If you’re like many people, you know that the storms in North Texas can be brutal. That’s true whether you’re dealing with wind, rain, snow or hail. But do you know what to do after a North Texas storm to inspect, protect and, if necessary, repair your roof? This guide gives you the knowledge you need to take proper care of your space.
What to Do After a Storm to Inspect Your Roof
First things first: if you see visible damage to your roof after a storm, or if you have an active water leak inside your home or business under any circumstances, you need a professional to inspect your roof. We can send an inspector to your location very quickly in the event of roof damage. It’s very important that you stay safe, which is why we typically don’t recommend that homeowners or business owners climb up on their own roofs to conduct inspections. However, we do recommend that you walk around the perimeter of your building to look for damage from the ground (where it’s much safer).
As you’re looking at your roof, these are the things that can signal damage:
Missing, cracked or broken shingles
Bald spots on your shingles
Damaged gutters
Blistering paint on the fascia
Damaged skylights, chimneys or vents
A sagging appearance
Damaged flashing
Here’s a closer look at each and what they may mean for your roof.
Missing, Cracked or Broken Shingles
Your roof shingles are your home’s first line of defense against the elements. If they are damaged, they can’t perform properly. If any of your shingles are missing, cracked or outright broken, you need to have them repaired or replaced immediately. In some cases, it’s possible to replace just a few shingles; in others, larger sections need to be replaced. The only way to determine the extent of the damage is to get in touch with an expert roof inspector.
Bald Spots on Your Shingles
Shingles that appear to have bald spots are missing some of their granules. Shingle granules help your roof shed water, but they often wear off over time or with damage from a storm. North Texas is known for its violent storms (which often include damaging hail), and that means your shingles can really take a beating. If you see shingles with bald spots, or if you discover shingle granules in your gutters, near your downspouts or on the ground around your home, there’s a good chance that you need to have at least some of your shingles replaced.
Damaged Gutters
Your gutters are responsible for carrying water away from your home, so it doesn’t seep into your foundation. However, if your gutters are damaged or broken, they can’t perform properly, and your home’s foundation may be at risk. If your gutters are damaged in a storm, there’s a good chance that your roof has at least some damage as well.
Blistering Paint on the Fascia
Fascia are the boards that face outward beneath your roofline. If the paint on these boards is blistering or peeling away, your fascia may be suffering from water damage. Sometimes during storms, gutters get backed up and are unable to drain properly; this can result in water being held against your home for extended periods of time.
Water is never good news for roofing materials, so if you see that the paint on your fascia appears to be blistering or peeling, you need to have an inspector check out your roof as soon as possible.
What to Do After a North Texas Storm When You Need Roof Repairs
If you know you need roof repairs after a North Texas storm, talk to your inspector. Your inspector will give you a detailed estimate that tells you how much it will cost to fix your roof, how long the project will take, what types of materials you’ll need, and whether you can leave part of your roof intact (or the entire thing needs to be removed and replaced.
Generally, good roofing contractors know that roof repairs are very urgent. That’s especially true when water is involved, such as after a storm. If necessary, your roofing contractor will work quickly to put a tarp over damaged areas to prevent further damage from occurring (especially if we’re not through with the rough weather yet) and get a repair crew to your home or business as quickly as possible.
Remember, roof damage never solves itself, and it can get worse very quickly. That’s why it’s so important to get in touch with AR Global Roofing and Construction after a storm. Our team is populated with experts who understand the urgency of making roof repairs and who are primarily interested in protecting your home or business.