Is your roof getting older or has your home been hit by strong winds or a hail storm recently? Roofs and roofing materials can easily become damaged but not all roof damage is easy to see from the ground, nor is it readily apparent to the untrained eye. You have to know what to look for when it comes to identifying roof damage.

The most common damage to roofs will be to the shingles, which for most homes in the US, are made of asphalt. Asphalt shingles consist of asphalt that is either re-enforced with an organic filler material or with fiberglass. Metallic granules are coated into the material to protect your roof from UV rays. Storms, particularly hail storms and high winds, can easily damage the shingles. Hail damage to a shingle will usually look like a bruised dark spot due to the shingle losing its metallic granules during the storm.

You can then do an inspection from the outside to check for these issues:

• Check Items Outside:Oftentimes, storms damage more than just your shingles, so you should take a careful look at your exhaust caps, roof flashing, and roof vents for additional signs of damage. You should also look for leaks and split seams for hidden signs of water damage.
• Windows:If your windows have become damaged, there is a good chance that your roof is damaged as well. Don’t just look for shattered windows but also for cracks, damage to the wood, pits, and holes. If you see any of this type of damage, contact a professional roofer, such as Remedy Roofing, who is well experienced in identifying and repairing storm damage.
• Loose granules:Granules falling off your roof in large quantities is a clear sign of roof damage. Look for collections of granules or mineral deposits in your gutters, downspouts, and driveway for any evidence of possible further damage. If you find this type of evidence, contact a professional roofer today, as your roof will likely require roof repair.
• Cracked, warped, or missing shingles
• Loose seams and deteriorated flashings

If you have an attic or other accessible space, you can do a visible inspection of the inside portion of your roofing structure.

• Look for signs of nails or screws coming loose and not connecting strongly to the trusses. Your roof needs to be firmly and properly nailed down to withstand tornadic winds.
• Is there wood rot or deterioration on anything that connects to your roof? This could create a weakened area and harm the integrity of your roof system.
• Look out for any noticeable leaks: Any amount of water getting under the roof can cause serious damage. Any leaks not attended to also create the potential for even more damage during a severe storm.
• Is there cracked paint, discolored plasterboards or peeling wallpaper?

If you find any problem areas, be sure to contact your trusted and licensed roofing company like Remedy Roofing. Our trained project managers will be glad to help you with a full inspection and any repairs that are needed.