After the Texas winter storm of 2021, many people want to know the signs of winter storm damage to their roof. Not only are Texans worried about rocketing bills, but the long-term damage that freezing temperatures could have inflicted. Left unchecked, a small hole or crack can lead to some costly repairs. Don’t just wonder if your roof has any damage; know the signs to look for in your home.
Here are 6 signs of winter storm damage to your roof you need to know:
- Missing or cracked shingles
- Leaking fluids in the home or attic
- Fallen tree branches
- Loss of granules
- Broken down gutters
- Water pooling in areas
Missing or cracked shingles
Let’s start with a basic warning sign. Missing or cracked shingles can lead to water leakage, debris leakage, bug infestations, mold, and even more problems. With a cracked shingle, you leave your roof or attic vulnerable to the elements. Although we are talking about the winter storm that just hit Texas, this can happen after any storm. It’s also a natural part of the process of a roof’s lifecycle, which can last from 15-30 years. So it pays to be proactive.
The important thing to note about this situation is that it can be easily remedied. When you partner with the right roofing company they can easily help you replace shingles. Just make sure to check for this common sign of winter storm damage to your roof even when it doesn’t snow!
Leaking fluids in the home or attic
Noticing brown stains on your ceiling? Is paint peeling or bubbling on your walls? If so, this could mean that there is water leaking from your roof and pooling in your attic. If you notice this sign of winter storm damage to your roof, you could be in for some costly repairs. More than likely, it’s indicative of large cracks or holes in your roof. Missing shingles are also common when water begins to seep within the home. The worst part? You may not catch this problem unless you periodically check your roof. Leaks often start small, yet grow exponentially if left unattended.
Fallen tree branches
Have any trees that give your house shade? While this can keep the house cooler, it can also damage your roof during a storm. During a winter storm, or any storm for that matter, tree branches and other debris may be flung onto or against your roof. This can cause loose tiles to fall, scraping, and further damage. Branches that land on your roof must be removed to keep the roof’s internal structure. You don’t want your roof to start sagging to the weight of debris piled on. Extra weight compounded over time causes decay and eventually water to enter your home.
Loss of granules
One of the subtle signs of winter storm damage to your roof you need to know is the loss of granules. But what is a granule? A granule is crushed minerals bonded to the asphalt on a shingle.
Over time, your shingles will lose granules. However, if you start to notice multiple pieces of shingles with extensive granule loss, often deposited in your gutters, you have roof damage. Granule loss will often remove the black color of the shingle, revealing green or white underneath. Remember to check your gutters for granules, as they can build up and clog your gutters – which leads us to our next point.
Clogged gutters
While you may not think about it, clogged gutters can be a major sign of winter storm damage to your roof. When your gutter lines are clogged, this can cause:
- Water leakage into your roof
- Water leakage into your siding
- Sagging and buildup of debris on your roof
- Ice buildup
- Bug infestation
- Gutter collapse and damage to your home and house.
Add in some snow to the mix and you can start to multiply the effects of clogged gutters. When that snow hardens and weighs more, you are more susceptible to your gutters’ total failure and collapse. Don’t let that happen!
Water pooling in areas
When it snows, it will often land on roofs and stay there until it becomes hot enough for it to melt. However, if something is blocking the sunlight or there is a buildup in your gutters, you could have ice that slowly melts but is prevented from moving off your roof. When this happens, it can mean you have winter storm damage to your roof. Your gutters could be clogged, you may have debris blocking the snow from melting, or there may be other factors at play. Water pooling on roofs not good. It can damage your shingles, seep into your home, erode your granules, and more.
If you spot any of these problems, then you need professional help. Find an expert in your area here. Want to find out more about top-quality roofing and construction companies like Eldridge Roofing in-person? Don’t worry, you can! You can find them and more companies like them at the Lake Houston Home & Outdoor Living Show on March 20-21, 2021. Find out more information, including highlighted speakers and vendors here.