Signs of Storm Damage to Your Roof and How to Handle It
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.
Recognizing signs of storm damage to your roof—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.
Common Signs of Storm Damage to a Roof
Signs of storm damage to a roof can appear in various ways, but some of the most common indications that you should keep an eye out for include the following:
Exterior Signs of Damage
The most obvious signs of storm damage to your roof are tears, cracks, punctures, dents, or missing shingles. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your roof following a storm, then there will likely be some structural problems caused by high winds, heavy rain, or hail damage.
High winds can lift or tear off shingles, exposing the underlayment, while hailstones can cause dents or cracks and weaken their integrity. Additionally, hail and strong winds can cause granule loss in your shingles, leading to premature deterioration.
Signs in Attics and Crawl Spaces
Inspecting your attic space is another way to spot potential roof storm damage. Signs that water has leaked into this area—such as damp walls or ceiling boards—could indicate that your roof has been compromised, even if a leak isn’t visible. 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 in your attic space, which could lead to efficient heating and raise energy costs.
You may also notice water stains, dampness, or mold growth on ceilings, walls, or attic spaces due to a roof leak.
Signs 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 and chimneys, or missing pieces from their gutter systems. Twigs can quickly clog your gutters and cause them to become weighed down with water. Furthermore, accumulated water from a storm can saturate the roof deck, leading to sagging or warping.
If you notice signs of storm damage to your roof, it’s essential to have it inspected by a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible. Addressing issues early can prevent further damage and save you from more costly repairs down the line.
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.
What to Do When You Detect Signs of Storm Damage to Your Roof
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 by using industry best practices.
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.
Documentation
Be sure to take photos and notes of the damage for insurance and repair purposes. Document the extent of the damage and specific areas affected. Afterward, notify your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible. Describe the damage, provide documentation, and follow their guidance for filing a claim.
How to Prevent Future Damage
While you may not be able to eliminate damage to your roof entirely, there are a few preventative measures you can take to safeguard your commercial assets, including the following:
- Schedule routine roof inspections to identify and address issues before they escalate.
- Invest in high-quality, durable roofing materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Have an emergency plan in place to protect the roof and building in the event of severe weather.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear to prevent water backup.
- Install strong edge securement to prevent wind uplift.
- Keep overhanging tree branches trimmed to prevent falling limbs and debris.
- Adequately secure flashing and seals around roof penetrations, like vents and chimneys.
- Ensure your roof is professionally installed, following manufacturer guidelines and local building codes.
Preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of storm damage and protect your commercial roof from the elements. If you’re looking for a provider who can proactively respond to signs of storm damage to your roof, turn to ROOFCORP.
Repair Your Storm Damaged Roof With ROOFCORP
At ROOFCORP, we understand how important it is to take proactive measures against future storms to avoid being 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 to giving you advice on how best to protect your roofs from future storm damage. Contact our experts today to discover the difference our roofing partnership can make for your facility.