3 Kinds of Storm Damage and Their Solutions
By Stacy MelleteStorms can damage your roof in a variety of ways. Although weather disturbances are inevitable, it’s imperative that you prepare your roof for the worst to absorb the most punishment and reduce the possibility of total destruction.
For starters, learn about the most common forms of storm damage, and how to keep them from getting worse:
Wind Uplift
Affordable Roofing Systems has found that roof blow-off cases are the typical cause of roof repairs. High winds can loosen even perfectly installed asphalt shingles and metal panels incrementally, and completely sweep them away over time. When parts of your roof’s primary layer of materials are gone, it would then be more prone to water intrusion and damage.
While only a few things can withstand the force of tornadoes, many roofs may survive sustained wind with preventive maintenance. Avoid waiting for leaks to happen; get your roofing system professionally inspected to strengthen your roof’s weakest areas before inclement weather strikes.
In addition to wind uplift, flying debris is also a cause for concern. Wind-blown objects can bruise your roof’s surface, making it more vulnerable to water seepage. Plus, leaves and twigs can clog your gutters, affecting your roof’s drainage.
Hail Impact
Large hailstones can fall on your roof so hard they can crack its outermost protection, and leave the underlying sheathing defenseless. Since hailstones are basically ice pellets, they can break through the damaged portions of your system, and wreak havoc on your home with excessive moisture.
Any storm damage restoration specialist would warn you about popped shingle blisters too. The impact of hailstones may not leave your roofing materials in two pieces, but bursting their moisture-filled, swollen areas can be damaging just the same. The hail might dislodge protective granules, leaving the shingles more susceptible to the effects of UV radiation.
Distinguishing traces of hail damage and blisters can be challenging to the untrained eye. Only professional roofers can tell them apart during a thorough inspection.
Fire
Lightning strikes can cause fires, which can happen any given time. Although there’s no avoiding lightning, especially when the top of your home is the tallest in the area, fire resistance is your roof’s best defense. Other than asphalt shingles with a Class A fire rating, metal roofing products are some of your safest bets. If you protect your home with such a roofing system, you can reduce the cost of storm damage restoration dramatically.
Our local roofers experts at Affordable Roofing Systems can help enhance your roof’s resistance to storm damage. We provide routine roof evaluations, emergency repairs, insurance claim assistance and more.
Call us at (813) 542-8462 now to discuss your roofing needs, and get a free estimate in Brandon, Largo or Tampa, FL.