Severe storms represent a serious risk to the integrity of your roof. Wind and hail damage, fallen debris, and even rain can test your roof’s durability. To determine whether your roof remains safe after a storm, it is essential to do a thorough check for any compromised areas. These tips will help you to carry out a thorough inspection of your roof.
Start inside:
It’s best to begin your inspection from inside your attic. If you see sunlight coming through the underside of your roof, it’s a good bet that there are areas that need to be repaired. If you see dark spots, or if your roof appears to be sagging, it may be a sign that water has penetrated the roof.
Outside:
Next, you can examine the roof from the ground. When examining your roof, walk all the way around the house paying close attention to the following:
- If you have a shingled roof, check for areas where they have fallen off or come loose. Sometimes shingles curl due to the stress of high winds.
- Keep an eye out for balding shingles. These are shingles that have begun to lose the granules on their surface. This balding – besides affecting the appearance of your home – can lead to shingles that are no longer safe. The granules create a fire-resistant surface that protects the asphalt from the sun’s rays.
- Check for compromised flashing. The flashing is placed around chimneys and protruding vents to prevent water from seeping in through cracks. If the seal is not tight, water could seep into your home.
- Make sure there is no fallen debris on your roof. Even small sticks can lead to a loss of granules as they rub against the surface of your roof.
Take a closer look:
Finally, if you own a ladder and can safely climb it, it’s a good idea to make a close inspection of the surface of your roof. Things to look for include loose nails, debris in the gutter, and any flashing that may have been hard to spot from the ground.
If you find any damage, it is best to hire a local professional roofing contractor to repair the area. Many roofing contractors even offer free inspections. O’LYN Roofings highly skilled roofers can assist you with any concerns you may have about your roof.
