Roof Damage: What Are the Signs?

Your roofing system keeps your home safe and dry against the harsh elements. But even a properly installed, well-maintained roof can still be damaged by inclement weather. Most of the time, the damage is pretty obvious, prompting you to invest in the necessary repair work. But there are also instances where the telltale signs of wind, hail or water damage are more subtle, making them easy to miss. You’ll need to take a closer look to determine whether or not your system is still in good shape. Today, we discuss some of the easy-to-miss signs of weather damage you should be looking out for.

But First, a Few Safety Considerations

Have you just experienced a major weather event in your area? You probably want to get up your roof and survey the damage. But keeping yourself safe should be your first priority. Avoid climbing up your roof because its surface may still be slippery from the rain. Even if you haven’t confirmed that the system has taken serious damage, it’s still a better idea to keep your feet firmly on the ground. Don’t risk a falling accident by stepping onto a roof that has actually been cracked or weakened by tree branches and other wind-blown debris. 

The simplest way to determine possible weather damage to your roof is to call a roofing contractor for a comprehensive inspection. Some homeowners, however, will want to try and see the roof damage with their own eyes. That’s understandable – your roofing system is one of your biggest investments, after all. If you absolutely have to, you may examine your roof from the ground or from another safe vantage point. You can use a pair of binoculars to get a closer look. Then, you may consult a trusted local roofer like AC Roofing LLC for a more precise and accurate roof damage assessment.

Water Damage

Roof leaks are probably already familiar to you. They are a minor annoyance at the very least, and an indication of premature roof replacement at their worst. But one thing is for sure – you should never underestimate a roof leak, no matter how small it is. Water damage caused by a passing rainstorm can be easy to miss, but only because the warning signs appear much later. Compared to other types of roof damage, the indications of water intrusion are seen from inside your home. Make sure to look for the following: 

• Water stains and streaks along interior walls and ceilings
• Presence of mold and mildew, which you’ll recognize by their musty odor
• Cracking, peeling and flaking paint, which may indicate trapped moisture behind the walls
• The beginnings of rot in the deck and trusses of your attic
• Multiple leaks happening inside your home whenever it rains

Once you’ve noticed these warning signs, start looking for a roofing professional ASAP. 

Hail Damage

Some are small as a pea, or as large as a quarter. But whatever size they are, hailstones can cause serious damage to your roof. They do so upon impact, leaving openings on your roofing shingles that make them more susceptible to water infiltration. Hailstones can also expose the layered substrate of your asphalt shingles, compromising the weather resistance of the material. Watch out for small cracks and dents on the roofing shingles. If the shingles are looking worn or “bald”, it’s probably because hailstones have knocked off their protective mineral granules. 

Where there’s hail damage, water intrusion follows. You’ll want to avoid this at all costs, so turn to a trusted professional like AQ Roofing LLC. You can count on us for hail damage inspections and repairs. Roofing service done perfectly right-that’s what we do.

Wind Damage

Wind damage to roofing is actually fairly noticeable, but only if you know exactly what to look for on your roof. Following a windstorm in your area, check your asphalt shingles for any creases, folds and tears. Are they flipped over or bent? Have you noticed that the material no longer lies flat across the roof? That’s probably because high winds have gotten under the shingles and lifted them up, making them lose adhesion to the roof. Once loosened, the shingles become more susceptible to blow-offs, causing them to tear away from the roof entirely. As with hailstones, high winds speeds make it easy for rainwater to infiltrate your roof and home.

The Next Crucial Step

Once you’ve determined that your roof has indeed sustained extreme weather damage, you’ll need to deal with the issue immediately. This means working with a roofing professional who can restore your system to rights (because DIY repairs are obviously out of the question). For many homeowners in Central Arkansas, the only roofing contractor to call on is AQ Roofing LLC. And here’s why:

• We are qualified. AQ Roofing LLC is a fully licensed, bonded and insured roofing contractor who makes customer protection a top priority. We also carry significant liability coverage and workers’ compensation. But don’t just take our word for it. You can ask us for proof of credentials anytime and we’ll be more than happy to give them.

• We are experienced. With almost 10 years of experience, AQ Roofing LLC ensures that any roofing project we take on, whether it’s repairs, restoration or replacement, will be completed to the highest standards. We don’t take shortcuts, make costly mistakes, or allow for callbacks. You can trust us to finish the job in a timely and efficient manner.

• We are certified. In cases where the storm damage is severe enough to warrant a roof replacement, AQ Roofing LLC has got you covered. We have earned certifications from some of the most trusted roofing manufacturers in North America, including GAF, CertainTeed® and TAMKO®. This means access to the highest quality asphalt shingle roofing systems available today, along with the solid warranty coverage included with them.

Schedule a Roof Assessment Today

Aside from soffit and fascia replacement, AQ Roofing LLC can also work on your storm damage repair and restoration. With top-tier solutions implemented by our professional team, we’ll help you bring your roof back to its pre-loss condition. We proudly serve Sherwood and Little Rock, plus other areas in Central Arkansas. Call us today at (501) 951-1683, or fill out this contact form to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!