Storm Season - Roof Maintenance

Gusty winds, leaky roofs and missing shingles- the aftermath of the storm season. Storm seasons come in as mighty forces of nature, often leaving behind a trail of storm damage, roof repairs and insurance claims. This can be a painful process to follow through. However, the impact of the storm damage can be reduced by paying attention to one of the most important parts of a house, the roof.

The outermost part of the house, and the most crucial defendant against these perils of nature, the roof is often one of the most neglected parts of a house. It is said that the weather is a homeowner’s biggest enemy. This holds true even today in the times of complex housing and roofing systems. It thus becomes more crucial to offer regular maintenance and care to ensure the roof systems function smoothly in the long run.

Here is a quick checklist for roof maintenance:

Checking shingles:

Check with a binoculars for missing/curling/cracked/peeling shingles or missing granules from the ground level

Leaks in the attic & ceiling- signs of damage:

Water stains or a musty odor in the attic and other rooms
Bulging patches on the interior walls or spots on the exterior wall

Washing the roof:

Mix 50% of water and bleach and wash your shingle roofs with this mix to eliminate the algae that could be growing.

Cleaning gutters:

The first priority on every homeowner list- cleaning gutters is crucial to roof maintenance. Although a grubby job, it is essential to clean out gutters 2 times a year, in late spring and early fall.

Trimming branches:

It is imperative to stay observant when landscaping and cut off the large branches that hang over the roof. Leaves settling on roofs absorb moisture and ultimately cause roof damage.

Chimney:

A sloping or tilted chimney is cause of concern. Check the chimney for cracks or missing mortar.

‘Roofing Contractors Near Me’:

Last but not least, it is of utmost importance to call experienced roofing contractors who can safely and professionally assess the state of the roof. As experienced roofers, they can also point out the issues that may be missed otherwise as well as give an estimate of the lifespan of the roof. A quick inspection early on can save the homeowner from costly repairs in the future.

Why is this checklist important?

Cleaning off debris:

Debris is often the root cause of water stagnation due to clogged pipes and siding. Water gets collected in places like chimneys, sky lights, clogged pipes and in roof intersections that form valleys. This leads to deterioration and roof damage.

Inspecting flashing:

A quick inspection of the flashing of a roof is required to make sure it is solid and not in a deteriorated state. If required, the surface can be scrubbed clean, and the seal can be replaced.

Securing shingles:

In case there are any loose shingles on the roof, it must be secured back into place with a bit of roof cement. However, the damaged shingles cannot serve their purpose and have to be replaced entirely.

Gutters:

Regular cleaning, inspection and securing of the gutters is important. Clogged gutters lead to water seeping under the roof structure and into the ceiling and into the roofing system. Damaged gutters must be urgently replaced.

Overhanging branches:

Certain tree branches that can become potentially damaging debris during a storm must be carefully removed to avoid storm damage. Especially branches that are hanging above the roof must be pruned carefully to prevent direct damage as well as avoid squirrels and other animals from climbing on the house.

Chimney mortar:

The mortar on the chimney must be inspected and repaired according to the requirement.

In case of serious damage, quickly contact one of the experienced local roofing contractors near you.

What are the benefits of getting my roof checked regularly?

Roof damage caused by moss is kept in check. Moss absorbs as well as retains moisture and can hence cause serious damage to the roof and the roofing system. A quick check done regularly helps in avoiding this long-term damage.
Attics are kept protected. Attics are one of the most important but neglected parts of a roofing system. Daylight visible through the roof or visible signs of water leakage are indications of serious damage. They require the attention of professional and experienced contractors.
The longevity of the roof is much longer when the gutters, shingles and siding are regularly checked, repaired, and cleaned. A quick fifteen-minute check can increase the lifespan of the roof.
Regular maintenance and clearing of debris will not only keep the roof looking neat and aesthetically pleasing but also ensure longevity.
Calling an experienced roofing professional for checkups is the safest and most efficient route to take.

What is the next step?

Even after regular checks as well as maintenance, there is a possibility of roof damage after a particularly intense storm in the area. This storm damage could be either wind, water, hail or snow damage as discussed in the previous blog posts. After a storm, if roof damage is spotted, it is crucial to spot structural damage, if any, and thus proceed with caution. Before entering the building or climbing on the roof (which is not advisable unless absolutely necessary), it is critical to check if there is a chance of the building collapsing.

After entering the building for inspection, no open flame must be used as there is a possibility of gas being trapped inside the building. Instead, it is advisable to use a flashlight. The power must be kept off until an electrician has inspected the system for safety. Before going inside the house, it is advisable to always wear appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing.

Insurance Claim:

The first step to an insurance claim is assessing the storm damage to a roof after taking the necessary safety precautions. Then it is to keenly look for the different types of roof damage mentioned previously on the blog.
It is vital to document the damage in a detailed and clear manner as soon as possible. Documenting via photos and videos not only when damaged but also when it is repaired, and in between regular intervals is a good practice to incorporate. This helps in speeding up any insurance process, making the roofing team thankful to the homeowner. The more proof of damage there is, including multiple angles, the easier it is to make valid arguments when making a roof-related damage claim with the insurance company.
When there is a professional inspection of the damage, it is integral to ask for a written estimate on the roof damages that have occurred as well as the repairs that need to be done. Basswood Custom Contracting can be contacted for professional assessment of damage as well as for assistance in the insurance claim processes.
Post this, the homeowner must file an insurance roof replacement claim for roof damage with the insurance company. It is advisable to select a trustable insurance company. For extensive property damage, it is best to start with the public adjuster as certain insurance companies have time bound clauses on the wait time before submitting a claim. The current copies of the insurance policies as well the warranty must be kept on hand.

Following the necessary steps as well as having knowledge of what is to be done can not only save a lot of time for the homeowner but also save money in the time of a crisis.

Basswood Custom Contracting:

We are experienced roofers with a wide array of satisfied customers. We offer premium services that range from roofing and roof repair to roof visualizer and structural renovation. Following are the services we provide: