It’s vital to keep an eye on forecasts as a homeowner, as storm damage can affect properties anywhere in a multitude of ways. What can you do if your property has been damaged by a storm?
This guide will give you an overview of the types of damage that storms can cause to a home, particularly the roof, and how to deal with them. Many of the issues you may face can be tackled alone, but sometimes you might have no choice but to call in a professional.
Rules to remember
There are a few rules to remember when dealing with the aftermath of a storm. You’ll do well to remember the following:
- don’t panic – This can be difficult, but it’s important to keep a level head.
- wait for the storm to blow over – it’s not worth risking your safety or the safety of your family while the storm is still raging.
- be careful – It’s absolutely vital never to put yourself or anyone else in danger, no matter how urgent the damage to your home may seem.
Investigating the damage
Once the storm has blown over, and you’re sure everyone is safe, it’s time to take a look at what may have been damaged. A single, severe storm can cause many different kinds of damage to a property. Heavy winds, rain, and hail feature in most storms and can each cause different types of damage to a property.
Rain damage
Rain damage is one of the most common causes of damage to a roof in a storm or otherwise. Rain damage can even prove the most devastating long-term.
The first potential danger caused by rain is mould, which can be found in any damp environment in your property. Your roof, due to its level of exposure will spend most of its lifetime being damp to some degree, and this can lead to the growth of mould, moss or algae – all of which can present significant problems both structurally and to your health.
Rotting is a significant structural problem that’s often related to mould build-up, but the two don’t always come together. Rot can especially affect the timber inside your roof space, posing a very serious structural risk if left unchecked over a period of time.
The main culprit behind rotting timbers and mould growth is often roof leaks, so locating and fixing them as soon as they appear is vital. It can be difficult to find and fix a roof leak, as the leak can be very small yet highly damaging. If you’re still struggling to uncover the source of the leak yourself, it’s wise to contact a professional before things get out of hand. Although it could be expensive, it will be nothing compared to potential repair costs in future.
Wind damage
Another common feature of a storm that can wreak havoc and severely damage a roof is the wind. The predominant threat from the wind in a storm is roof tiles or shingles coming loose or falling away.
Other damage to your roof or property due to wind is often less obvious but can still be seriously detrimental. Keep on the lookout for fallen debris such as tree branches or even tiles from neighbouring houses. These might have fallen onto your roof and caused damage. You should always inspect your roof tiles as well as your guttering after a storm to ensure nothing has been damaged and your guttering system is free of obstructions.
Hail damage
Hail and sleet are possess far more damage potential. Hailstones can be one of the greatest dangers your roof will ever face in its lifetime. The most obvious forms of hail damage are holes and dents in your tiles, which present clear immediate issues along with potential future dangers such as water ingress and mould growth.
Call a professional roofing contractor
One of the most important steps after sustaining hurricane roof damage is to call a professional roofing contractor. Most reputable contractors will perform a free roof inspection, and they can clearly point out areas of storm damage and write a cost estimate. Keep in mind that it’s vital to work with a trusted local roofer for this process.
Did a recent hurricane cause roof damage to your home? Give us a call
If you need a roof repair, you need an expert that takes the time to thoroughly inspect your roof and works with your lifestyle and finances. After we take a good look at your home, we will work with you to put together the perfect roofing package for you. Contact Solomon Roof at (206) 474-91-23 to get a price, schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to any.