How to Spot Roof Storm Damage and What to Do Next

Property and facility managers have enough on their plate without worrying about something as unpredictable as storm damage to their commercial roof system. But the truth is that storms can do a great deal of damage, from hail and high winds to collapsed drains and torn membranes. Knowing what types of storm damage to look for—and what your options are for repair or replacement—can make property management a little easier and help you avoid costly repairs. That’s why we put together this guide to understanding, spotting, and addressing storm damage to commercial roofs.

Where To Start When You Suspect Roof Storm Damage

The most obvious signs of roof damage include leaking, missing shingles, or any damaged flashing around vents and chimneys. It’s also important to check for standing water on your roof as this could be an indication of a more serious issue—like a collapsed drain or torn membrane. If you notice any of these issues post-storm, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Common Signs of Roof Storm Damage

Visual Signs of Damage

One of the most obvious signs of roof storm damage are tears, punctures, dents or missing shingles. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your roof following a storm, then it’s likely that there’s been some type of structural damage caused by high winds, heavy rain, or hail.

Signs in Attics and Crawl Spaces

Another way to spot potential roof storm damage is by inspecting your attic space. Signs that water has leaked into this area—such as damp walls or ceiling boards—could indicate that your roof has been compromised. You may also come across areas where insulation has started shifting due to water intruding between holes in the seals around skylights, vents, and other openings into your attic space.

Signs of Wind-Related Damages and Other Forms of Structural Damage

High wind speeds can cause significant damage to your flashing, fascia boards and gutter systems over time. Furthermore, it’s important for property managers and facility managers alike to pay close attention to fallen branches, broken sealants around vents or chimneys or missing pieces from their gutter systems.

Spotting Water Intrusion Problems Caused by Storms

When faced with extreme weather conditions, water can seep into buildings through the following ways:

Poor seals around windows and doors (including garage doors)
Gaps in siding panels
Loose flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, dormers, etc.
Cracked mortar joints between bricks, blocks, stone masonry units, etc.
Leaking windows and skylights

It’s critical for property and facility managers to regularly check for issues whenever possible so as to stay ahead of any potential future problems.

What to Do When You Detect Signs of Roof Storm Damage

Once you’ve identified damage, you’ll want to determine whether you need to repair or replace the affected sections of your commercial roof. This can be tricky as it requires knowledge of the different materials used on your roof, their respective lifespans, which areas are best suited for repair, and which should be replaced entirely. Fortunately, experienced professionals like ROOFCORP can help you make this often-difficult decision.

Are you looking for a commercial roofing contractor in Seattle? ROOFCORP of America offers commercial roof repair services that simplify the process while helping you decide on repairs or a replacement.

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How Do Roof Leak Detection Services Work?

When it comes to roof leak detection, the science behind different related technologies is quite complex. While there are various methods, there are two main approaches:

Visual Inspections

Visual inspections involve a trained specialist physically inspecting the roof for signs of water infiltration. It can be effective for detecting smaller issues such as minor cracks or splits in shingles.

Non-Invasive Techniques

Non-invasive techniques involve using specialized tools such as infrared cameras and moisture detectors to find hidden water damage beneath the surface. These tools enable technicians to diagnose potential issues before they become costly repairs due to water infiltration into structural elements or home insulation.

Another important factor is the type of material used in the roof construction, since different ones require specific detectors. For example, clay tiles need a special thermographic camera that can detect temperature changes indicating moisture buildup underneath while metal roofs require an electrostatic detector that measures electrical current flowing through wet insulation under the sheeting. A qualified specialist has experience detecting potential issues early on and preventing costly repairs in the future. Homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing their investment is safe and secure.

How to Reduce the Chances of Storm Damage to Your Commercial Roof in Seattle

It’s also important to remember that investing in preventive maintenance solutions such as waterproof membranes or reflective coatings can also go a long way towards minimizing future instances of storm damage on your commercial roof.

Turn to ROOFCORP for Your Roof Storm Damage Repair Needs

At ROOFCORP, we understand how important it is to take proactive measures against future storms so as not to be caught off guard with extensive roof repair costs down the line. That’s why we dedicate ourselves not only to providing expert services but also giving you advice on how best to protect their roofs from future storm damage. Contact our experts today to discover the difference our roofing partnership can make for your facility.