Roof Inspections After Foul Weather Assess Potential Damage

Should You Have a Roof Inspection in San Diego after Extreme Weather?

No matter what part of the country you live in, from time to time, your property will face the challenge of severe weather that stresses your roof. Strong winds and hail are two of the main culprits here, while rain can also be damaging over time. The good news is that following rough weather, roof inspections can identify damage as well as the best path forward when it comes to repairs.

What to Look Out For

Storms can cause damage in a variety of ways, so it’s helpful to have a grip on different weather events that may necessitate an inspection. For instance, in San Diego, roof inspections would have been a good idea following this storm, which dumped both rain and hail onto the city.

Always make sure that the storm has indeed passed before emerging from your home to take a look at your roof. And do not go onto your roof if conditions seem unsafe.

Hail Damage

When checking for hail damage, look for broken or missing shingles, flashing, and downspouts. Also keep an eye out for asphalt granules in your gutters and downspouts; a sign of them is buildup.

Particularly on asphalt roofs, mineral granules can break loose and roll into the roof’s drainage system, affecting its performance. Asphalt roofs may also develop small craters. Slate roofs, likewise, may exhibit holes and fractures. And after severe hail impacts, metal roofs will become dented and scoured.

Wind Damage

Wind damage is another type of problem to look for. It can manifest in the form of shingle damage; wind can also remove shingles entirely. Flat roofs may tear, crack, or develop bubbles and wrinkles, while wood shingles and shakes are vulnerable to splitting and curling. Wind can also harm chimneys, flashing, and cement elements.

Water Damage

Water can be just as damaging as wind and hail. To detect if it is becoming a problem, check your gutters to ensure they are draining properly; if they are not, mold and structural problems may result. Inside your home, keep an eye on your ceilings. Water spots are a sign that your roof is in need of attention. If you’ve spotted water damage but are not sure where water damage is coming from, consider hiring a San Diego home inspections company (or one in your area) to assess the problem.

Contacting Your Insurance Company and Roofer

If you have detected damage, Angie’s List recommends contacting your insurance company as soon as possible. Keep any receipts for materials or services you purchase for roof repairs.

HomeGuard Roof Inspections in San Diego and greater Southern California

Additionally, whether you have detected damage on your own or wish to have a professional take a look, it’s best to hire an established roof inspection company to determine a firm picture of the damage. For instance, at HomeGuard, we handle Northern and Southern California home inspections, including roofs. We can even identify damage in hard-to-reach places by using drones. If you’re in our area, we’d be glad to take care of your needs.