Roofers: They're Number One

Severe thunderstorms can cause significant damage to your roof. Thunderstorm damage ranges from small leaks to a complete roof replacement. The primary causes of roofing damage during thunderstorms include heavy rain, strong winds, hailstorms, and lightning. 

Missing or Broken Shingles

During a thunderstorm, the strong winds can lift and break the shingles, leaving your roof exposed to the elements. The absence of shingles exposes the roof's underlayment to rain, which can lead to water damage to your home's interior. Missing or broken shingles weaken your roof's protective layer, and the compromised roofing system leaves your interior vulnerable to water damage.

Damaged Flashing

Flashings are thin pieces of metal installed around roof joints, chimneys, and vents. The primary function of flashing is to prevent water from seeping through the gaps and into your home. During a thunderstorm, the wind can bend or break the flashings, causing them to snap, crack, or come loose. Loose or broken flashings create a pathway for water to enter your interior, causing damage, such as mold and mildew growth.

Clogged Gutters

Your roofing system's gutters play a crucial role in diverting water away from your home's foundation. Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to overflow and seep through the roof's edges, causing rot and mold growth. The weight of the water can bend or detach the gutter brackets, which weakens the gutters' attachment to your roof. Clogged gutters need immediate attention to prevent significant damage to your roofing system, siding, and foundation.

Hail Damage

Thunderstorms can produce hail under the right conditions, which inflicts severe damage to your roof. Hailstones can damage shingles, dent metal roofs, and crack tiles. The extent of the hail damage depends on the size of the hailstones. After a hailstorm, check your roof for any damages and make necessary repairs to prevent further damage.

Limb Damage

Thunderstorms can cause tree limbs to fall onto your roof, resulting in significant damage. Falling trees or large branches can puncture your roofing system and damage your attic insulation, causing water damage to your home's interior. To prevent limb damage, cut any dead or overhanging branches before they fall onto your roof.

Thunderstorms can cause significant damage to your roofing system, but with the right preventive measures, you can prevent those damage. Regular roofing maintenance, cleaning gutters, trimming tree branches, and repairing loose shingles and flashings can significantly prevent extensive damage during a thunderstorm. With the right preventive measures and timely repairs, you can keep your roof safe and protect your home's interior from the harmful effects of thunderstorm damage.

For more info, contact a local roofer.