Spring is upon us in North Carolina. With the warmth and sun of spring comes storms with high winds, driving rain, and hail damage that can cause major damage to your roof. Maintenance of your roof is key to minimizing damage during this season. When homeowners are not prepared for spring, there are risks of flooding, damage to the foundation, and leaks.
We look at how to determine if there is wind damage and what to do once wind damage has occurred.
The reason wind can be so damaging to a roof new or older is because the wind does not go across a roof in only one direction. Multi-directional wind can cause shingles to loosen and tear away from the roof and blow tree branches onto a roof which can lead to more damaging concerns. Unchecked or repaired wind damage to your roof leads to leaks and rot.
Spotting Wind Damage to Your Roof
Shingle Stripping
High winds can strip the granules from your shingles. You can determine if you have compromised shingles by looking around your downspouts for shingle granules.
Curled Shingles at the Edge
The edge is a pressure point and is an area most susceptible to wind damage.
Displaced Shingles
A sure sign that you have wind damage to your roof is finding shingles around your house.
Soffit and Fascia Damage
The soffit and fascia play an integral role in the functionality of your roof. Winds can damage the soffit and fascia or blow it off completely allowing water damage can occur.
Chimneys
High winds can shift a chimney leaving the sealing around the chimney susceptible to water leakage.
Indoor damage
Don't neglect the interior when trying to spot wind damage from your roof. Look for wet spots, peeling paint, and discoloration.
Repairing Wind Damage
Wind damage to a roof is fixable. The extent of the repair will depend on the scope of the damage and can range from some shingle replacements to a full roof replacement depending on how long the wind kept sustained high speeds. Once you determine there is wind damage, reach out right away to the trusted specialists at Herring. Procrastination will only allow the damage to become more costly to repair.
Insurance for Wind Damage
Wind damage to the roof may be covered by a homeowners insurance policy. Check your policy to see if wind damage is covered. Be sure to document with videos and photos the extent of the wind damage. Keep track of any expenses associated with temporary holds until your roofing contractor can make the proper repairs or replacements. These costs may be reimbursable.
Cautionary Concerns over Contractors
It is not uncommon for "roofing companies" to show up in heavily hit storm areas offering repairs for a cheap cost. Often they do shoddy work and skip town before the subpar work becomes evident. Any roofing contractor that you trust should have proof of insurance, have a permanent business address and have ratings with the Better Business Bureau. A reputable roofing contractor will be able to help you understand insurance claims and what is and is not covered under your policy.
Herring meets all the above criteria and will ensure quality workmanship on roof repairs for you.
It is equally important for your roofing contractor to be accurate and clear with any estimate they write for you to submit to your insurance company; stating specifically what is due to storm-related damage.
If you find any of the above signs of wind damage reach out to our professionals. You can also reach us at 910-292-2566 or email us at info@herringresidential.com. Our Representatives understand the importance of quality roofing and can help you understand the best roofing system available for your specific needs.
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