Summer storms are just a fact of life throughout the United States, and especially in the southern US. And while 90% of undesirable weather that rolls through town is little more than an inconvenience, the rest is capable of inflicting damage to your property. Downed trees and a water-logged basement are usually the main concerns. However, your roof, which is fully exposed during all weather events, may not always come out unscathed.
According to the water damage restoration experts at Rytech Nashville, it pays to take a quick look at your roof once the sun comes out, even if you don’t have an apparent leak. Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions on how to identify storm and water damage, restoration needs, and other roofing issues.
Q: What type of roof damage can happen during a storm?
Rytech Nashville: That depends on the storm. High winds can rip shingles from the roof. Excessive rain can cause water buildup in the gutters that can also damage the shingles. Hail can remove asphalt granules, leaving the underlying material vulnerable to the elements.
Q: If the shingles look fine, what else can a homeowner look for?
Rytech Nashville: One telltale sign that the roof is at risk are raised nail heads. Even if the shingles are in place, this almost always means that winds have pushed the shingles out of place. You can also look at the flashing, which are pieces of metal around the chimney and air vents. Bent, broken, or dislodged flashing can cause water to penetrate your home through the walls or the roof. If this happens, you will almost certainly need water damage restoration services and may require mold removal to make the home safe.
Q: What should I do about sagging gutters?
Rytech Nashville: Gutters that have been dislodged from the fascia have likely become clogged with leaves, small twigs, and other debris. If it is safe, clear the gutters and reattach them to the house. Clogged gutters are a serious issue. When it rains, if the water cannot drain, it can build up and gradually seep into the walls through the roof. Rainwater can also pour off the sides of the gutters and pool around the perimeter of your home and then enter through cracks in the foundation. Even a small amount of water inside the home can cause significant mold growth. Mold removal can help, but unless you identify weak spots, it will grow back.
Q: Are there signs of roof damage that may not be apparent from the outside?
Rytech Nashville: Yes. Grab a flashlight and head to the attic. Chances are, the plywood sub-roof is exposed from underneath. From here, you can look for discolorations in the wood and will be able to see if the plywood is sagging. Dark spots likely indicate that it has been in contact with water. Turn the light off and make a note of any areas where you see sunlight coming in from the outside. The only spots that should allow light to enter are the gable vents on either side of the home.
Q: There is a tree on my roof and obvious damage. What should I do now?
Rytech Nashville: Your first priority is to get yourself, your family, and any pets out of the home until it is deemed safe for return. Contact your insurance company to find out if they will cover the cost of a hotel or other accommodations until a roofing company can get out and inspect the damage. If your home has been flooded, ask them about water damage restoration coverage. The sooner your roof is fixed, the better, since standing water in the interior causes more damage the longer it is there.
Rytech Nashville offers water damage restoration and mold removal throughout Davidson, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson, and Rutherford counties. Visit Rytech.com/Nashville for more information.