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Impact of Storms and Bad Weather on Your Roof

storm damage in nj

Impact to Storm Damage

 

My name is Jimmy Hertilien, A project Manager for Herts Roofing & Construction. You may want to know the aftermath of a storm often directly impacts your roof, likely requiring immediate attention, repair, or replacement. Strong winds, hail, falling debris & excess rain during storms damage shingles. This results in water & debris collection, which can lead to leaks and structural problems.

Here’s how various storm elements cause damage and how to spot them:

Old roofs with 3-Tab Shingles can’t handle winds over 50 mph; even a thunderstorm can cause wind damage. High winds mainly affect shingles by lifting them. As wood rot and weakened shingles occur over time, a roof tune-up every 8 years is recommended. It’s cheaper than fixing a major leak.

Hailstorm damage varies by hail size, wind speed, roofing material, etc. You might see holes, dents, or granule loss. Hail of 1 inch diameter can cause some damage in a short time. Longer hailstorms can be severe enough that you need repairs or replacements. Look for hail damage by checking gutters and downspouts for dents & granule loss from shingles. Minor damages are hard to spot without training, so consider a roof inspection after hail hits.

Curling shingles are difficult to see but don’t protect against leaks and need replacing. Roof leaks & seepage on ceilings may signal wind damage; flashing around chimneys is especially vulnerable. You can find missing shingles during a ground inspection or scattered around your property.

Strong winds with flying debris may clog gutters, downspouts, and sidings. Tree branches and roofing material debris can cause dents and cracks needing structural repairs. A visual inspection by roofers helps identify less obvious damage like overhanging tree branches.

Heavy rain during major storms is a key reason for roof leaks. Water seeps through tight areas like the ridge vent or worn-out places such as edges near gutters & dormers during high-volume rains like hurricanes.

As Christmas approaches with lights and snowflakes, don’t let weather damage spoil the season’s spirit. Snow accumulation on roofs causes issues; ice dams from attic insulation melting snow can seep through shingles or edges. Dense snow weight may collapse roofs too. Snowstorms weaken flashing sealants, causing melted snow to take shingles with it and contribute to granule loss. Snow worsens existing damages; an inspection before winter helps avoid severe issues and expensive fixes.

Severe weather doubles the risk of roof harm whether from windstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes or snowfalls. Prevent damages listed above by getting a free inspection from Herts Roofing & Construction —experts in insurance claims for natural disasters who’ll help navigate the claims process. Let’s restore your home’s watertight state together!