Roofing is much more intricate than people give it credit for. What seems like a small concern to the layman indicates a much larger underlying problem to the professional. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if what you need is a quick repair or a full-out replacement. Fall and winter storms can really do a number on your roof. Broken shingles, bent gutters, cracked flashing. The good news is that most of the time, storm damage is minor. Annoying and tedious, which might be unavoidable. But overall, repairs on minor storm damage are cost-effective, quick, and with a contractor like Roof Dudes, less frustrating to get through.
5 Signs of Storm Damage
When nasty winds and heavy rain tear through Ohio, some damage is going to be inevitable. We all hope for the worst to be limited to picking up the yard debris in the aftermath, but now and again, you will see signs of deeper problems. It doesn’t hurt to do a quick check around your property once the weather has passed. Many small problems can be spotted from the ground level, where you will be safe.
Shingle Damage: Look for broken, cracked, missing, or curled shingles. Any of these are signs of exposed roofing and will require repairs to ensure your home’s safety. Also, check the ground and the gutter for any granular deposits. This means your shingles are losing their protective coating.
Gutters, Soffit, and Fascia: These components are responsible for guiding water away from your roof and foundations and reducing the chances of a leak. Look for any bent components, cracks, gaps, or rusting when you check through. If you see any gaps in your soffit and fascia, check the attic for any uninvited critters seeking shelter.
Water Stains, Mildew, Mold: These may not appear right away unless the problem is significant, but any sign of stains, mold, or mildew means a leak is responsible. This is among the more insidious damage storms can cause, because it often goes unnoticed until rot sets in. Do a thorough check of your attic and upstairs rooms after a big storm.
Chimneys and Flashing: The flashing around different parts of your roof helps keep it secure. High winds can bend, crack, or even tear the flashing right off, leaving your home exposed to moisture and leaks. You may need a professional to get a good look at your flashing.
Repair or Replace
First and foremost, you need to get a full inspection. Even if you just suspect there may be more wrong than you can see, most roofing contractors do inspections for free. We even expect more of them this time of year as people prepare for the winter season. A good assessment will give you comprehensive information about your roof, helping you make the best-informed decision you can.
Next, you will want to contact your insurance agent to report the damage. RoofDudes has extensive experience working with our clients and their insurance company to help keep the process as smooth as possible. If you’re having difficulty understanding how your policy is going to help in your situation, let us take a look. We are happy to make this difficult time a little less overwhelming for everyone.
The question of whether to repair or replace your roof often comes down to a few significant factors for the homeowner.
- Is my house safe to occupy?
- “Safe to occupy” is not a great standard of measurement, as what seems like a small problem can often get bigger if it goes overlooked for long enough. However, there are some immediate issues that result in an unsafe living space. A sagging roof, debris that has left the interior of the house exposed, extensive mold and mildew damage, or unstable rafters and joists are all serious areas of concern. If you are unsure for any reason, ask your roof inspector if the house is safe to remain in.
- How extensive is the damage?
- For most roofing damage, the issue is localized, affecting only a relatively small area of the roof with zero to minor effect on the underlying components. Even if the damage is repetitive (such as multiple hail collisions on one roof), it usually means a simple repair job is needed to ensure the roof is functional.
- If the damage affects large sections of the roof and has caused noticeable to significant underlying damage of the structure, it is far more likely that a replacement will be needed to resolve the issues. This doesn’t automatically mean that the whole roof needs to be replaced, but large sections may need more work.
- Can I afford this?
- Unexpected damage to your home can throw everything out of balance, especially your bank account. For many people in Ohio, the question of what to do often comes down to ‘What can we afford to do?’ Nobody wants to be stuck in this position, but when it happens, RoofDudes can help you navigate the process. We offer financing for every job that suits our customers’ needs. We want to get started so you can get your home back the way it should be.
When it comes to repair and replacement, RoofDudes takes pride in our reputation and skill set. We work and live in Ohio, making our roofers experts on what your home needs. Our customers are our neighbors, friends, and family, making reliability a top priority. Give us a call now to get your free roof inspection so you can get ahead of wild Ohio weather.