South Carolina storms are infamous for causing damage, such as fallen trees and ripped off roofs.
Because we live in South Caroline, in towns such as Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Moose Creek, Charleston, and North Charleston, we frequently have to deal with these destructive storms, especially during the Fall and Winter months.
Regardless of where you live in South Carolina, storm damage, wind damage, and hail damage are common problems for homeowners and their families.
As the first line of defense for your home, your roof is most vulnerable to storm damage. This is why it’s vital for homeowners to keep up with repairs and maintenance, especially after a storm.
Among the damage you will find after a storm, most common and most costly are roof leaks, which then can lead to mold and water damage.
Professional roofing contractors such as White House Roofing, working in Summerville, North Charleston, Charleston, and surrounding areas in South Carolina, will know what to look for, and what damage to fix immediately before it creates a need for more expensive and extensive repairs, such as water damage.
Wind damage can start very small, but continue to grow over time through repeated exposure to wind.
Once a whole corner of insulation is exposed, rain can get in and start to cause leaks and water damage. Homeowners can avoid this type of wind damage by making sure materials on the edge and corners of their roof are strong enough and in good condition to withstand high winds.
White House Roofing & Builders know how to build and repair your roof to ensure it can withstand a storm and at the very least minimize the damage.
After a storm, you will want to check for roof damages and take the following steps to protect your roof and your home.
Find Signs of Roof Damage
1. When It Is Safe, Go Outside & Survey The Exterior
After the storm passes and it is safe, go outside and look for signs of storm damage on the roof and on the ground. Look for missing areas of the roof such as missing shingles and metal.
Check the chimney for signs of leaning and for any missing bricks.
Survey the exterior of the home for signs of damage to the windows and siding or bricks. Also check the vents and outer edges of the house for signs of damage, such as cracked vents that could allow water and debris from the storm into your house or attic.
2. Check The Gutters For Damage
Gutters and downspouts play an important role in directing water away from your house and preventing water damage. So you will want to check for dented gutters or broken downspouts.
If possible, get a ladder and look for debris in the gutter, as this could be a sign of roof and shingle damage.
If you do find debris you will want to clear the gutters out with a hose and water to prevent water from spilling onto the side of your home.
3. Inspect The Inside Of Your Home
You are going to want to check the attic and ceilings for leaks, mildew, or water marks on the walls or ceilings. Specific colors should cause alarm, such as a rusty brown colored stain can indicate a roof leak. If this is the case, you need to contact White House Roofing & Construction as soon as possible.
If you find any of the above damage or discover peeling or bubbling paint, you will want to call your local roofing repair professionals, as this is another sign of water damage and water trapped in your walls.
4. Hail Damage, The Most Expensive Damage To Your Roof
Hail damage is the most common and expensive storm damage culprit behind most roof damage problems.
Signs of Hail Damage and Repairs needed include:
Hail Damage To Composition/Asphalt Shingles:
- Soft spots or dark spots that look like bruises.
- Dimpled shingles.
- Cracked or broken shingles.
- Hail storms can loosen the granules that make up the top surface of the shingle. Check your gutters for pieces of granules.
Hail Damage To Wood Shingles:
- Fractures that expose an interior orange color.
- Punctured pieces of wood.
- Dents along the splits.
- Splits with sharp edges.
- Wood shingles with impact marks.
You will need to contact White House Roofing & Construction if you see any of the above damage or issues, as it is virtually impossible to determine the extent of the damage from checking on the ground level.
5. Don Not Try To Repair Your Own Roof
Roof repair is complicated and dangerous. After a storm is the most dangerous of times to try and repair a roof for professionals, which means you should never attempt to fix or repair any damage yourself as the wet post-storm conditions make the job dangerous.
You should hire a professional roofing contractor, who can safely and accurately assess the damage. Contact White House Roofing based in Summerville, SC to set an appointment for a professional to check and quote your roof repairs.
Stay safe before, during and after every storm, and keep your family and your home as secure as possible with professional repairs and assessment anytime during the year and especially after a storm.
Contact the expert roofing contractors at White House Roofing & Construction for all your roofing repair & installation needs today.