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 North Texas 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.
Related: Storm damage repair experts
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.
Related: How to find a good roof repair company
Damaged Skylights, Chimneys or Vents
If your skylights, chimneys, or vents appear to be damaged, there’s a good chance that your roofing materials have also been damaged in a North Texas storm. The best thing you can do is call a roofing inspector to come check things out and determine where the damage is located so you can make a plan for how to fix it.
A Sagging Appearance
If you stand at the end of your driveway and look at your home, your roofline should be flat. However, if it appears to be sagging, there’s a very good chance that your roof has been damaged and may even be in danger of failing. Your roof should never sag, and if it does, it’s likely because the wood holding it up has been damaged or waterlogged.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the material used to seal out water around things like your chimney, skylights and vents, as well as other things that stick out from your roof. When flashing is damaged or broken, it can’t block out water the way it’s supposed to. This is a problem you need to address immediately, because even a small leak can turn into a huge problem very quickly.
Related: The low-down on residential roofing
What to Do After a North Texas Storm to Protect Your Damaged Roof
If your roof has obviously been damaged in a North Texas storm, the best thing you can do is call a reputable roofing company right away. The company you call should be able to send an inspector out to your location very quickly and even tarp your roof if necessary. You can’t let damage go; if you do, there’s a good chance that it will become worse, particularly when water is involved.
Your inspector will be able to tell you exactly what happened to your roof during the storm, as well as give you guidance on how to fix it. Your inspector can also give you an estimate for repair or replacement costs.
Note: You should never attempt to climb on your roof when it appears to be damaged from a storm. Doing so could be very dangerous, so you should leave it to the professionals.
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 New View Roofing after a North Texas 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.
Related: How to maximize an insurance claim for storm damage to your roof
Do You Need Help After a North Texas Storm?
If your roof has been damaged by a North Texas storm, we can help. Call our office right away for a free roof inspection. We can send an inspector out to check every square inch of your roof for potential damage and put a stop to any existing leaks while you wait for repairs.
