When was the last time you had your roof checked? Not just checked for hail or wind damage, but an honest assessment of the health of your roof?
If it has been a while, it might be time to hire a professional, trusted, local roofing contractor to inspect your roof for all the types of roof damage and help you plan for the time when roof replacement is inevitable. Here’s why…
Your roof is the first line of defense for your home against the elements; including hail, wind, falling tree limbs, Central Ohio temperature extremes and soaking rains. That’s why, as a homeowner, taking care of your roof should be one of your top priorities but often we see homes in greater Columbus with a badly neglected roof that is unrepairable. Keep reading to learn about the signs of damage and how to prevent it from affecting the performance of your home’s roof.
Signs of Roof Damage
Different types of roofs and roofing materials react differently to the elements, when a storm or weather event comes through there are alot of variables to take into account so we can fix your roof and keep your family dry. It’s essential to understand what to look for depending on what type of roof you have.
Asphalt shingles & wood shakes will be the focus of this blog because they are two of the most common types of roofing seen in Central Ohio. There are others such as metal or slate which we can work with you on but those are a small percentage of the roofs we see in our area.
Asphalt Shingle Damage
A strong gust of wind can remove many shingles from your home leaving it exposed to the elements. That same gust can cause a tree to come down onto the roof and damage the shingles and underlayments. Hail damage to a shingle roof can cause significant damage! Even small hailstones can dent cars, rip window screens, damage skylights, and even crack vinyl siding. If those items can be damaged, imagine what it can do to your roof! According to Columbus based Nationwide Insurance, here are the most common signs of wind & hail damage to your asphalt shingle roof:
- Missing shingles
- Random damage in multiple areas
- Loss of shingles granules
- Exposed areas under the shingles being visible
- Asphalt that appears shiny from the sun’s glare
- Indents in the shingles that are soft to the touch
- Depending on the wind your shingles could be in your neighbors yard, and vice versa
Wood Shingles
- Signs of damage with no discernable pattern
- Wood shakes/ shingles that are split
- Wood shakes/ shingles that have changed color
- Impact marks or dents in the shingles
- Damaged shakes ripped off of the home, pieces on the yard
Wear and Tear: Not Hail Damage
It is normal for your roof to experience wear and tear, many roofs in Columbus were replaced in 2003 & 2004 after Hurricane Ike blew through the area. Other significant weather events may have damaged your roof but it’s also very likely that your roof has worn out over the years and needs to be replaced. Not all roof or storm damage warrants filing an insurance claim!
Other types of damage can happen to your roof that will not be caused by hail, but you should still address the situation with a professional roofing contractor. Your local roofer will be able to tell you if you need a roof repair or new roof installation, you may also need something minor like a shingle tab sealed down or caulking around a vent which we can easily help you with. If you notice any of the following these things, reach out to your roofing company to inspect and repair the damage:
- Shingles that are brittle and breaking
- Blistering
- Cracking
- Lifting shingles
- Granule loss
- Flaking
- Algae growth (black streaks on the roof)
Preventing Roof Damage
There isn’t a way to prevent damage to your roof, but choosing a professional roofing company that uses top quality all-weather roofing materials that carry a lifetime non-prorated warranty will give your roof the longevity it needs to protect your home. Every roof we install is rated to withstand 130 mph winds!
If you’re concerned about a long last roof, pick a Columbus Roofer that installs quality locally produced roofing systems, is BBB accredited, and will be here before/during and after storms hit Central Ohio.
The Best Decision for Your Roof
If you are concerned about the shape of your roof, it is best to have a professional inspection so you have all the information you need to do what is best for your home. If you happen to have damage, whether its hail, wind, or any other kind of roof damage, Best Exteriors has you covered with all things roofing! If you need a quick repair or a full roof replacement, contact us today! We would love to work with you.
