Common Types of Storm Damage in Washington
Do you know what kind of damage to look for after a storm? Unless your roof is actively leaking or there’s another obvious issue, it might be hard to tell if you have damage that needs to be addressed. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of storm damage we see on local homes.
Rain Entering Cracks in Your Home
If your roof has small cracks and crevices, water can make its way inside every time it rains. While a small amount of water might not initially cause issues, the more it happens, the more susceptible your home is to damage.
Over time, water that comes in through these cracks can cause the nails to come off your roof and the entire structure may start to weaken. You can help prevent this by getting regular roof inspections to identify and fill these cracks so water can’t enter.
Failure of Roofing Components
When you think about your roof, your first thought is probably the shingles. But, there are several other components that make up your roofing system, such as:
- Rafters
- Underlayment
- Vent pipes
- Collar beams
- Decking
The strong winds and rain from a storm can damage these other components of your roof, causing them to come loose or crack over time. After a storm, it’s a good idea to have your whole roof checked to ensure these important components of your roof are not damaged.
Loss of Shingle Granules
If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, they likely have granules embedded in them, which offer extra protection against the elements. During a strong storm, these granules can come loose, which leaves your shingles more vulnerable.
After a storm, if you notice granules on the ground or in your gutters, you should call a roofing expert like our crew at Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company sooner rather than later.
Fallen Trees
We have so many beautiful trees as part of our local landscape. Unfortunately, they can be the culprit of serious issues during inclement weather. When trees fall on your home during a storm, they can cause significant damage to your roof, specifically.
Time is of the essence when this happens. You’ll want to call in the help of a roofing expert as soon as possible to remove the tree and repair the damage, otherwise, water will come into your home, leading to more extensive problems.
Wind Blows off Loose Shingles
Windstorms are incredibly common here in Washington, which can take a toll on your roof. During an intense windstorm, it’s not uncommon for some of the shingles on your roof to loosen and blow away over time, leaving your underlayment vulnerable to damage.
If enough damage is done to your roof that you decide to replace it completely, consider a material like metal roofing, which is less vulnerable to wind damage.
