Types of Roof Damage Caused By Storms in West Palm Beach

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

The roofs of West Palm Beach homes go through a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. Between unrelenting sun, high winds during a hurricane, and heavy rainfall almost every day during the summer, it comes as no surprise that roof damage is so common.

Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause multiple types of damage to a roof, including wind, hail and water damage.

Wind

Strong winds from a tropical storm or hurricane have the ability to remove shingles from a roof completely. Shingles can easily be completely removed or lifted, minimizing the protection a roof provides to the rest of a home. Strong winds can also carry large debris that upon impact can damage a roof’s integrity. 

Hail

Hail can be unpredictable, varying in severity and occurring without warning.The size of hail is inconsistent, meaning damage can be menial or it can have some serious implications for a roof. After a hail storm, the holes created by hail on a roof can automatically be a problem, leading to other secondary damage. However, it is possible for holes or dings to go undetected, worsening with each storm that follows creating extensive damage. Following any hail, a roof inspection should be conducted to mitigate any potential damage.

Rain

Rain is the most common perpetrator of roofing issues. A damaged roof riddled with holes or missing shingles, is bound to experience a leak and subsequent water damage. Rotting, mold or a compromised foundation are all results of water damage. Signs of water damage from a leaking roof include spots on a ceiling, wet walls, or if areas in a home feel damp and humid.

Roof damage can often be blatant, like missing or worn shingles. Often though, roof damage can go undetected for some time if the proper care is not taken to inspect and protect a roof. It is important to be mindful of more than the roof’s shingle condition; look for missing flashing or loose sealant. If serious damage is found it is best to a call repair company. It is highly suggested to also call a mitigation services provider like SERVPRO of West Palm Beach once a roof has been repaired. A company like SERVPRO can assess the interior of a home for water damage caused by the roof.

Roofs can take a serious beating throughout the year; being proactive can mean the difference of a simple repair versus a total roof replacement.