Essential Steps for Assessing and Repairing Storm Damage to Your Roof
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s landfall, repairing storm damage is at the top of many Florida homeowners’ minds. That’s why today it’s more essential than ever to begin assessing and repairing storm damage to your roof. Don’t let storm damage and rot spread and persist—find it and fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. We’ll show you how!
How to Assess for Roof Storm Damage
Properly assessing roof storm damage starts with conducting interior and exterior inspections. This will help identify signs of water leaks, missing shingles, or damaged flashing that could compromise the roof’s structural integrity.
Interior Inspection
Interior inspections begin, appropriately enough, inside the home’s attic. Look for any water stains or mold that would show the roof’s sealing has been breached. While you’re in the attic, check the insulation to ensure it’s dry or intact. Wet or compressed insulation not only loses its effectiveness but could also be symptomatic of a water leak.
Pay close attention to the interior ceilings in the home, especially around the corners and edges. Discoloration or peeling paint could be a sign of a leak originating above. Inspect all walls, especially ones adjacent to chimneys and vents, for signs of mold growth or moisture. These are common sites for water leaks when the flashing or sealing is compromised. If there are any sagging sections of the ceiling, this could be a sign of larger structural integrity issues. Roof sagging like this needs immediate attention.
In addition to water, look for drafts near the ceiling on windy days. They could help you find missing shingles or damaged exterior roofing materials. Likewise, rays of light can shine through serious holes or cracks in the roofing material that need addressing. Take detailed notes of any findings during your inspection. Documentation like this is crucial for insurance claims and discussing repairs with a roofing contractor.
Exterior Inspection
Once you’ve thoroughly inspected the interior, next up is an exterior roof inspection. Start from the ground up with a general overview from ground level. Look for obvious signs of damage, like broken or missing shingles or noticeable sagging. After the ground floor inspection, get a closer view of the roof by using a sturdy ladder. Position it securely and always practice best safety practices to prevent falls or injuries. Closely examine the shingles, checking for cracks, curling, or blistering asphalt shingles. These can be early warnings of more significant problems.
Next up, investigate the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. If there are any gaps, rust, or damage that could lead to water leakage, that’s a major cause for repair. Similarly, loose or exposed roofing nails can allow water into the home and require tightening or replacement.
Also, inspect for moss, lichen, and piles of dirt holding moisture against the roof. Gently remove any you find as soon as possible to avoid further damage. One common site where roof damage problems happen is where different roof planes come together. Check areas like these on your roof carefully, they’re a common site for leaks if not properly sealed.
Last but not least, check your attic insulation from the outside. Any uneven heating patterns could point toward heat loss issues and damaged insulation.
Essential Storm Damage Roof Repair Techniques
Storm damage roof repair is most effective if broken down into three essential steps.
First, the work area is cleared.
Second, the damaged materials are removed.
Finally, new materials are replaced and sealed.
Clearing the Roof Area
Completely clear the space around the damaged roof, removing debris, garden equipment, or outdoor furniture. Left uncleared, these could get in the way of safety and efficiency, acting as potential tripping hazards or obstructions. Move any items that could be potentially damaged during repairs, like cars, out from underneath. These obstructions and distractions all get in the way of the main task at hand, repairing the roof.
Removing Damaged Materials
Removing damaged materials is as straightforward as it sounds. Visually examine the roof to determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be removed. Lay tarps or similar water barriers down to prevent any additional water damage during removal. Any storm-damaged materials should be carefully removed to avoid further damage to the structure. Inspect the roof, identify the leak, remove the material, measure, and cut, and install a replacement to fix the leak. It’s as simple as that!
Replacement and Sealing
After carefully removing damaged materials, you can prepare to replace them and reseal the roof. It’s generally recommended to use high-quality replacement materials to ensure the most durability and longevity to your repairs. Likewise, a meticulously resealed roof will prevent future water intrusions and help maintain the roof’s integrity.
Five Star Roofing and Construction: Florida’s Choice for Repairing Roof Storm Damage
If you’re in the greater Tampa and Orlando area, the best roofing choice is Five Star Roofing and Construction. Five Star knows about repairing storm damage in Florida, with years of experience helping both homes and businesses repair storm-damaged roofs. Don’t take it from us—here’s a testimonial from a client:
“Our roof got damaged from the hurricanes. Met Jay, who made the process very easy. The team expedited the replacement at an incredible pace. Had material on time, the crew was here 15 minutes early, and then WOW. Large complex roof completely stripped by 8:20 am. The team worked together flawlessly, replaced any damaged wood, brought the structure up to code, and started installing a new roof. The team worked till after 7 pm and was still full of energy and smiles. Cleaned yard on hands and knees leaving a beautiful finished roof. Others around us with comparable homes had 3-day installs and 5 Star did it in one day and did a better job hands down. Thanks for the GREAT JOB!!!!” — Mike W.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today for a free estimate or to find out more.
