Roof Repair Specialists Share The Most Common Hurricane-Related Roofing Issues

Hurricanes can create the perfect storm when it comes to inflicting damage to your roof. The combination of strong winds, constant rain, and flying debris can easily lead to hurricane-related roofing issues. Understanding the common roofing issues that come with strong storms can help you better prepare and be ready to act if your roof experiences hurricane damage.

In this article, the roof repair specialists discuss common hurricane-related issues.

How A Hurricane Can Damage Your Roof

Hurricanes exert a combination of extreme weather forces on your roof.

Wind Damage

High winds are a huge threat to the integrity of your roof, leading to several issues, including:
 

Shingle Uplift

Asphalt shingles are particularly susceptible to wind damage, with wind gusts lifting and often removing shingles completely. This leaves your underlayment exposed and increases the risk of a leak.

Tile Damage

Wind can also crack or even dislodge tiles, leaving your roof vulnerable. Made from concrete or clay, tiles are heavy and can become dangerous projectiles if blown off your roof by the wind.

Metal Roofing Sheet Damage

In extreme cases, hurricane winds can lift or warp entire metal roofing panels. Roof fasteners can also loosen, and any flying projectiles can possibly dent your metal roof sheeting.

Water Damage

Hurricanes come with heavy rain and, in some cases, flash floods. Heavy downpours can affect your roofing in several ways.

Roof Leaks

If you have any damaged shingles or tiles, this is a weak spot for water to penetrate your roof. Additionally, if the condition of your underlayment has been compromised, your roof deck could be under threat. Be on the lookout for any water stains on your ceilings or damp spots on walls. Fixing a leaky roof should be at the top of your roof maintenance list.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is designed to channel water away from your roof and your home. There is a chance that hurricane-force winds may have damaged your flashing, leading to water backups and increasing the likelihood of water infiltration into your home.

Gutter & Down Spout Issues

Like with flashing, a hurricane can also damage your gutters and down spouts. If these connections are damaged, or warped, your water channeling will be compromised.

Debris Damage

Powerful winds can quickly dislodge objects such as tree branches, small stones, and any loose items that might be in your yard. These items can easily be swept up into the air by the wind and blown into your roof. Flying debris can cause a few roof-related issues, including:

• Roof deck damage
• Structural damage to your home
• Shingle granule loss
• Skylight damage
• Tree Damage

Pre-existing Roof Conditions

The overall condition of your roof will play a role in how it stands up to hurricane-related weather. The older your roof, the more susceptible it will be to damage. There may be some factors that are out of your control, such as the previous roof installation and who conducted the work. If you’ve recently moved into a home, it’s not always possible to gain a full maintenance history of the home. This is where the value of a roof repair specialist is paramount. They can help identify any roof-associated issues that may need addressing and can ensure your roof maintenance is prioritized.

How To Prepare For A Hurricane

Taking a proactive stance when it comes to protecting your roof will help to minimize the risk of damage during hurricane season. Be sure to follow these steps:

Invest In A Roof Inspection

A regular roof inspection is a crucial step in identifying potential roof issues. Scheduling a roof inspection with a reputable roofing company will ensure that all repair and maintenance-related details are taken care of ahead of time. A thorough roof inspection should cover areas including:

• Roof covering whether shingle, tile or metal
• Underlayment & roof deck
• Flashing, skylights & vents
• Gutters & down spouts
• Soffits and abutments
• Roof fasteners

It’s also recommended that you get your roof cleaned regularly. Algae and mold are known to grow on shingle roofs in more shady environments. The bad news is that they retain water, which means that over time, your roof will be more prone to developing small leaks. A roof repair specialist will perform a thorough roof cleaning, removing all algae and mold, as well as cleaning your gutters and down pipes.

Prioritize Roof Repairs After A Storm

It’s always a good idea to get the roofing professionals in after a rough storm. Even if you can’t see any noticeable damage to your roof, roof specialists will be able to identify issues such as small shingle tears, cracked tiles, and warped roof flashing. Getting any minor roof fixes done will save your budget in the long run before they become considerable roof problems.

Plan For Regular Roof Maintenance

A preventative roof maintenance plan is the best way to keep your roof prepared and ready for hurricane season. A scheduled maintenance plan prevents a reactionary approach to your roof’s maintenance. Regular roof maintenance means that your roof will be checked regularly for signs of potential damage, while any weak spots will be fixed. Chat to your roofing specialist about the right regular maintenance plan for your roof.

Roof Repair Specialists In Delray Beach

At SK Quality Roofing, we offer specialist hurricane-related roofing services. Whether you need a minor shingle repair or a comprehensive metal sheeting replacement, we’re ready to offer you prompt and excellence-driven service.

The team at SK Quality Roofing are pioneers in the area of Roof Maintenance Programs and can handle all your roofing needs, from new roofs to repairs and maintenance. Serving both the business and residential markets, SK Quality Roofing is a CertainTeed Select Shingle Master provider.

Give your roof the attention it needs ahead of hurricane season by calling us at 561-276-8040 to book your roof inspection.