5 Weather-Related Reasons To Schedule A Roof Inspection

Posted on: 29 June 2021

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Although your roof is designed to protect your home from the weather, it is not immune to weather-related damage. A roof inspection can help you find and repair this damage before they become severe.

1. Wind Storms

Nearly every region of the country is periodically hit by high winds. They don't have to be hurricane-force to cause roof damage. Even relatively mild winds can lift shingles and cause them to crack, which is damage that may not be highly noticeable from the ground compared to more obvious shingle loss. If your area has recently experienced a windstorm, you need to schedule an inspection. If the area tends to have mid-level winds often, then annual inspections are a good idea. 

2. Heavy Snow Years

Local building codes determine the minimum load limits for your roof. In areas with low snowfall, this limit may not be very high. If you have a year with a lot of snow, then damage can occur to the structure of the roof from the excess weight. It's a good idea to know the general load capacity of your roof so you can schedule an inspection if you suspect it has been exceeded, otherwise there could be a danger of a roof collapse.

3. Hail Events

Hail is a well known damager of roofs. Yet, the extensive damage caused by hail is not always visible to the untrained eye. This is because hail tends to cause compression damage, which breaks down the structure of shingles so they are more leak-prone but don't drastically affect the appearance. A trained eye can spot the signs of compression damage, such as areas of thin shingle granules or slight shininess that indicates shingle compression.

4. Moss Buildup

Moss occurs as a result of frequent damp conditions, such as heavy humidity or rainfall. It typically grows on the shaded side of the roof but may grow in sun-exposed areas in cooler climates. Moss itself doesn't damage the shingles, but it traps moisture from rain and dew. This constant moisture exposure weakens shingles over time so that they begin to curl up and allow water beneath them. Moss needs to be removed and an inspection should then be scheduled to determine if there is damage.

5. Debris Falls

Wind can fling debris at a roof. Heavy snow and ice buildup can bring tree branches crashing down onto your shingles. Hail and even heavy rain can knock down branches and twigs. Any debris runs the risk of ripping a shingle or puncturing the roof. If you notice debris on your roof, schedule an inspection to check for damage. 

Contact a residential roof inspection service if you are concerned about the state of your roof.