How to Inspect Your Roof After Severe Spring Weather

The Spring season is a pleasant time between the transition from cold winter to the harsh summers. Cincinnati faces all kinds of weather elements during the spring season, from soft winds to severe weather conditions like wind storms & thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 40mph. These weather conditions are not suitable for roofs, and it becomes imperative that after severe spring weather, one inspects their roof thoroughly. The roof is one of the most critical components of any residential or commercial structure. Any damage to the roof, if not fixed, will become a host to many exterior and interior damages.  

A detailed roof inspection by a roof repair company after a hail, windstorm, or thunderstorm will give the roof owner a clear idea of the damage these extreme weather elements have caused. Getting a roofing inspector to have your roof checked is suggested to determine the extent of damage and cost involved in its repair. A roof inspector will be able to decide whether the roof needs minor repairs or requires to be replaced. Several roofing contractors provide efficient roof repair and roof installation services in Cincinnati that meet the individual’s roof requirements. However, if one chooses to inspect the roof by themselves.

Here’s a quick tour of things that one will require to inspect after severe spring weather.

Shingles

Whether a strong gale accompanies a thunderstorm or you have winds traveling at high speeds, the shingles on your roof will witness some damage and will require some repair or replacement, depending upon the extent of the damage. Watch out for curled-up and cracked-up shingles. With strong hurricane winds, some shingles get blown off, which leaves the underlayment exposed to the elements. If your area experienced a hailstorm, the chances are high that the impact from hailstones will leave dents and cause granule loss on the shingles. The granules form a protective shield to your roof against the sun & other elements, and any damage to the granules must be checked and fixed. 

Additionally, shingles are subjected to debris accumulation through the fall of twigs and branches due to strong wind force. Heavy branches can also cause dents on the shingles and the leaves rotting on the roof leads to moisture exposure to the vulnerable areas. 

Watch out for blown-off shingles as this further results in several roof issues like leakages, mold, and micro organism infestations. Look for any holes, cracks, dark spots, and missing shingles after every wind storm. 

Gutters

After a severe spring wind or hail storm, examine the roof gutters as the rains and wind will cause the gutters to get clogged with debris. The rainwater, hail, and strong wind force push the fallen twigs and leaves into the gutter that collects at its mouth, causing water to pool. Soon the gutters will overflow, causing water to either fall into the foundation below or seep inside from any cracks on the exterior siding of the structure. 

Moreover, from the overall weight of the debris and pooled water, the gutters tend to sag and dislodge from the roof. This will require roof owners to seek professional expertise to fasten up the gutter to stay in its place. Look for any loose seams, holes, dents and sagging, leakages in the gutter after the storms. Check the downspouts for clogs by rinsing them out with a water hose. This way the roof owner can assess if the downspout is clogged from any debris accumulation and any leaks at the seams.  

Leakages

Check your ceiling for any leaks and water damage after a severe storm. You will need to examine all the rooms and interior walls for any water or unusual stains streaks. Look for cracks at ceiling edges, from where any water may be dripping. Look for black spots and water stains on the interior of the structure and the exterior on the roof. Watch out for any rust stains on the interior walls, as they indicate trapped moisture at the joints of the roof. 

Get all the leakages repaired and sealed immediately. Any unattended leakages will aggravate the water leaks and seepage in the interior walls of the building or home. Another problem when water seeps into the interior walls is that the water can become a shock hazard if it potentially damages the electrical wiring system. 

Mold Spread

Mold infestation might seem to be a minor issue; however, the threat it poses to the health of the residents makes it a severe problem. Mold forms in dark places with high moisture levels and appear as tiny spots that are usually hidden to plain sight and have a musty odor. Due to water seepage, the moisture gets trapped under the roof deck and attic, which makes the area favorable for mold formation and spread. When mold grows unchecked, they spread all over the structure and can cause allergies and respiratory issues. Watch out for dark spots and damp odor during the spring season to prevent mold spores from growing.

Flashing

The flashing is an essential component of a residential roofing system that seals the roof’s joints and works as a water barrier to the skylights and chimneys installed at the roof. However, with strong winds and thunderstorms, flashing becomes loose, bent, splits, and can even detach, making the roof prone to leakage. This is quite tricky to identify. Hire a roofing expert to identify the potential damage to the flashing to prevent roof damage.

Check for Insurance

It is always good to keep records of how much damage the winds, lightning, or hail has caused to your roof so that it becomes easy to file for insurance claims. One may require to submit the images of storm damage to the insurance provider as proof to settle the claims. However, it is perilous to click photos from the roof as the thunderstorm would have compromised the roof’s structural integrity. Hence, it is advisable to document the damages and click images where the damages are visible from the ground level. This makes it easier for roof owners to provide enough evidence of roof damage and file claims seamlessly. On the other hand, if you are hiring a professional to inspect your roof, then they are well equipped to help you with the damage documentation for the insurance process. 

Wrapping Up

It’s imperative to inspect your roof after the storms during a severe spring season to prevent further damage to your roof and the interior of the home and commercial structure. As a roof owner, one may be tempted to carry out the roof inspection on their own and carry out the repair process. However, it is always better to seek professional advice. A roofing contractor is better equipped for conducting a complete thorough roof inspection. They will assess whether your roof needs repairs or has to be replaced and help you save on your money as well by providing the right roofing solutions.