How an Extreme Storm Can Damage Parts of the Roof

An extreme storm can lift an entire roof and cast it aside. However, that is not the only damage a violent storm can cause to a roof. Below is a brief overview of storm damage on specific parts of the roof.

Shingles

Shingles are light and susceptible to damage. Shingles can suffer storm damage in three main ways:

• Granule loss. Occurs when physical impact, for example from hailstones, strips granules off the shingles
• Displacement. Occurs when physical impact or wind dislodges shingles partially or fully
• Cracking. Occurs when physical impact breaks shingles

Visual inspection is usually enough to reveal shingle damage. The presence of roofing debris, such as granules or shingle pieces, on the gutter or ground is also a telltale sign of shingle damage.

Gutters

Strong winds or heavy snow can overload the gutters and disconnect them from the roof. Debris or snow can also clog the gutters and interfere with drainage. In a single-story house, you should be able to inspect the gutters from the ground.

Flashing

Flashing is a material, typically metal, that roofing contractors use to waterproof roof joints. For example, flashing prevents water penetration between the chimney and the roof. Flashing damage can also occur in the form of dents, displacement, or tear.

Flashing damage may not be obvious, depending on the experience of the inspector. For example, an inexperienced person might not realize that a flashing material is loose if the material is still in place. 

Waterproofing

Roof waterproofing prevents water penetration through the roof. Unfortunately, the waterproofing material is also susceptible to storm damage. Waterproofing damage inevitably leads to roof leaks.

In most cases, the leaks are too small to identify from the ground or from outside the house. You may have to go up to the attic to identify the leaks. Wet or discolored patches under the roof should usually point to leaks. Sunlight streaking into the attic is another sign.

Nails

Roofing contractors use nails to attach shingles onto roof decks. A strong storm can loosen the nails and leave the roof susceptible to further damage. Signs of nailing damage include nail heads that protrude above the shingle surface or nails that lie at an angle instead of straight down.

Roof Projections or Attachments

Roof projections or attachments are susceptible to storm damage because they interfere with the aerodynamic design of the roof. Things like chimneys, vents, satellite dishes, and solar panels can trap wind and suffer damage or detach from the roof. Detached projections or attachments can tear sections of the roof, puncture the roof, or damage the flashing around them.

Decking

Decking damage can occur in two main ways. First, the decking can suffer structural damage if the winds tear off sections of the roof. Secondly, the decking material can suffer moisture damage when winds drive rain under the shingles.

Unfortunately, you might not notice the moisture damage the right way. You might only suspect decking damage when the material starts to curl, crack, or warp after absorbing moisture.

Framing

Lastly, the roof framing can also suffer damage due to overloading. Roof framing is typically wood, and each roof has a maximum weight it can safely bear. An extreme snowstorm can overload the roof and damage the framing, causing the roof to sag. Sagging is serious damage because it can lead to roof collapse if unchecked.

Fix your damaged roof as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the line. Done Right Home Improvements, has the skills and experience necessary for all manner of roof repairs. If a storm has damaged your roof, contact us for an assessment and quote so that you can repair the roof as soon as possible.