Roofers: They're Number One

Storms and heavy winds can have devastating effects on residential roofs. During a storm, you may be relieved if no trees or heavy branches fall on your roof. However, this doesn't mean that the roof is structurally sound. While there may be no pieces of roofing material on the ground, your roof may still have suffered minor damage. The damage may go unnoticed for a while, but it can cause extensive damage to the structure. Therefore, look out for these subtle signs of storm damage on your asphalt roof.

Granule Loss On Shingles

Granules play two key roles in boosting the performance of asphalt shingles. They improve the roof's water-shedding capabilities by allowing water to slide smoothly down the shingles into the gutter system. Granules also have UV blocking properties that prevent UV radiation from deteriorating the roofing materials. If granules get dislodged during a storm, your roof will be vulnerable to ponding and UV damage. Therefore, check for severe granule loss and replace the affected shingles to maintain the structure's performance.

Loose Shingles

Heavy winds may fail to dislodge shingles entirely, but they can cause the shingles to become loose. When this happens, the shingles lift away from the seal formed on the roof. This damage may go unnoticed, especially if you visually inspect your roof from the ground. Over time, the broken seal will allow water to seep into the roof, leading to moisture damage. A future windstorm may also dislodge the loose shingles and push them off the roof altogether. Repair loose shingles to protect your home from moisture damage.

Minor Cracks and Holes on Shingles

Storms carry debris and tree branches that can hit the roof and leave cracks in the asphalt shingles. Some cracks are too small to be visible without a thorough inspection. However, this doesn't mean they are harmless. If your shingles have suffered granule loss, any water stagnating on the surface will seep through the small cracks into the underlay or deck below. Over time, the moisture may cause extensive damage to the structure. A close inspection should reveal minor cracks and holes in the asphalt. Repair the cracks immediately to prevent moisture infiltration.

Missing Flashing

Flashing deflects water away from the joints and seams and creates a watertight seal around components such as skylights, chimneys, and roof-mounted HVAC equipment. During a storm, the debris hitting the roof may crack and dislodge the flashing, leaving portions of the structure unprotected. The areas with damaged flashing act as entry points for moisture. Replace damaged flashing around the roof joints, seams, skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations. 

A ground-level visual inspection of your roof may not reveal the above subtle signs of storm damage. Therefore, contact a roofer for a professional inspection and repairs.

To learn more, contact a roofing company in your area, such as Brandon J Roofing.