A light wind breeze is always a relief on a sunny day. However, if the wind turns into a brutal storm, it can wreak havoc on the roof of any building. Usually, when roofs are installed, they are designed to resist wind storms easily. However, a strong wind can lead to slight damage that can become a massive issue over some time. Sometimes the wind damage is so mild that it can go unnoticed by the building owner, so how do you get to know that your roof has witnessed damage due to a wind storm?
Well, there are a few early signs of wind damage that one can identify and get fixed through skilled roofing contractors in Tyler, TX. Roofing contractors are trained and have expertise in providing knowledge on the extent of the damage that wind has caused. Take a look at these critical pointers that will signify the degree of roof damage caused by the wind.
Missing and Disfigured Shingles
One of the very first signs of wind damage in any residential structure is its shingles. Watch out for missing shingles after heavy wind storms; these are common indicators of the damage caused and leaves the roof exposed to various weather conditions. Shingles get broken or completely get blown off due to intense wind pressure or curl up with cracked edges. Similarly, the falling of branches can dislodge pieces and the winds will carry them away, exposing the underlying area to extreme weather conditions.
Sometimes, due to directional winds, shingles may not be completely dislodged but bent along the length. The formation of horizontal lines on certain shingles is a giveaway for this. If the shingles’ seal gets broken, these horizontal lines and cracks signify that the wind has crashed up the shingles and caused roof damage.
The Residential Roofing Tyler tx contractors are professionally qualified to identify such damage. Getting the shingles fixed with fasteners and strong decking and properly sealed is best to avoid such hazards.
Roof Leaks & Walls Discoloration
Did you notice long lines originating from the ceiling running across your walls, especially after a storm? The chances are the rainwater found its way through exposed parts of your roof and made its way inside. Any damage on shingles deteriorates the roof and directly impacts the interiors of the structure they are installed on. Damaged shingles expose the building to moisture and can lead to roof leaks, resulting in damage to the interior and exterior woodworks. If the leakages are not fixed at the right time, they can penetrate the building’s electrical system and cause electrical hazards.
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Initially, these leakages will seem like a minor issue; however, the leakages will cause dampness, and discoloration of walls over a while. The discoloration would be caused by molds and algae. The exposed internal layer becomes home to molds that not only cause damage to furniture, upholstery, etc. but also leads to health issues.
Qualified commercial roofing contractors would check these leakages and fix them thoroughly to prevent further damage.
Scattered Debris
Broken shingles, pieces of decking, nails, leaves, twigs, and other debris found near one’s home indicate that one needs to check their roof. Twigs, fallen dry leaves, branches due to heavy winds often lead to debris collection and should not be ignored. If left untreated, the piled-up debris can become home to pests and can even turn into compost for weeds to grow on it.
When carried over by rainwater, these debris can cause blockages in the gutter and drainage system, aggravating the moisture and wetness on the roofs. Look out for debris collected in every nook and corner of the rooftop and take expert help to clear off the debris regularly.
Cracked Up Chimneys
Strong winds can damage exterior components like chimneys. Look out for the cracks and holes in the joints between the chimneys and roof. These joints usually weaken with wear and tear over time; however, a heavy wind blows off the mortar that connects the chimney to the roof. In addition to this, one must watch out for the missing chimney cap. One should not ignore any such holes, missing caps in chimneys and should get them fixed on priority to prevent water leakages and structural issues in the interiors of the building or homes.
How to check for signs of Roof Damage due to winds?
Most residential roofs are slanted and generally slippery. Unless you have appropriate safety equipment and gear, it is not advised to climb on your roof. Yet this doesn’t mean you cannot inspect your roof via other methods. Here are two common places to check for signs of roof damage.
Attic Inspection
A routine attic area inspection after a windstorm helps quickly identify the leaks, discoloration of walls, bubbles in-ceiling from trapped moisture, and sagging spots. All these interior issues, no matter how small they appear, are clear indications of roof damage.
Drainage System
A quick inspection of downspouts and drainage systems on the property exteriors is imperative to figure out the damage that winds have caused. If the downspouts are clogged up, the rainwater will quickly seep into the walls and lead to the destruction of the building’s interior structure.
Wrapping Up
After a heavy wind storm, it is always better to inspect the rooftops and watch out for roof damage indicators. While the damage might appear to be a minor concern, if left unattended, any minor issue can manifest more significant roofing issues later. Booking a roof inspection from a professional roofing contractor like Steele Roofing LLC would be a wise option after a heavy windstorm to figure out the damage that occurred. The experts would assess the roof damage, gauge the extent of the damage, and suggest how best to treat it.
