Summer storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and hail that put your roof to the test. Identifying existing damage before storm season begins can help prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs.
Inspect Your Shingles
Before summer storms, inspect your shingles for signs of damage. Some things to look for include:
- Balding shingles with missing granules
- Blistering shingles
- Buckling shingles
- Cracking shingles
- Curling shingles
- Cupping shingles
- Missing shingles
These signs indicate that those affected shingles should be replaced. If multiple shingles are failing, it may indicate the need for a full roof replacement. In some cases, even a single strong windstorm can cause additional shingles to come loose. Even a few missing shingles can cause serious problems for your home, such as water and structural damage.
Check for Damage in Your Attic
Your attic can reveal signs of roof damage that aren’t visible from the outside. Look for light coming through the roof, which may indicate gaps or structural issues that can worsen over time. You should also check for signs of water intrusion, such as damp insulation, stains, or musty odors. Left unaddressed, moisture can lead to structural damage and the growth of mold and mildew.
Over time, excess moisture in the attic can weaken wood framing and reduce the effectiveness of insulation. This can lead to higher energy costs and make your home less comfortable during the summer months.
Check the Flashing
Another important component of your roof is your flashing. This is the metal on your roof that is used to seal joints around things like your chimney, skylight, or vents. If it is damaged, things may soon get much worse for your roof. Check for signs of damage such as cracks, gaps, rust, and flashing that has separated itself from your roof. All of this is a potential entry point for water that can do extensive damage to your home.
Inspect Your Gutters
You should also perform a thorough inspection of your gutters. If your gutters fail, it could send water directly into your house. Make sure they are operational and test them to ensure the water flows down the gutters and away from your home. Clean them out if you need to. They can get clogged with leaves, dirt, and gunk to the point they no longer operate properly.
Overall, the summer storm season can be thought of as a test for many roofs. If your roof is already damaged and in need of repair, the problems created by those issues can be made into complete disasters if they are not fixed beforehand. To be extra cautious, call a professional to perform a thorough inspection. When you need roof replacement services in Rochester, MN, contact Heyn Brothers Roofing.