceilings.
Snow and ice also create a cold environment that encourages the growth of mold and fungus on your roof. If these materials grow in abundance, they can cause rot and weaken shingle integrity. In addition, the ice dams that form from heavy snow buildup can be extremely damaging to your roof and home. The repeated melting and freezing of ice dams can eat through the shingles, exposing wood framing and other components to water damage.
During the winter, when you get your first heavy snowfall of the season, be sure to check on your attic and the rafters to make sure they are free from moisture, mold, rot or algae. It’s a good idea to take a trip up there at least twice a year to ensure the rafters and roof decking are in good condition, and the shingles are free from moss.
While you’re up there, be sure to clear the area surrounding your skylights of accumulated snow. These holes are designed to release interior condensation, but if they become blocked by snow or ice, moisture will build up, possibly damaging the shingles and ceilings underneath. You should also trim tree limbs that hang over your roof before the heavy winter winds come. These limbs can pull down on your roof and damage shingles or even tear off your entire roof.
Taking the time to inspect your roof, clearing it of excess snow and cleaning gutters regularly will help you avoid serious winter weather problems with your roof, shingles, gutters, attic and walls. If you do experience damage from ice and snow, a properly written homeowner’s insurance policy often covers the damage.
Debris
During a storm, debris flies around at high speeds and can cause damage. Debris can include anything from tree branches, twigs, pine needles, leaves and even moss. All of these can lead to serious problems for your roof. Luckily, avoiding certain types of debris can help prevent serious weather damage.
Overhanging tree branches are one of the biggest threats to your roof, especially during strong winds. They can scrape and loosen the granule surface layer of shingles, or even poke holes in them. Trimming trees regularly can minimize the threat of this kind of damage.
Leaves and twigs can pile up on your roof and trap moisture, leading to rot and mold. They can also clog gutters, causing water overflow that can affect other parts of your home. Pine needles can clog drains as well, leading to a buildup of moisture that can cause decay. This organic material can also attract moss and other growth that can compromise the structural integrity of your roof.
Stray nails and other debris from construction can also wreak havoc on your roof, particularly during windy conditions. These small projectiles can puncture your shingle surface and cause significant damage, even if only a single hole is created. This type of damage can be quite costly to repair, especially if it causes leaks.
Winter’s snow and ice can also cause damage to your roof, mainly because of the extra weight they add. Additionally, ice dams can form that cause melting snow to seep underneath shingles and into your home. If you have an older roof, ice dams can also break up the roof’s structure and lead to leaks.
The best way to protect your roof from damage is to keep up with regular maintenance and inspections. This includes examining your attic for signs of water damage, such as dark or brown spots or bubbling paint, as well as checking for cracks in the roof and tripping hazards. It is also a good idea to have your roof inspected prior to storm season, so that any issues can be addressed before a major weather event hits.