Don’t Be Surprised by the Damage from Ice and Hail Later On.
The last thing any homeowner wants is to have to pay for the damage caused by a problem that could have been prevented, but if you don’t watch out for signs of roof damage after your home has been hit by ice or hail, this could be your fate. With any roof damage, the sooner you get the roof repairs you need, the less likely you are to experience further problems from occurring down the road. At Sargeant’s Roofing, we understand how important prompt repairs are, and that’s why we’ve come up with this list of the signs of roof damage from hail and ice:
#1. Cracked, chipped or broken windows
Most ice and hail falls at an angle, not straight down, and one of the first places you should look for potential roof damage are your windows. Sometimes, the signs of damage will be obvious, like shattered windows or cracked panes, but it’s also important to check window casings for damage, including the vinyl trim and window screens. Just because your windows are damaged, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your roof is damaged, but it’s likely.
#2. Curling, missing or pockmarked shingles
Your shingles can show the signs of roof damage more than anything else. From the ground, inspect your shingles. High winds can cause shingles to curl and lift, which can make your risk susceptible to penetration from wind-driven rain. In some cases, high wind can blow entire shingles off of a roof. Hail can destroy the granules that protect your shingles, leaving pockmarks and dents in your shingles.
#3. Granules in gutters or downspouts
Sometimes, the best way to tell if granules are missing from your shingles is to check your gutters and downspouts for them. Those granules don’t just disappear, and since they have to go somewhere, it’s important to check for them around your home. In addition to checking your gutters and downspouts for granules, you should also keep a look out on your driveway and in your lawn. If you find granules, it could indicate either damage or age, but regardless of the cause, you need to look into roof repair.
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#4. Damaged vents, flashings, and exhaust caps
In most cases, hail will damage the soft metals found on your roof before it will damage the actual shingles, so it’s always smart to check those metals for signs of damage. Look for dings or dents in your rain gutters, roof flashings, and exhaust caps.
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#5. Damage to the inside of your home
While most roof damage from hail or an ice storm will appear on the exterior of your home, damage that doesn’t get addressed promptly can start to spread to the inside of your home, albeit not for several weeks or months. Here are a few signs to look for inside your home that could indicate roof damage:
- Water stains on the walls or the ceiling
- Visible water in the in the attic – usually found in the insulation or on the beams
- Peeling or cracked paint – often a sign of excess moisture in the walls
- Mildew or mold, particularly in the attic or any other dark and enclosed spaces
- Increase in energy bills – caused by warm air escaping
The key to a prolonged lifespan for your roof is prompt roof repairs in Edmonton.
If you notice any of the signs of damage on your roof or in your home, don’t put off getting the repairs you need. The longer you wait, the more the damage can spread, leading to a problem that is not only more serious to correct, but also more expensive. Contact us today to learn more.