The tornado and storms that struck Tallahassee earlier this month were no light summer breeze. The wind funnel left our city in disarray, with many inhabitants without power and numerous residential and commercial buildings without roofs. Our team of highly skilled builders, trained and equipped to handle significant storms, is ready to come to your aid and rescue your roof, whether it needs mild restoration or complete replacement. The first crucial step in roof repair is to assess the damage and identify the problems, then work towards the best solutions for your needs. This way, we know what we are working with and can prevent further damage. Read on to learn about seven signs of roof damage after a major storm!
Blatant Damages
Look for missing, cracked, curled, or torn shingles, and inspect around chimneys and vents for gaps or damaged seals. Look for light permeating through the roof boards from the attic, as this will indicate gaps or holes in the roofing material. Examine gutters and downspouts for damage or blockages caused by storm debris. Ensure they are securely affixed and properly directing water away from the building. If gutters are blocked, they can lead to further roof damage caused by water infiltration. Cracked or broken brisks and loose or missing mortar can also indicate a damaged roof.
Granule Loss
Granules are the small, coarse particles that make up the surface of roofing shingles. They are designed to defend against weather conditions. However, if you find excessive granules in your gutters or outside the home, this could indicate that the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan or have been damaged by the storm—either way, they’ll likely need replacing.
Visible Debris
Tree branches or other objects thrown around by the storm may have impacted your roof. Take note of any debris around the property, even if underlying damage is not visible on the surface. The presence of these items not typically found on your property can influence the decision to conduct further damage inspections.
Sagging or Uneven Roofline
It’s important to be aware that a sagging or uneven roofline could be a sign of structural damage or weakened support beams that may need to be reinforced or replaced to ensure the building’s stability and safety.
Flashing and Edges
Flashings are installed to deter water from penetrating the junctions and angles of a roof, which is critical for maintaining the home’s watertight integrity. If metal flashings around your chimneys, vents, or skylights are bent, dislocated, or missing pieces, this can lead to leaks.
Interior Water Damage
Inspect the attic for any signs of water intrusions, such as stains on the ceiling or walls, damp insulation, or active leaks. Additionally, look for water stains on interior ceilings and walls around the home because this water can leak down underneath the attic in other places. Water damage can also present itself through paint or wallpaper peeling or bubbling.
Mold or Mildew
If you don’t see any visual signs of staining or leaks, the presence of mold or mildew growth will indicate the likelihood of water intrusion. Mold and mildew pose severe health risks and dangers to the home’s structural integrity.
Before we arrive, we suggest using these methods to detect potential roof damage. However, having one of our skilled professionals inspect the area firsthand is crucial— not just for your safety but also to ensure we completely understand the damage and can take the best course of action. Contact us today for assistance handling whatever challenges this storm season brings! We’re always available to educate you about spotting signs of roof damage after a major storm.
TSpark Enterprises, headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, offers a wide range of roofing and construction services in the North Florida and South Georgia areas. Visit our website or call (850) 766-1340 to get a free estimate and embark on your construction journey today!