After a storm, checking your roof for damages is a very good idea. Storms have been more intense in recent years, and the high velocity winds, along with the flying debris will take its toll on even a new roof. If your roof is old or outdated, you could see some visible signs of damage after a storm. Below are a few things to look for.
Inspect the Inside First
Begin on the inside. Start in the attic, if it’s accessible, do this in the daytime. Look for the obvious…sunlight poking through the roof decking. If you can see sunshine standing in your attic, you may need a repair. Also look for sagging in the roof decking. Sagging is a sign of moisture. Use a flashlight and look for dark streaks or stains…also caused by moisture.
Outside Inspection
You might catch a glimpse of what’s on the roof from the ground, but the best way to see it in detail is to get up there and look. If you aren’t comfortable on a ladder, please let someone who is do this for you. If you decide to do the inspection, please do so safely. Here are some things you can look for:
- Debris and other things that don’t belong on your roof.
- Loose nails or raised nail heads can become a weak point during the next storm.
- Cracked, curled or missing shingles are an obvious sign of roof damage.
- Damaged flashing is another obvious sign.
- Dark patches are a sign of excessive granule loss. Granules protect the integrity of the shingle. Some loss of granules is normal, but excessive loss is not.
If you have a chimney or sky lights in your roof, those areas should be inspected as well. If you aren’t sure you want to do this and feel you need a professional, call us.
