Running a safety checklist on your home after a severe storm is as important as running the same one before, but for different reasons. After the storm, you’re checking how well the measures you put into place to protect your home held up and, more importantly, if there is any storm damage, particularly to the roof and the siding.
Because the roof plays a critical safety and protective role, knowing when the damage is severe enough to warrant a roof replacement is crucial. Sometimes, you might need to call in a roof inspection expert. But in others, the damage is apparent, and you can easily make the assessment by yourself. Here are some ways you can tell if your roof needs replacement after a storm.
Walk Around the Yard or Around the House
Sometimes, walking around the house saves you the trouble of having to get on the roof for an inspection. Look around for any pieces of your roof that might have been blown off by the strong winds. These can include shingles and pieces of metal ripped off from the area around the chimney and siding.
You can also look at the edges of the roof and the gutters to see if there are any missing pieces. Although missing a few shingles doesn’t always point to a roof replacement, it’s a sign that you need to start searching for an emergency roof repair near you. Yellowhammer has these services available.
Signs of Evident Roof Damage
The best way to tell the extent of the damage on your roof is to have a close look. Sometimes, the damage might be extensive enough to require a storm damage roof replacement even though you didn’t find shingles around the yard. Some of the most common types of roof damage that you should look for when inspecting the roof include the following;
- Missing shingles – Missing shingles are common after a severe storm. The strong winds get under the shingle flaps and blow the entire shingle off. A few missing shingles may not call for a replacement. But when you have many shingles missing, you should consider calling in an expert for a roof replacement because missing shingles can cause an emergency leak.
- Damaged shingles – If you don’t have any missing shingles, look for shingle damage. Bent shingles, buckled shingles, and broken tabs at the shingle edges are some of the damages for which you should look. Also, check for shingles that are hanging by a single nail or almost falling off.
- Granule erosion – Granule erosion is expected if you’ve had your roof for several years. But a strong storm can accelerate the damage. If the erosion is extensive, you will notice that the shingles have a smooth appearance. Also, check the gutters for granules that have been carried there by the rainwater. Extensive granule erosion is a sign that you should consider complete roof replacement.
Holes or Gaps
Holes and gaps in your roof are the most obvious sign that you need a roof replacement. Some of the gaps are easy to see from the rooftop, while others are well hidden. If an inspection is done from inside the attic, you’ll see the light shining through, which indicates bare spots on the roof.
The spaces in the roof will allow water to seep in and are also a highway for pests and critters to get into your home as they shelter from weather, potentially creating a new home for themselves. Some holes and gaps are repairable, but a complete roof replacement is sometimes recommended. Our professional roofers know when a roof needs to be repaired or replaced and can give you an honest quote on repair or replacement to help you make an informed decision on whether you need a storm damage roof replacement or a simple repair!
Algae Growth
When homeowners are searching for roof damage, they often miss this critical sign because they are only looking for physical damage, such as leaks, protrusions, and missing roofing components.
Algae growth is typically found on the surface of a water body. Considering your roof has been exposed to water, you might expect some algae growth, but you shouldn’t. Algae carry bacteria that eat away at the shingles and break them down. The result is an ugly black streak.
Most roofs with algae growth feature low-quality shingles made from limestone, which is a magnet for algae and streaking. Suppose you find algae growth on your roof. In that case, you may want to consider asking for a quote for a roof replacement using high-quality materials from manufacturers that offer lifetime warranties.
To Repair or to Replace?
Even with apparent damage on the roof, it can be challenging to decide whether you need a complete roof replacement or repairs unless much of your roof is missing. You can fix some of the damages using emergency roof repair, while others require roof replacement.
Whether you’re looking for an honest opinion on what you should do or you have made up your mind on the way forward, Yellow Hammer is here for you. We specialize in all roofing jobs. We have extensive knowledge in roofing, roof repairs and roof replacements using the best quality roofing materials. Contact us for a free, honest and accurate roofing repair or replacement estimate. We can also give you our expert opinion to help you make the best decision.
