Your home is built to withstand exposure to the elements. Unfortunately, severe storms can leave your home with serious structural damage that can make the residence unlivable. The roofing systems of many homes are the hardest hit by severe storms. A damaged roof could allow water to seep into your home, resulting in wood rot and the development of toxic mold.
Being able to determine how badly your roof is damaged by looking for some tell-tale signs will allow you to get the help you need to repair your residence following a major storm.
1. Look for missing shingles
As your home is exposed to the high winds that are associated with many major storms, the shingles covering your roof decking could be blown loose. Missing shingles expose your roof underlayment and provide an access point for water to infiltrate your home.
Once the storm has subsided, use a pair of binoculars to examine your roof thoroughly. If you spot any shingles that have been blown off in the storm, contact a roofing contractor to replace the shingles as quickly as possible to prevent serious water damage within your home.
2. Check for dents in your rain gutters
Functional rain gutters play a critical role in removing water safely from your home's roof. A major storm could cause branches and other debris to fly through the air toward your home. If these projectiles come into contact with your rain gutters, they could dent the aluminum or rupture the exterior surface of your rain gutters.
Dented or damaged rain gutters will not be able to move water effectively. You will need to replace any damaged sections of rain gutter to restore proper drainage to your home's roof following a major storm.
3. Examine your roof for debris
Severe storms can leave your roof littered with debris. This debris poses a threat to the performance of your roofing system. The weight of large branches can cause your roof to collapse.
An accumulation of leaves and smaller branches could prevent water from flowing off your roof, creating dams that might damage your roofing materials. Cleaning any debris that is present on your roof should be a priority as you address the damage caused to your property by a severe storm.
Storm damage can be devastating. Addressing any damage that your roof has sustained as quickly as possible will help you prevent leaks and other water-related problems from plaguing your home in the future. For more information, contact a company like Arkansas Restoration Services Inc.
