Even if you live outside of Rhode Island rough weather is something you
are sure to encounter eventually. Whether it’s rain, strong winds, hail, or even a hurricane storms can cause serious damage to your roof.
In October of 2012, Rhode Island was struck by a “super-storm” Hurricane Sandy. The storm caused $360 million dollars in damage in Connecticut, $20 million in Massachusetts, and $11 million dollars in Rhode Island.
It’s important to know how to identify storm damage, and what to do if your home sustains damage from a storm. This guide will help you with what do to and look for on your roof following a storm.
Meteorologists classify hurricane-force winds as those which are 74 mph or greater, while gale-force winds are between 39-54 mph. Winds at these velocities can cause serious damage to your roof. Most people think of falling branches and trees when discussing wind damage, but wind can do much more to your roof. Winds at a strong enough speed can remove the shingles right off your roof. Missing shingles leaves the underlayment, roof decking, and waterproofing materials exposed to the elements.
Even less severe wind gusts can damage the shingles of your roof. Strong winds may not remove the shingles, but they can still lift and even curl them. Lifted and curled shingles break the water-tight seal that overlapping shingles create. When this seal is broken your roof becomes vulnerable to water damage.
Hail storms are generally short, lasting shorter than 15 minutes usually. But even though it may be a short window hail can still cause damage to your roof. Hailstones have the capability to not only leave dents or pockmarks on your roof but can knock shingle granules loose. Shingle granule loss can be problematic because they protect your roof from rain and sun damage. Hail can also ruin the aesthetic and appearance of your roof.
Having proper drainage is incredibly important for sustaining the long-term life of your roof. If a roof has insufficient drainage water will become backed up and seep under your shingles. This water has the potential to cause damage to the underlayment or even the roof deck.
Severe storms can cause debris to land on your roof, especially if the winds are strong enough. Debris can be anything from leaves, twigs, or larger tree branches. A large impact from a heavy branch can cause damage to the surface of the roof shingles. Dented and impacted shingles leave that area more vulnerable to water getting in.
Leaves aren’t necessarily something you think of when considering storm damage. If leaves pile up in areas of your roof and aren’t removed it can cause damage to the roof over time. Piles of leaves will collect standing water which can lead to water damage to your roof if not removed.
After A Storm
Following a storm, it is essential to check your property for any damage the severe weather may have caused. Be sure to walk the perimeter of your home to assess for any possible damage. If you have windows that give you a good view of your roof utilize that as well. Do NOT walk on your roof to inspect for damage. Only a hired professional should go on the roof, especially if its integrity is in question.
Keep a notebook and camera handy when looking for damage. Take notes and most importantly take pictures of any damage you might encounter. Having photos of any damage can come in handy for insurance purposes. Any form of damage should be well documented, including dents, curls, and missing shingles.
It’s important not only to inspect your exterior but your interior as well. Look at ceilings for any new water spots or damage, especially need skylights if you have any. If you see any new or worsening water damage following a storm then your roof may have been damaged in the inclement weather.
Who To Contact
If your roof does sustain damage from a storm it’s important to call your insurance. The insurance company will file a claim based on their requirements. It is also important to call a roofing contractor to assess the damage with a trained eye. This contractor can also provide you with an estimate on repair costs and let you know if the roof needs repair or needs a replacement.
Even if you don’t see any damage following a storm it’s helpful to call a roofing contractor. Roofing contractors will be able to find damage that you can’t see or even that you don’t know to look for.
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