Damage to your roof can cause a lot of problems, including things like leaks, water stains, and even a collapsed ceiling. Living in Pensacola leaves your roof susceptible to damage from hurricanes as well as the high winds that these and other storms bring. We at Quality Roofing can help you find that damage and repair it. Find out some of the signs to look for that indicate your roof has some wind damage.
Why Do High Winds Damage Roofs?
The homes in the Pensacola area range from those with flat or low roofs to those with multiple peaks and valleys. If you have a flat roof or one with a low profile, the wind moves smoothly across the surface and may not leave behind any damage. The problem with roofs that have peaks and valleys is that they give the wind more room to swirl and move. High winds can even become stronger. Any amount of wind that passes over your home can leave some damage in its wake.
When to Look for Possible Damage
One of the best times to look for signs of possible roof damage is right after the storm passes. You don’t want to get on the roof, though, because you can easily injure yourself or cause more damage. Consider calling us for a full inspection. Our team can help you recover from storm and water damage as we’ll recommend the best repairs for your roof based on what we find.
Lots of Debris
You likely expect to see some trash and debris in your yard after a storm. High winds can grab patio furniture, trash cans, and dozens of other things from nearby yards and spread that rubbish around your home. If the wind was strong enough to carry heavy objects, it was also strong enough to damage your roof. Pay special attention to any shiny particles you find as they might be some of the shingle granules. Check for any shingles laying in your yard, too.
Debris can invade your roof and gutter as well. Trash can build up in the gutters and form clogs that cause even more damage. Those clogs prevent water from moving into the downspouts and can cause the water to stagnate. This will attract mosquitoes and other bugs to your home. You can usually spot signs of debris in your gutters while standing at ground level. You may need to move back a few feet to see the debris on your roof.
Shingle Damage
A clear sign that winds hit your roof is when you see signs of shingle damage. Try walking around your yard after the storm. If you see any of your shingles lying in the yard, you’ll know that the wind tore them off, which leaves the underlayment of the roof exposed. You can also get a good look at the shingles near the edge of your roof. When the edges curl up, it’s a sign that the wind nearly tore them off the roof. During our inspection, we’ll also look for any small or large patches of missing shingles.
Downed Branches
The Pensacola area is home to dozens of native trees that add a beautiful touch to local yards. As much as you love some of those trees, you won’t love how easily and quickly they can come down during a storm. High winds can easily rip off buds and new growth as well as break down a bigger tree. If you see any downed branches in your yard, there’s a chance that some of them made their way onto your roof. This is especially true when you have trees near your home with branches that overhang your roof or rub against it. The best way to keep branches from damaging your roof is with regular pruning of your trees.
Loss of Granules
Asphalt shingles feature granules, which are small pieces of minerals on the surface. When a manufacturer makes the shingles, they start with a core made of fiberglass or another organic material and slowly add multiple layers of asphalt on top. The final layer consists of mineral granules that make the roof resistant to fires while also adding some color to the shingles. While the granules wear off over time, they can also come off due to water or wind damage. Not only will you see some dark or dull patches on your roof, but you may also see some granules in your gutters or on the ground, especially around your foundation as the granules move through the gutter system.
Soffit and Fascia Damage
Many homes in the area have soffit and/or fascia boards. Fascia boards are long and thin. They hang off the side of the roof and provide some added support. Fascia boards can also add a decorative look to your home and add some support to your porch. Right below the fascia are soffit boards. Usually made of vinyl or metal like aluminum, they add more ventilation to keep air flowing around the roof.
Wind can damage the fascia and/or soffit. A large gust can tear off a piece of the soffit or one of the fascia boards and allow more water to get to the roof. There’s a risk that your roof won’t have the ventilation that it needs, too. This type of damage can lead to the presence of mold or mildew and cause leaks as condensation builds up.
Water Stains
While most storms won’t damage your roof so badly that it starts leaking, the high winds that multiple storms bring will often cause leaks. Leaks often present as water spots or stains on your ceiling. These stains range in color from a pale-yellow shade to a deep shade of brown. In addition to the ceiling itself, stains can also appear on the walls and around the upper corners of rooms on the top floor.
If you don’t see any stains, trust your nose. Mildew often has a deep and musty smell that can settle in a specific room or spread through your home. The odor will grow as the leak grows. You should also look for cracks in your ceiling. When wind removes some of your shingles and damages the underlayment, water will seep through the layers and through the ceiling. As the drywall breaks down, it cracks or splits. If you ignore those cracks, there’s a high risk that one will erupt and cause water to gush through the roof.
What to Do After Wind Damages Your Roof
As soon as a storm passes, consider looking for some signs of wind damage. Many of the signs we addressed are easy to find and don’t require any special equipment to look for or even ask you to get on the roof. We want to help you take care of any damage you find and discover damage you might miss. Call Quality Roofing today. We also offer roofing inspections and metal roofing.
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