As a storm rolls through Pekin, Illinois most homeowners are more focused on weathering the storm rather than their roof. After the wind settles and the rain stops, though, it’s good to spend a few moments to look at the sky to see if the roof was damaged. From the street, a roof may appear fine but there may be shingles that are loose, damaged flashing, or other issues that could result in leaks.
Best of all, you don’t have to get up on the roof to get an initial impression. Walk around the house, have a quick look inside, and when necessary, get a professional opinion to catch storm damage or roof replacement before it turns into a larger repair.
Start by Looking Around the Property
Look to see if something has changed outside your house before you are concerned about the roof. Do you have shingles in your yard? Did a tree fall on a big branch by your house? Do you see shavings of metal or anything else that belongs on a roof in the driveway?
They may provide you with an early warning that the roof has suffered an impact. Powerful wind can cause shingles to lift up, and hail can fracture them without creating much of any residue.
Tour your house and walk all the way around to view the roof from multiple directions. Use binoculars if you want a closer look. Watch for an area that appears uneven, a shingle that is lifting, or an area that appears worn and have lost material.
Don’t climb up just to have a better look. Wet roofs are slick and storm damage can cause a roof to be more fragile than it looks.
Pay Attention to the Shingles
Since shingles experience the greatest number of hits from the storm, they are a good place to begin. Missing shingles are also obvious, though other issues may not be.
Avoid shingles that are cracked, bent or raised up above the rows around it. Small dents or impacts may have been left by hail. Wind can also cause shingles to lift up around the edges or away from the roof.
You may see excessive amounts of granules in the gutters or at the base of the downspouts. It’s normal to shed a few granules as a roof ages; however, a remarkable increase following a hail storm deserves an inspection.
Not necessarily, but a few broken shingles shouldn’t automatically translate to needing a new roof. Often, those broken shingles can be repaired. It’s really about determining how much damage there is.
Don’t Leave the Edges of Your Roof and Flashings Out
The worst storm damage is often at the edges of the house where the roof interfaces with other parts of the house. Using flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys to divert water. Damaged or loose flashing can lead to leaks.
Outside from the ground, see if any metal is looking bent or out of place, and look for open gaps or if roof covering appears to have moved.
Such aspects are sometimes difficult to assess without a little experience, and that’s fine if you are unsure whether something is damaged or not. A roofing expert can give an on-site inspection and advice on a rough order of conditions.
Check the Gutters After Heavy Rain
Gutters can also be evidence after a storm. Be on the lookout for shingle granules or bits of roofing. If your gutters are pulled away from the house or are falling apart, this may be a sign that wind or debris blew through the area.
Inspect the downspouts. Something that is not properly attached or is clogged might make water backup around the roof’s edge. This may not be a roofing issue on its own, but it can lead to damage if you don’t address it.
Water that accumulates by the foundation
If you’ve observed water collecting, it’s important to ensure your gutters and downspouts are diverting water properly away from your home.
Look for Indoor Indicators of a Leak
If you’ve experienced a major storm, the initial signs of damage might be lurking in your house. View fullsize Photo. Once the storm has passed, examine the ceilings and upper walls of rooms immediately below the roof.
A brown stain, peeling paint, bubbles or bulges in the drywall, or moisture in insulation, can signal that there’s been water intrusion. If your attic has a hatch, look for water rings or moisture stains on the bottom of the roof deck.
Note that the water might not necessarily be under the damaged area. It might be further along the roof and not appear until inside.
When you do notice a leak, put a container under it and clear out the surrounding furniture and other belongings. Do not touch the water if it is close to a lighting fixture or electrical wiring and call a professional.
Avoid Fallen Tree or Branches
A broken branch might seem like a simple cleanup, but it can cause severe damage to the roof. Sometimes a broken branch has left cracked shingles or damaged the decking beneath.
Never walk on the roof to examine or cut down a large branch. Keep your distance if a branch touches a power line and call the utility company for assistance. After the storm passes, a roofer can look for damage that is not apparent from the ground.
When Should I Contact Somebody?
If your roof seems to have sustained damage such as missing shingles, dents, leaks, or other impacts after a storm, then booking an inspection is probably a good idea. A qualified inspector can inform you if the damage is localized or pervasive.
When it comes to needing storm damage repair Pekin IL, I recommend using a contractor that presents results to you in an understandable manner and has a written estimate. Find out what was damaged, what will be repaired, and if there are any hidden issues that are not visible from the ground.
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of repair. Other times, the roof is past its prime, is broken across a wide area, or is simply too old. If repairing the current roof wouldn’t be practical, a roof replacement might be the better option – but for that, a professional inspection is needed rather than a glance at the shingles.
Capture a Few Photographs and Save the Paperwork
Take photos of damage from safe vantage points before work begins. Photos of missing shingles, gutters, fallen branches, interior staining, or other damage can document the extent of the damage.
Inquire with your insurer about the claims process and what you’ll need to do to file a claim. Keep copies of all estimates, inspection reports, and receipts for temporary repairs.
A Quick Check Can Avoid a Big One
Storm damage may not be visible, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of it. Take 2-3 minutes for a quick sweep of your property and peek inside to begin identifying the signs.
Though it may not seem like a big deal now, have an inspection performed before the next storm hits. Repairing a roof that is damaged sooner-whether it’s a minor repair can help you avoid expensive damage and leaks down the road.
