Records tell us that this year has been the 5th wettest for the US. With record-breaking severe storms so common, roofs all over the nation could be in danger! Damage due to the usual amount of wear and tear, rain, snow, ice, and wind can already be causes of stress for homeowners. But now they must also deal with storm damage and the potentially catastrophic losses it can cause.

For guidance, we have divided this article into two main parts. The first one deals with damage specific to the agents of the weather. In the subsequent section, you’ll find other ways to identify if a storm has done a number on your roof.

We’ll begin with the first section:

Sheets of Snow

Snow, while pretty, can also very frustrating. For instance, a snowstorm will leave lots of snow on your roof. Before it melts in the sun, its weight alone is enough to cause damage to your roof. Later on, the slightly molten snow sliding off can become an issue.

Formation of ice dams can be problematic as well. This term refers to the freezing of the water collected in your gutters and blocking the snow from melting and sliding off. In such situations, seek professional rain damage help immediately.

Debris

Strong winds may blow various items that will land on your roof and cause damage on impact. For example, trees growing around your house or elsewhere in the neighborhood, may lose branches to the wind. Falling limbs could pierce your roof and lead to structural issues.

You may already have tree coverage as part of your homeowner insurance if you live in a place where strong winds are common. Even so, try to get rid of the debris as soon as it lands up there.

Hail

Hailstorms may not be as common, but they can lead to roofing problems and roof damage. Even though the extent of the issue will depend on how small or large the hail particles are, they do strike your shingles in high-speed impacts. Expect holes in the roof or cracked shingles in case of hail.

Moreover, on melting, the pellets can result in water damage!

Wind

High winds will not affect the roof’s surface evenly. They will have a more drastic effect on the corners, edges, and the ridge line. Additionally, by getting under the shingles, the wind can curl them or rip them off. An exposed roof is vulnerable to leaks.

Besides that, it is easy to miss the effects of lifting that stormy winds may cause. From the ground, your shingles could look intact. However, due to the suction effect, wind can lift the shingles and break the sealant between each layer. This is another situation that can cause leaks.

Water

We have already covered how melting snow, heavy snowfall, and other wind- and hail-based damage can affect your roof. We’d like to add that persisting moisture opens your home to mold infestation. Therefore, it is best dealt with quickly!

There are other kinds of destructions aside from a leaking roof that a storm may leave in its wake. We discuss some of them:

Bent Gutters

Debris and dirt laden stormy gales can build up in your gutters and clog them up. This will prevent them from carrying the water away from the roof and put undue stress and pressure on the gutter. You may be looking at broken or saggy gutters as an outcome.

Ridge Vent Dents

The ridge vents have a specific purpose. They keep the roof deck cooler and durable. Storm damage may leave dents in them, making them less effective in protecting your Frederick, MD home.

Missing Ridge Caps

Roof caps protect spots in which the roof’s angles meet. They also prevent the roof leaks due to rain and snow from seeping into the house. However, they are highly vulnerable to damage from storms.

Decaying Fascia and Soffits

These overhangs may look pretty, but they are often the first parts to succumb to rot. Storm roof damage can route excess water to seep through the soffits and fascia and speed up the process. Delaying replacement can invite mold and bacteria into the other parts of your house!

Identifying and fixing roof damage problems in Frederick, MD may sound easy. We’d recommend that you don’t consider it a DIY project. For safer installations, repairs, and general maintenance, call the best roofing team at (240) 629-8464. Or, visit here for a quote!