When a storm hits, first time homeowners often wonder how to spot roof damage. A thorough inspection involves examining the overall appearance of roofing materials, structures like chimneys and vents, gutters and drains, soffits, and fascia boards.
Look for stains on fascia boards or mold where the wall meets the roof, which can indicate water infiltration and structural issues. Also check for dents, dings and other signs of wear.
Look for Damaged Shingles
When a hailstorm hits your home, it can leave visible damage behind—shingles are missing or damaged, gutters may be dented, and the siding might split. But sometimes, the damage is more subtle and can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Here’s how to spot roof damage and take action before it becomes a problem.
Missing shingles are the most obvious sign of storm damage. If you notice a gap where a shingle should be, contact a roofing professional right away to schedule a roof inspection. Missing shingles can allow water to penetrate the underlayment of your roof and lead to leaks. This is a serious issue, and if left untreated, it can lead to extensive damage within your home.
Other signs of shingle damage include dark spots on the roof or a loss of granules. This can indicate that a shingle is nearing the end of its lifespan and should be replaced soon. The granules help to protect your roof from the sun’s UV rays, so their loss can be a sign of deterioration and a potential leak.
In addition to shingles, look for damage to your fascia boards and soffits, which are the boards that run along the edges of the roof eaves and are parallel to the exterior walls. If these boards are badly damaged, they can allow moisture to enter your home and cause rot and mold. Also look for sagging sections of the roof and the presence of mold or mildew in the attic or crawl space.
Finally, look for damaged or missing flashing. Flashing is crucial for directing water away from vulnerable areas, and it’s installed around vent pipes, chimneys, skylights, and dormer walls. It can also be found in the gaps between your roof and exterior walls, or around ridge vents. Damaged or missing flashing is a serious issue and needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
Regular roof and siding inspections can catch problems before they become significant. It’s recommended that you conduct visual inspections twice per year, ideally in the spring and fall. This allows you to catch any issues before they escalate, and it can help save you from expensive repairs in the future. For top-notch service and quality, consider hiring roofing arlington specialists who can provide expert installation and repairs.
Look for Water Damage
When a major storm hits, it can cause flooding and water damage that affects every area of the home. Water can also get into the walls, carpets, and insulation, resulting in mold growth. Professional water damage restoration teams can inspect the damage and provide a detailed report that helps homeowners make informed decisions about repairs.
Arlington residents need to be extra vigilant during the spring and fall when sudden storms can quickly flood basements and crawl spaces. Overgrown vegetation, clogged gutters, and poor drainage systems can all lead to serious issues during these seasons.
Heavy rains can also impact roofing materials, causing shingles to become brittle and lose their granules. This can weaken the structure of a roof and leave it vulnerable to future damage. Regular inspections and the use of durable roofing materials are critical for protecting Arlington homes from severe weather damage.
After a big rainstorm, you should also take a look at your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are functioning properly and are directing rainfall away from the foundation of your home. If you find any areas of moisture, consider hiring a water damage restoration team to inspect the situation and install new gutter systems or drainage extensions as needed.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the fact that a lot of water damage can occur without any visible signs on the surface. For example, a leaking roof may be causing water to seep into drywall and other building materials, leading to mold growth. If you notice any signs of moisture in your home, it’s important to contact a professional immediately to prevent mold and other serious damage from occurring.
It’s always a good idea to hire a professional roofer for an annual inspection, particularly after big storms and as part of your regular maintenance plan. This will help identify and repair minor problems before they can turn into larger ones that could lead to costly repairs or even a complete roof replacement.
Look for Cracked or Broken Shingles
During the summer, cracked shingles can allow heat into the home; during the winter, they let cold air in. In both cases, this can lead to a variety of costly issues. If you notice any shingles that have been broken or are cracking, you’ll want to get them replaced immediately before they become worse.
When it comes to shingle damage, you’ll also want to pay attention to any dents or bruising. Known collectively as “wear and tear,” these signs indicate that your roof isn’t protecting your home as well as it should. Look for dents around chimneys, vents, skylights, and any other areas where moisture is likely to gather.
Another way to spot shingle damage is to pay attention to any granules that are missing. These small particles help the shingles shed water and protect the asphalt layer from harmful UV rays. Losing granules is an indication that your shingles are beginning to wear out, and if left unchecked, can lead to further structural damage and leaks.
In addition to the shingles, you’ll also need to inspect your fascia boards and soffits. These boards run along the edges of your roof eaves and are what you see when you stand at ground level and look up at the house. If these boards are damaged, it can affect your home’s energy efficiency and even cause rot if not addressed.
A common cause of these problems is hail. Since the area has such a high number of severe storms, it’s important to have your roof regularly inspected for hail damage. Hailstones can puncture or bruise roofing materials, causing further problems down the line, including water leaks and mold growth.
If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder to inspect the roof, siding, and soffits yourself, it’s a good idea to hire a professional Arlington roofing contractor to do it for you. Not only will they be able to identify any obvious issues, but they’ll be able to spot more subtle signs of damage that you might not have noticed. By catching any issues early on, you can save yourself a lot of money in repair costs in the future.
Look for Damaged Siding
If you notice dents and dings in the siding or window panes of your home after a hailstorm, it’s likely that your roof has been hit as well. Hail damage can also cause buckling shingles or a separation of the roof and siding, which may lead to leaks. If you’re unsure whether the damage is caused by a hailstorm, it’s best to have a professional inspect your property.
It’s important to perform regular inspections of your roof, soffits and fascia boards. This will help you spot potential issues before they become more serious. You can do a visual inspection from the ground, or you can hire a roofing contractor to do a more comprehensive examination. A professional will check the condition of roofing materials, any structures on the roof such as chimneys and vents, the gutter system, the flashing and soffits, and will inspect the interior walls and ceilings for signs of moisture or mold.
Homeowners should also keep an eye out for any leaks or water marks inside the home. These can be a sign of roof damage, and should be addressed immediately. If left untreated, these problems could lead to severe water damage and even mold growth.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a roof inspection in Arlington. These regular inspections will ensure that your roof is in good condition and will be able to withstand any future storms. It will also help to catch any damage early, which can save you money on costly repairs down the road.
If you’re looking for a professional roofer to perform a residential roofing inspection in Arlington, look for a company that offers a range of services, including repair and replacement. Check their credentials and experience, and make sure they are licensed and insured. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews before making a decision. You want to be sure that you’re getting the best service and the most reliable company. You can find more information about roofing inspections on our website. We also offer free roof inspections to homeowners in the area!
