How Can I Tell if My Roof Has Been Damaged after a Storm?
If you’ve been through a terrible storm, you may have questions about whether your home or business’s roof was damaged in the process. Scheduling a roof inspection after a severe storm is always a good idea, but there are also several telltale signs of damage to look out for. This can help you better assess how well your roof is holding up and can alert you when it’s time to call in professionals. The dedicated roofing professionals at Infinity Restoration in St. Louis are standing by to help.
Why Missing or Broken Shingles Signal Roof Trouble
Even a relatively short storm can cause significant damage to a roof. This makes it a good idea to know what you’re looking for when it comes to the signs of storm damage, and damaged or missing shingles are a clear indicator.
High winds can lift, rip, and even tear away shingles. Therefore, it is always advisable to conduct a visual inspection of your roof by walking the perimeter of your home or business after a storm. Finding shingles or pieces of shingles in your yard, or discovering roofing granules in your gutters, also indicates storm damage.
Debris on Your Roof
If you notice debris on your roof after a storm, it could mean trouble. When a tree branch, or any other form of heavy debris, strikes your roof during a storm, there can be a considerable amount of impact involved, which can translate to damage.
When debris isn’t cleared after a storm or is allowed to collect, it can trap moisture, which can ultimately lead to problems like the following:
- Mold
- Rot
- Leaks
- Structural concerns
Broken Downspouts, Gutters, or Flashing
If your downspouts, gutters, or flashing took a beating during the storm, they need to be repaired to continue protecting your roof. When your roof’s drainage system is compromised, so is your roof.
Granule Loss
Roofing granules are used in the manufacture of shingles to strengthen them and to provide increased protection from UV rays. While you can expect some granule loss over time, profound loss or premature loss is a sign that it may be storm damage, and hail is often the culprit.
Areas of discoloration or darkened patches on your roof, an accumulation of granules in your gutters or downspouts, or a sprinkling of granules on the ground near the building’s perimeter can all signal excess granule loss.
Call Our Roofing & Restoration Contractors Today
The dedicated St. Louis roofing professionals at Infinity Restorations have a wealth of experience in helping home and business owners maintain their roofs in excellent condition, and we are committed to serving you. While storms can cause considerable damage, regularly scheduled inspections, maintenance, and repairs can all help limit their impact and extend the lifespan of your roof. For more information on how we can help, contact us online or call 314-722-1655 today.