When any storm hits a house, the roof of the home experiences the most significant number of hits being on top and acting as the first line of defense. The roof is exposed to sun, wind, rain, snow, hail, sleet, and much more throughout the year. Though if there may be no visible signs, these elements take a toll on the roof, and a heavy blow after a heavy rain, tornado, or snowstorm can profoundly damage the roof. Hence, it is essential to call for a professional roof inspection immediately after a storm.
It is unsafe to climb onto a roof and inspect it closely. Because one may slip, or there may be weak spots on the roof that may not be able to bear a person’s weight. Professional roof inspectors have the right equipment and technique to check for damages.
Types of storm damage to the roof
Depending on the roof’s age and condition, certified inspectors observe some common storm damages during a roof inspection in Texas after a storm. Here are some examples of storm roof damage –
· Shingle damage
Conventional shingle roof damage is straightforward to spot as the shingles will be curled, cracked, or missing. Once the storm has passed, stand at a little distance from the house. Then observe the roof from the ground, and you will be able to spot damaged shingles if there are any. Even a single damaged shingle can mean leakages the next time it rains, even if it doesn’t start now. Check the shingle roof for eroded granules. These are the layer that causes the water to drain away from the ceiling. If this layer is missing, then the water will stagnate on the roof and damage its protective layer.
· Damage to the gutters and downspouts
For hail repair in Texas, inspectors always find clogged gutters, and downspouts with dings and cracks are a significant target. Damaged gutters and downspouts must be repaired or replaced immediately, as, without them, rainwater will leak into the building and damage the foundation.
· Signs of damage in the attic
The hint of moisture in the attic, such as a rise in moisture level in the air, damp smell, damp walls, or warped rafters, are signs of leakage. This is caused by water seepage from the roof. Check for airflow from the outside. It would help if you replaced broken rafters immediately as it is an essential part of the structural membrane that supports the roof weight.
· Stains on walls and ceilings
After the storm passes, closely examine the ceilings, top corners of the walls in the upper stories of the house, and around the windowsills and doors. Staining on walls signifies that the leakage has already become a serious structural issue.
· Blistering on metal roof
Blistering are tiny air bubbles on the outer layer of metal roofs. These can also be peeling of topcoat paint on the top. They are signs of water damage and call roofers to add a coat of paint immediately.
Why call a professional inspector?
The trained eye spots faults faster than an untrained one, which is the most fundamental reason to call a professional inspector. Professional inspector adds value by –
· Can spot all damages
A professional inspector has equipment such as drones, thermal scanners, and cameras to examine even the inaccessible parts of the roof to check for signs of water damage. They will look at not only the surface but also the underlying layers, the attic, and the rest of the house to spot the minor signs of damage.
· All issues are assessed, and nothing is ignored.
Before they recommend hail repair in Texas for your roof, they will study even the slightest signs of damage and give their recommendation. Nothing is ignored or left unchecked as a matter for another day.
· Knows extent of water damage
A professional roof inspector knows how to read water damage, and they see every sign of water damage to the house caused due to a loose tile or shingle or damaged or clogged gutter. They will spot connections faster and get to the root of the problem more quickly.
· Insurance claims reporting
The roof inspector’s report will include a detailed report of their finding on the condition with attached photographs of their results. You can submit this report for insurance claims. It is mandatory to submit a roof inspector’s report to place a storm damage claim.
Some matters are best left to the experts simply because they may cost in the short term, but they offer mental peace and timely interventions over a long time. Also, any storm occurs in the middle of the season, not at the end or beginning. So, it is essential to fix any issues because there is still a significant part of the season that the roof must protect the house from.
