How to Spot Minor Storm Damage

Severe storms are no joke. They are typically at their worst during the spring and can cause major damage to homes and businesses. Usually, this damage is easy to spot as it is severe. Other times, however, storm damage can be tough to spot though it is present. How, then, can severe storms damage your roof unsuspectingly?

Hail damage is very common in Oklahoma and can damage your roof in multiple ways. One clear sign that minor damage has been done to your roof is dinged gutters. If your gutters are dinged and dented, you probably have some hail damage on your roof.

When observing your shingles, hail damage can look like little divots in your shingles. Hail can also simply knock granules loose. If you spot granules in your gutters, you may have hail damage. Along these lines, strong winds can also cause granules to come loose. Bald shingles can easily be damaged by the sun and elements and should be replaced as soon as possible to extend the life of your roof.

If you are convinced you have incurred damage from a storm but are having trouble spotting the damage, call a professional to take a closer look.

Ponding Water on the Roof Leads to Roof Damage

Commercial roofs have many benefits that residential roofs do not provide, such as white roofing. They also come with drawbacks that residential roofs do not have. One of these drawbacks that can fly under the radar for a commercial real estate owner is ponding water.

While flat roofs are not completely flat, they have a low slope that does not drain water as efficiently as residential roofs. Since drainage is more difficult, it can result in ponding water. Ponding water is categorized as water that sits on a roof for more than 48 hours. While seemingly harmless, this water can do a lot of damage.

Ponding water can lead to erosion and deterioration of the roofing surface, early roof failure, a decrease in reflectivity of UV rays, roof decking damage, mold and mildew growth as well as bacteria, and it can lead to leaks that affect the inside of the building.

Proper roof installation can combat ponding water, but water can still accumulate. This is why roof maintenance is so crucial. Keeping your roof free of debris and having it inspected to make sure there are no structural or drainage problems will keep your roof functioning properly and will help you avoid ponding water.

Protecting Your Roof from the Sun

Over time, the sun can really wear on your roof. Most notably, the sun can quicken the aging process of your roof, which means you will have to replace your roof sooner than you expected. Additionally, the constant beating of the sun can cause your shingles to crack, which opens up areas for water to pour through your roof and cause leaks. These cracks can even lead to the erosion of your roof once rain comes. However, not all is lost. You can take precaution to protect your roof from sun damage.

One way you can protect your roof from sun damage is by coating your roof. Roof coating protect against UV radiation and extend the life of your roof. You can also get waterproof coatings that help protect your roof from erosion.

Another way to make sure your roof stays in good shape is to have it regularly inspected by a professional. A professional can spot the early signs of sun damage and erosion and will be able to plan a course of action to repair and protect your roof. Taking care of the issue before it turns into a large problem means you can save thousands of dollars on future repairs.

Protecting Your Home with Flashing

Much of the emphasis on protecting your home from the elements is on the shingles or roofing material covering your home. While this is a critical component of your roof, it wouldn’t be able to protect your home without flashing.

Flashing is typically a metal material that is present at corners on your roof. You can usually spot your flashing near walls, chimneys, or vents on your roof. This material bends at corners to form a seal and prevent water from leaking through a gap on your roof. Without flashing, water would pour right through these crevices.

Flashing can fail in several ways. Severe storms and strong winds can damage flashing or cause it to come loose. Flashing can also fail because it was installed incorrectly or the flashing was faulty. Additionally, because flashing is typically made of metal, it can rust over time. Rust will weaken the flashing and allow water to pass through.

Severe damage to your roof can result due to damaged flashing, including dry rot and mold growth, which can cost a lot of money to repair. To avoid these problems, have your roof inspected regularly by a professional. They will be able to identify any signs of poor installation or damage.

Replacing Broken Shingles

Broken and missing shingles should always be replaced as soon as possible. Not only does this improve the look of your roof, but it extends its life as well. However, this is not a common skill among homeowners. Here are a few steps to help you get started on replacing your shingles.

First, inspect your roof. If you notice any broken or missing shingles, check your garage or attic space to see if the roofer left behind any unused shingles. If they did not leave any behind, contact the roofer that installed your roof to see if they have any of those shingles on hand. You always want to find the closest match as possible.

To change out your shingles, have a hammer, pry bar, shingles, nails, and gloves on hand, no pun intended. Additionally, if your shingles are not already equipped with adhesive strips, you will need to purchase an adhesive from your local hardware store.

To get started, pry loose the broken shingles with your pry bar. Once the nails are visible, pry these loose as well, being careful not to damage the surrounding shingles. Next, remove the old shingles and nails and lay down the new shingles. Take your nails and nail the shingles in place, then take your adhesive and seal the edges around the shingles to create a watertight seal.

If you are uncomfortable replacing your shingles on your own, contact a roofing professional. It is always a good idea to contact a professional, as you will ensure the job is done the right way.If you have any further questions regarding how to better protect your roof and home, you can contact us at 918-404-5996.

Outdoor Creations Roofing is located at 1924 W Albany St, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.