Our homes protect us from the elements, and because of that, they sometimes sustain damage in the process. So, we should do everything in our power to keep our dwellings in pristine condition by repairing them when necessary. Let us give you some insight into what you need to know about storm roof damage so that you can keep your home in excellent shape.
The Different Types of Roof Damage Caused by Storms
Believe it or not, roof damage can be as varied and complex as the different weather conditions that cause them. So, it’s crucial to understand the specific types of storm damage and what they look like so that you can assess which kind you might deal with on your roof. There are four significant types of storm damage responsible for serious roofing issues with which people in Minnesota should concern themselves, which we’ve listed below:
High Wind Damage
High winds are some of the most common causes of roof damage because numerous severe weather patterns bring them on. Whether it’s thunderstorms, tornadoes, or even hurricanes driving these powerful gusts, the damage they can do to your roof can be atrocious. If they’re strong enough, high winds can strip shingles from your roof and rip your gutters and flashing out of place, leading to water damage in your attic, ceilings and walls and even in the foundation of your home.
So, after you experience winds such as these, it’s wise to check for these kinds of damage. Look carefully around your yard for flyaway shingles or leftover pieces of gutter and flashing. Just as well, you can keep an eye out for anything that might look like water damage inside your home, such as large water spots or leaks in your attic, ceilings, and walls.
Hail Damage
Inclement weather often includes downpours of those icy little missiles known as hail. It might be easy to overlook as adverse weather, but hail can be pretty detrimental to the structure and stability of your roof. Because hail comprises small, solid objects flying toward Earth with such high velocity, the damage it can do is surprisingly severe.
When your roof sustains this kind of damage, the biggest indications of damage are the dents and dimples where the hail landed. You might also notice cracks or breaks, which are the most apparent symptoms of hail damage to roof shingles. If you see any of these things when inspecting your roof, it might be time to call a professional contractor to do an assessment, as these types of damage can lead to severe issues down the line.
Snow and Ice Damage
Another kind of unfavorable weather is snow or ice. Sometimes, snowfall can get so heavy that it causes severe breakage in the roof’s structure, which also leads to leaks. Furthermore, when ice collects too heavily on a roof, it causes ice dams to form around a home’s gutters and flashing, resulting in improper drainage of moisture on the roof and damaging the overall structure. This improper drainage can also lead to water trickling down to the foundation of your home, compromising its overall structure and stability.
The best way to tell if your home has sustained damage from snow and ice is by looking for wet spots on your shingles after the snow has melted, as these are significant indications of improper drainage and roof ventilation.
Have a Professional Assessment Done
You can look for specific signifiers to identify what kind of roof storm damage you’re dealing with, but doing a full assessment of damage by yourself is ill advised. Most homeowners don’t have the proper tools and resources to safely perform comprehensive roof inspections, as properly carrying out these inspections requires special experience and equipment. So, it’s wise to call in a professional roofer to do a thorough inspection of your roof. This way, you’ll get a crystal-clear picture of what you’re up against and how much it might cost you.
Report Storm Damage to Your Insurance Company
Of course, repairs can be costly. So once you’ve gathered that severe weather is the culprit behind your damaged roof, it’s wise to report the damage to your insurance provider and start filing a claim. However, you’ll want to do a few things before you present your claim to your provider:
Take as many pictures of the visible damage as possible and have your roof inspector do the same.Include a detailed record of any issues you’ve observed on the interior of your home, such as leaks, water spots, and damaged items.Finally, make sure to get a few different quotes from residential roofers in your area so that you can quickly negotiate and discuss the cost of repairs with your insurance provider.
Following these preliminary steps will ensure that you and your insurance company can come to a fair resolution regarding your claim so that you can get quality, prompt repairs done to your roof.
Address and Repair Damage as Soon as Possible
After you’ve worked through all the steps, you need to address and execute your repairs as soon as you’re able to. We cannot stress enough that waiting on roof repairs is never a good idea. After all, your roof is one of the major structures of your home, and waiting to fix it can lead to mold and mildew growth, wood rot in your home’s structure, and damaging leaks that can ruin valuable items. So, if you suspect your roof has sustained storm damage, call a professional roofer at Viking Contractors, LLC so that you can start the repair process immediately.
Numerous weather patterns can affect the safety and stability of your home. But arming yourself with the knowledge of what they are and how to deal with them can help you prepare for when your roof sustains damage. Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand what you need to know about storm roof damage so that you can feel confident about keeping your home in excellent condition.
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