It’s summer storm season in the Twin Cities, which means high winds, heavy rain, and pelting hail are more likely to damage your roof. At Kiser Construction, we understand how damaging severe weather can be to your property. More importantly, we also know that even minor damages, when left unrepaired, can result in more severe problems down the road.
Since many home and business owners aren’t familiar with the signs of post-storm roof damage, in this blog, we’re breaking them down. Below, we explain how to conduct a preliminary roof inspection after a storm and what you should look for in terms of damage.
How to Perform a Post-Storm Roof Inspection
After a heavy storm hits, it’s always a good idea to head outside and inspect the roof of your home or building. But for safety’s sake, wait until the sky is clear and there’s no chance of lighting, heavy winds, rain, or hail. If you can safely access your roof, here’s what you’ll need to do:
● Inspect the shingles. Take a look at your shingles — are any of them missing? Can you see any cracks, curling edges, or lifting? Damaged shingles leave your roof vulnerable to the elements, and if moisture makes its way beneath compromised shingles, it will gradually deteriorate the structure of the roof.
● Inspect the gutters. If your home or building has gutters, peer inside them to see if any shingles granules have collected. While you’re at it, check out the condition of the gutters too. Generally, you’ll notice missing shingle granules in the gutters, not on the roof itself. Since these protective granules are designed to help your roof shed water, it’s critical that they remain intact.
● Inspect the interior. If you can safely do so, head into the attic to check for roof leaks. Though leaks usually don’t result from a single storm, if your roof has any weak points when severe weather hits, a storm may be the tipping point. Using a flashlight, look for water stains, wet area, dripping water, wet insulation, or signs of mold or mildew.
● Call a professional. Though performing a preliminary inspection can alert you to signs of damage, certain red flags are difficult to identify with an untrained eye. If you think your roof may have sustained storm-related damage, it’s always best to contact a qualified roofing contractor for a professional inspection.
How to Address Roof Damage After a Storm
If you can clearly see that your roof sustained damage during a storm, do not ignore it! Without the prompt attention of a storm damage repair specialist, roof deterioration will only grow worse. More importantly, any DIY repairs you attempt may void your roof warranty or, depending on what you attempt, encourage the problem to grow worse.
Roof damage is a serious issue because it allows moisture to penetrate the structure of the roof, which encourages mold and mildew proliferation and rot. Generally, moisture intrusion is the biggest culprit behind premature roof deterioration, but this issue is almost completely preventable with proactive action. Any time you notice roof damage, whether it’s the result of a storm or something else, contact a roofing contractor who can advise you on the best course of action.
Need a Reliable Roofing Contractor? You’ll Find One at Kiser Construction
When you need reliable, honest workmanship and cost-effective repairs, our team at Kiser Construction is here to serve you. We specialize in storm damage repairs, roof repairs, and a variety of other exterior and interior repair and remodeling services for Twin Cities property owners. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, feel free to give us a call today at 763-633-2010 or connect with us online, and we’ll be in touch.
If you require immediate restoration services after a disaster, please contact us on our 24/7 emergency line at 612-518-8852.