Signs Your Roof Has Hurricane Damage

Signs Your Roof Has Hurricane Damage

Houston is known for having its fair share of storms. From hurricanes to hail storms, roof damage can happen any time of year. If your roof is not up to the challenge, a storm could mean a roof repair or replacement. You may only need slight repairs after a major storm. However, more often than not a quality roof inspection will show that the entire roof has been subject to enough storm damage to require a full roof replacement. This article will discuss the signs of damage to your roof that a hurricane could possibly cause.

1. Holes in the roof
2. Broken or missing shingles
3. Grains missing from the roof shingles
4. Damaged rain gutters

Holes in the roof

If you have lived in a hurricane prone area for any time, you have seen your fair share of fallen trees and power lines. They are seen all over after a storm, including in yards and blocking roads. You just pray that one doesn’t fall on top of your car or onto the roof of your home. This is, however, the easiest roof damage to detect. Nobody has to come out to tell you there is a massive tree in your living room where the couch used to be. Likewise, limbs and debris can hit your roof causing smaller holes. These may not be as gaping as when a tree falls through it, but can be just as detrimental to your home. Water and other elements can seep through the holes. After a storm, inspect the inside of your home and your attic for signs of water leaking.

Broken or missing shingles

The 50-100 mile an hour winds can wreak havoc on your shingles. Think about the Wizard of Oz. When the twister comes, you start seeing shingles flying off the roof. Hurricanes are like that, except they move slower and are accompanied by lots of rain. Your shingles may be sturdier than the ones on Dorthy’s barn, but they can still be torn off or broken. When a shingle is broken or missing from your roof, the lower layers of your roof are exposed and vulnerable to water and debris, which can cause leaks and other problems. Search your roof and outside of your home safely from the ground after a hurricane for broken or missing shingles.

Grains missing from the roof shingles

While you are searching your roof for broken or missing shingles, check also for grain particles. These granules are what keep the roof weather proofed and without them, your shingles are no match for the elements. It is normal for some to fall off over time, especially after a storm with heavy rain or strong winds. It doesn’t mean they have to be replaced. Hurricanes and hail storms can be very threatening to the integrity of your shingles and your roof. Remember, little or no granules can mean trouble for your roof. From the ground, you may not be able to see all the shingles. Do not attempt to get on the roof after a storm. The roof’s structure may not be sound and you could be injured or cause further damage. Please have a professional inspect the roof on your behalf. Many roofing companies offer free inspections.

Damaged rain gutters

Hurricanes may also damage your rain gutters and, in turn, the roof’s drip edge. The drip edge prevents water from building up while guiding it over the eaves and into the gutters. For this reason, your gutters should also be inspected for leaking seams, bending or sagging, as well as missing sections of the gutter system. Dirt, mud, leaves, twigs, granules, and other debris can get stuck or clogged in the gutters. This not only renders the gutters useless, but can damage them beyond repair. Replacing portions or the entire gutter system is preventable by cleaning. After a hurricane, inspect your gutters as the strong winds have probably caused unwanted buildup in your gutters.

There are many signs you will be able to see from the ground and from inside your house and attic. Similarly, there are many signs of hurricane damage that only a roofer will be able to see from on the roof. These include the underlayment and decking, as well as, deeper and hiding damage.

In any case, schedule an appointment with Galaxy Construction LLC & Roofing as soon as possible after the storm so that we can assess the damage.