3 Roof Areas Most At Risk For Post-Storm Collapse

Key Takeaways:

• Neglecting your roof can lead to costly repairs – or even worse, post-storm damage and collapse.
• You could face a costly repair bill if a storm hits and your shingles are damaged.
• The drip edge is a weak spot on your roof.
• Storms can damage your drip edge by causing it to rust.
• You can limit roof damage by trimming trees around your property, clearing gutters and downspouts regularly, and investing in suitable materials.

Owning a home comes with many responsibilities, from mowing the lawn and painting the trim to fixing a broken window and changing the HVAC filter. But one responsibility that is often overlooked until it’s too late is roof maintenance. Unfortunately, neglecting your roof can lead to costly repairs – or even worse, post-storm damage and collapse. In this blog post, we’ll discuss which roof areas are most at risk for post-storm collapse so you can be extra vigilant in watching over them.

Shingles

Shingles are the protective layer that covers your roof and are vital to keeping your home or business dry and safe from the elements. However, shingles are also susceptible to damage from high winds, flying debris, and hail. You could face a costly repair bill if a storm hits and your shingles are damaged.

There are a few ways to determine the likelihood of potential shingle damage. First, take a look at the condition of your gutters. If they’re full of debris or pieces of shingle, that’s a good indication of roof damage. Second, check for missing or lost shingles. If any of your shingles are missing or loose, that’s another sign of potential storm damage. Finally, inspect your roof for any leaks or water damage. If you see leaks or water damage, your roof no longer protects your home or business from the elements.

It’s crucial to respond promptly if you anticipate storm damage to your roof. More damage will likely occur if repairs are put off for long. Contact a reputable roofing contractor in your area and schedule an inspection as soon as possible. They’ll be able to assess the damage and give you an estimate for repairs.

Roof Decking

Powerful wind and driving rains can damage your roof’s foundation, leaving you vulnerable to many problems.

1. Wind-Driven Debris – One of the most common ways storms can damage the roof decking is by wind-driven debris. This can include anything from tree branches and leaves to pieces of hail. All it takes is one piece of debris to strike your roof at the right angle, and you could have a severe problem.

2. Wet Conditions – Another way storms can damage the roof decking is by creating wet conditions. This is especially true if a lot of rain or snowmelt is involved. When the decking gets wet, it becomes soft and pliable, which makes it more susceptible to damage. Once the decking is damaged, it’s much easier for water to seep through and cause even more damage.

3. Ice Dams – Last but not least, storms can damage roof decking by causing ice dams to form. Ice dams happen when snow or ice melts and then refreezes at your roof’s edge. This creates a dam that prevents water from draining properly, leading to leaks and other problems. Not only are ice dams unsightly, but they can also be dangerous and expensive to repair.

Drip Edge

One of the most vulnerable parts of your roof is its drip edge. The drip edge is the metal strip that runs along the edges of your roof. It’s designed to protect the edges of your roof from water damage. However, if a storm strikes and damages your drip edge, it can cause severe problems for your roof.

Storms can damage your roof’s drip edge in a few different ways. One of the most common ways is by causing it to become dislodged. If high winds or flying debris cause your drip edge to become dislodged, it can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage.

Another way storms can damage your drip edge is by causing it to rust. Corrosion can weaken the metal and cause it to break down over time. This can lead to leaks and other problems with your roof.

Finally, storms can damage your drip edge by causing it to be bent or warped. This can happen if solid winds or flying debris hit it just right. Bent or warped drip edges can cause drainage problems and lead to leaks. 

Also, read – 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Financing a New Roof

How To Limit Storm Roof Damage

You never know when bad weather will strike. Here are some steps to limit roof damage.

1. Inspect your roof regularly. One of the best ways to limit storm roof damage is to catch problems early on. That’s why it’s essential to inspect your roof periodically and ensure there are no weak spots or signs of wear and tear. If you spot any problem areas, get them fixed immediately so they don’t have a chance to become more significant issues.
2. Trim trees around your property. Another way to limit storm damage to your roof is by trimming trees around your property. This will help prevent branches from falling on your roof and causing damage during a storm.
3. Clear gutters and downspouts regularly. It’s also essential to keep your gutters and downspouts clear so water can flow freely away from your roof during a storm. If they’re clogged, water can back up and cause severe damage to your roof.
4. Invest in good quality materials. When repairing or replacing damaged parts of your roof, use high-quality materials to withstand future storms. It’s worth spending a little extra upfront to avoid having to do costly repairs down the road.
5. Hire a professional roofing contractor. Last but not least, if you need more confidence in limiting storm roof damage, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional roofing contractor to help you out. They have the experience and expertise needed to get the job done right, so you can rest assured that your roof will withstand whatever Mother Nature throws. Ensure the roofing contractor is licensed and insured, though.

Hernando County is notorious for its wild weather. If your home or business suffered roof damage from a storm, it’s time to call in the professionals at Iron City Construction LLC. We offer complete roofing services, including repair, maintenance, and inspection, so you can rest easy knowing your roof is in good hands. Don’t wait until the next storm hits to fix your roof – schedule a consultation today!