After a storm passes most homeowners head outside to inspect their home for damage. Shingles on the ground instead of your roof, tree branches on top of your roof, or a dangling section of the gutter system can all be a visible indications of roof damage. However, there are additional signs of damage that the storm may have inflicted and to the untrained eye those signs may go unnoticed, resulting in major problems down the road.
What Type of Hidden Damage Do Roofing Contractors Sometimes Find?
Damage patterns depend primarily on the type of roof covering, the type and intensity of the storm, the quality of the roof’s construction, and the roof’s age. However, the slope of the roof and the direction of the storm relative to the roof can also affect the type of damage that occurs. Common types of damage include the degranulation of asphalt shingles, broken or loose flashing, dented or broken gutters, and shingles that have been lifted, broken, or cracked.
What Is the Degranulation of Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are manufactured with granules that are pressed into the asphalt that covers the inner core or mat. If the shingles lose their granules, the asphalt is exposed to sunlight, turning it brittle and dry. This has a dramatic impact on the waterproofing capabilities of the shingles. Since degranulation is part of the normal aging process, an old roof may have few granules left. However, large hailstones can knock the granules off of even new asphalt shingles. More often, though, roofs in Central Texas are subjected to multiple strikes by small hail than a single strike of extremely large hailstones. The impact damage does not always look the same; the damage pattern depends on the direction from which the hail struck, the velocity of the hailstones, the slope and type of your roof, and the specific area receiving the impact.
What Other Damage Can Shingles Incur?
A high wind can lift shingles, causing them to break their seal even if the shingles remain on the roof. Without a tight seal, water can drain underneath the shingles, eventually resulting in a leak inside the wall voids, attic, or living spaces. Hail can crack shingles or break off their corners. Wind-borne debris can break shingles or punch small holes in vulnerable areas, including valleys and degranulated shingles.
What Causes Damaged Roof Flashing?
Flashing can be cracked, dented, or broken by hail. Strong winds can bend it or break its seal. Since roof flashing is to seal out water, it should not be surprising to learn that damaged flashing is a leading cause of roof leaks.
What Type of Weather Inflicts Damage on the Gutters?
Hail can dent or crack gutters, and high winds can bend them or tear them from their fasteners. Unless the gutters are clear and functioning correctly, heavy rain can cause them to sag, overflow, or tear away from their fasteners.
Whether You Need a Roof Repair or an Inspection for Hail Wind Damage, Contact Alpha
Alpha Roofing is a licensed roofing company serving residential and commercial customers in most of Central Texas. We offer a variety of roofing services, including free storm damage inspections, asphalt shingle installations, metal roofing systems, and chimney repair. We are known as a company with true integrity that consistently delivers exceptional craftsmanship in a dependable, professional manner. Call our Round Rock office at 512-777-1086 or fill out the online form to request a free roof inspection and quote.