Living in Erie, PA, means getting accustomed to its unpredictable weather. From heavy snowfalls in the winter to intense thunderstorms and hail in the warmer months, homes in Erie take a beating. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and after a big storm, assessing any potential damage is crucial to avoiding costly repairs down the line.
At Complete Roofing Systems, we’ve spent years helping Erie homeowners evaluate and repair storm damage on their roofs. As a locally owned and operated business, we understand Erie’s unique climate challenges, and that local expertise makes all the difference when it comes to spotting and fixing storm damage. Here are five practical ways you can assess storm damage on your roof, ensuring your home stays safe and dry.
Assessing Storm Damage on Roof: 5 Practical Ways
1. Check for Missing or Damaged Shingles
After a storm, one of the easiest ways to assess damage is by visually inspecting your roof for missing, cracked, or curled shingles. Shingles are designed to protect your home from water intrusion, so when they’re damaged or gone, it leaves your roof vulnerable. Storms, especially those with high winds or hail, can dislodge or break shingles, leading to leaks.
A quick walk around your home, looking up at the roof, can give you a good idea of whether you need repairs. If shingles are missing or look loose, it’s time to call in the professionals.
2. Look for Granule Loss
If you have asphalt shingles, take a close look at the gutters and downspouts around your home after a storm. If you notice an excessive amount of granules—those small, sand-like particles that coat your shingles—it’s a sign of roof damage. Granule loss can occur when hail or heavy rain batters your shingles, reducing their ability to protect your home from UV rays and moisture.
Granule loss can significantly shorten the lifespan of your roof, so it’s worth having a professional from Complete Roofing Systems inspect it if you spot this issue.
3. Inspect Flashing and Seals
Roof flashing, the metal material that seals joints around chimneys, skylights, and vents, can be particularly vulnerable during a storm. High winds or falling debris can bend or loosen flashing, allowing water to seep into your home. Damaged flashing often leads to leaks, which can cause further problems like mold growth or structural issues.
Make sure to inspect these areas after a storm, and if something looks off, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by an expert.
4. Check for Interior Leaks
Sometimes storm damage isn’t immediately obvious from the outside. After a heavy storm, it’s important to check your attic or upper floors for signs of water intrusion. Water stains on ceilings, walls, or in the attic can indicate that your roof has been compromised. Even small leaks can lead to big problems over time, so don’t ignore them.
5. Examine Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts can create drainage problems that affect your roof and foundation. After a storm, make sure your gutters are free of debris and not sagging or disconnected. Heavy winds and rain can dislodge gutter sections, leading to water pooling near the foundation or backing up onto your roof, which can accelerate damage.
Our Services: Helping You Repair and Recover
At Complete Roofing Systems, we offer a range of services to get your roof back in shape after a storm:
Emergency Roof Repairs: If you’ve suffered major damage, we provide quick, effective repairs to prevent further problems.
Insurance Claim Assistance: Navigating insurance claims after a storm can be stressful. We help guide you through the process to ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
Roof Leak Repairs: Whether it’s a small leak or something more serious, we address water damage quickly and efficiently.
Hail and Wind Damage Repairs: Erie’s storms can be fierce, but we’re experts at fixing roofs damaged by high winds and hail.
Call Us Today for Your Storm Damage Assessment
When the weather turns wild in Erie, your roof is at risk. Don’t leave storm damage unchecked. Contact Complete Roofing Systems today for a thorough storm damage assessment. Our local expertise and years of experience mean we know exactly what to look for—and how to fix it! Call us now to schedule your inspection and keep your home safe from future storms.
