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. 

When you experience any of this damage following a storm, you can trust our experts at Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company to come out to your home and take the necessary steps to restore the damage. Here’s a closer look at the storm services we provide to homeowners like you. 

Storm Damage Restoration and Repair

When you have significant storm damage, we’ll come out to your property and do an in-depth inspection of your roof and any other impacted areas. Once we have a better idea of the scope of the damage, we’ll put in temporary fixes like tarps to prevent further damage, then we’ll develop a restoration plan based on your specific needs. 

Wind Damage Repair

After a windstorm, we’ll specifically check the following areas of your home for damage: 

• Chimneys
• Flashing
• Rain gutters
• Ridge vents 
• Soffit and fascia

We’ll also check your shingles and identify any areas of your roof that have missing, torn, or bare shingles to help us determine whether we can repair your roof or if a replacement is a better option for your home. 

Tree Cleanup and Removal

If you have had a tree fall on your home, we will remove the tree to help get a better idea of the extent of the damage and prevent future issues as well. Once we remove any fallen trees, we’ll help you determine the right path forward for your restoration. 

Roof Repairs and Replacements

When your roof is damaged in a storm, there are usually two options for moving forward: you can have an expert roofer repair the damage or you can completely replace your roof. When you hire Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company, we can help you decide which decision makes the most sense for your home. 

Depending on the state of your roof, moving forward with repairs can help you prolong your roof’s lifespan and save you money. In other cases, a full replacement can help you save money in the long run, especially if you choose a durable replacement material that’s designed to last for several decades. After evaluating your roof, we’ll give you our best recommendations to help you make the smartest decision for your needs.