Winter can be a real nightmare for most people. Reasons range from slick, unpassable roads, to school cancellations, not to mention the cold. Winter blizzards can be an even bigger nuisance, to your roof. Roof damage may be a inconvenience and can damage your property. During a blizzard your roof is most vulnerable. That’s why inspecting your roof for damage after the blizzard is important.
Exterior Inspections
Once precipitation has finally let up, it’s time to get outside. Wrap yourself in warm winter gear and head out to check for roof damage. Do this as soon as possible. The sooner you check for roof damage, the better. You want to do all you can to mitigate any additional roof damage. A quick roof repair can avoid a total residential or commercial roof replacement. With snow and ice present, be extremely careful during your roof inspection.
What To Look For
Your first target is the exterior of the roof. Check the roof shingles. Check for loose shingles at various sections of the roof. Roof shingle discoloration may indicate a roof problem. Be proactive and help avoid additional roof damage. Roof inspections and repairs help avoid more expensive roof repairs.
Simple Inspections
Another simple way to assess roof damage outside is to simply walk your property and look on the ground for anything that might have become dislodged during the tempest. Metal pieces joined to various areas on the outside, such as around a chimney, as well as actual shingles, can get ripped off the building by high winds and thrown willy nilly all over the place. Upon finding them, check the roof to see if you can find where they came from, so you know exactly what needs repair. Check gutters, exhaust pipes and even where different angles of the roof meet for problems, all prime sections for storm damage.
High Winds
If high winds were a part of the blizzard you just weathered, one of the most obvious and damaging results can be a tree or heavy branch collapsing on your roof. Situations like this can be very dangerous, as the impact could weaken the roof’s structural integrity enough for a collapse. If you find that any major objects have landed on your roof, call a professional before going back inside.
Interior Inspections
Now that you have finished braving the cold for your exterior walkabout, it’s time to do the same on the inside. There are interior signs that will indicate a roof problem. That’s why as you are looking for leaks an interior inspection may indicate a roof inspection problem.
Many homes, especially the older variety, have poor insulation. Snow can melt underneath and travel to the eaves. A roof obstruction can cause to pool on the roof. This is called ice damming. This can cause extensive and expensive roof damage. This roof damage can extend to the shingles and roof sheathing.
Attic
First, head to the attic and inspect for obvious water seepage. Check for any dark lines traveling down an unfinished attic ceiling. Examine the insulation for any brittleness or discoloration. These can be signs indicate water has made its entry. Water can rot the roof sheathing and surrounding framing. In addition water and moisture can provide an environment for dangerous, toxic mold.
Lower Levels
Next, walk the rest of the inside of your house thoroughly, looking for any water stains on the walls or ceiling that have suddenly manifested. Obvious, large water stains are an indicator of a serious problem, one that may require extensive repairs if left untended. Note where the water stains appear, as well as how large and how fast they grow. Use this information to create a targeted search on both the exterior of the roof and localized sections of the attic.
Walls & Ceilings
If all of the walls and ceilings in the interior of your home are covered with paint, water stains may be a little difficult to spot. Cases like this require you to examine the paint or wallpaper itself, since the presence of water will warp the paint or cause wallpaper to become brittle or lose adhesiveness. Pull wallpaper back slightly from curled edges and inspect the drywall underneath. Crumbling or discoloration means you have a problem.
Electrical
Internal components, such as electric devices and systems, can also be affected by water that seeps in as a result of a blizzard. Recessed lighting is one of the easiest culprits to identify, as water damage manifests as brown discoloration and a filmy look about the plastic cover. Check the edges of wall outlets and switches, marking for replacement any you find with noticeable damage.
Regular Inspections
Damage from a blizzard can be substantial. Blizzards are extreme roof damage scenarios. You can take plenty of steps to help head off even more serious roof repairs. Regular roof inspections help maintain your roof’s longevity.
Summary
You know a blizzard and severe storms can damage your roof. That’s why inspecting your roof for damage after the blizzard and severe storms is important. The tips above can help you extend the life of your roof while saving you money.
