Ritco Group, Inc.

Taking care of your roof is vital to its longevity and durability. But regardless of how well-designed and properly installed the system is, it will still sustain damage. This is especially true if a storm hits your area. Roof damage as a result of strong winds accompanied by heavy rain or severe hail may require extensive repairs and restoration work. In more serious cases, the roof may have suffered damage so severe that the only solution is to replace it entirely. 

For all these reasons, you want to watch out for anything that might happen to your roof in case a storm happens. After all, the signs of a storm-damaged roof aren’t always obvious right from the start. Today, we take a look at the easy-to-miss signs of a storm-damaged roof.

Hail-Damaged Shingles

Many people believe they know how to recognize hail damage. They imagine a hole or dent in their shingles that will appear the same whenever there has been hail damage. This is a common misunderstanding that costs many homeowners money because they fail to take the early indicators of roof damage into account. Depending on the type of roof you have, the severity of the hail, and the direction the storm was moving, the damage will appear different each time.

Highly skilled local roofing companies, on the other hand, can quickly see even the tiniest indicators of damage. Signs such as dents, bruises and cracks as well as worn areas and broken edges on shingles, are some of the things our team looks for as we perform a closer, more thorough inspection. This is why a quick walkthrough of your home isn’t enough – you need a comprehensive, up-close diagnosis to be sure.

Loss of Granules

Many people are surprised to find out that the granules on their asphalt shingles look like small grains of sand. These specks of crushed rock aren’t always apparent unless you take a closer look at the ground or check your gutters and downspouts. These protective granules help block ultraviolet (UV) rays, keep heat from building up and act as a shield against water on the surface of the shingle.

If you see a lot of granules piled up at the end of the drain spout or all over your lawn and driveway, it is a sign that you need new shingles. Without the granules, the shingles are more than exposed to the elements, negating their ability to protect your roof and home from a storm.

Dents on Your Flashing

According to roofing companies, there are a variety of reasons why many homeowners overlook and dismiss some of the less visible symptoms of storm damage. Gutter and flashing issues are one such symptom of deterioration that is commonly neglected. Major concerns, such as shattered parts, stuck branches and other obvious symptoms, may be visible from the ground. Even minor dents, debris lodged in drain spouts, and unsecured connections and attachments can jeopardize your roofing system. 

If left unattended, these less visible symptoms of storm damage may worsen, eventually becoming serious problems. After a storm with a lot of rain or wind, it’s always a good idea to check your gutters and flashing to make sure they’re still attached and not damaged.

Blisters

Hail can damage sloped and flat roofs in several ways, one of which is leaving blisters on the roofing material. These are small humps that often go unnoticed until they grow bigger. They start out as small, circular markings on various forms of roofing, from asphalt shingles to single-ply membranes.

Roofing contractors note that blisters are a kind of damage that’s tricky to identify because they are hard to see and they look so normal. But if you don’t pay attention to them, they can become a big problem. The impression is a weak spot that will be more likely to spread as it’s exposed over time. When a blister gets bigger, it can turn into a hole or a crack. That is why your roof needs to be inspected as soon as the storm passes to minimize any issues.

Minor Holes and Leaks

A small damage isn’t something you should disregard as it can still cause problems that get worse over time. Small leaks will get worse and do a lot of damage to your roof and the inside of your home. Other minor problems like cracked shingles and gutters that don’t fit right, will soon become bigger problems that can do a lot of damage. 

Any damage you find on your roof should be treated as a big deal, even if it doesn’t seem like it from the beginning. Otherwise, it may become too expensive to fix. After a storm, an ounce of precaution can save you time and money in the long run, so call one of the trusted local roofing companies immediately for a post-storm inspection.

Observing Roof Inspection Safety

Inspecting your roof following a storm involves certain risks. While you might be tempted to climb the ladder and get on top of your roof to assess the damage as closely as possible, you must also understand the importance of safety above all else. Protect yourself from being injured by surveying the damage from the ground or from a safe vantage point somewhere in your property rather than climbing up the roof. The roof may still be wet and slippery, and a misstep can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents.

It might seem like your roof looks normal, as if a storm didn’t hit your area. However, it is not, in any way, an indication that your roof is fine. As already mentioned, some signs of roof storm damage aren’t always obvious at first glance. To find out if your roof is still in good condition or is displaying signs of damage yet to be uncovered, you’ll need to have it inspected by a reliable roofing contractor like Ritco Group, Inc. Obvious or not, our team of experienced roofing pros will identify and fix the problems promptly.

When it comes to excellent remodeling and roofing new construction, Ritco Group, Inc. is name you can count on! Call us today at (931) 381-0175, or fill out our contact form for more information. We serve Franklin, Brentwood and Columbia, TN.