Articles » How to Inspect a Shingles Roof after Rainstorm

How to Inspect a Shingles Roof after Rainstorm

Tags: Roofing, Inspection, Repair, Shingles

 

Rainstorms are common enemies to every homeowner. This is because it's hardly ever heard that one's roof survives a heavy rainstorm, unharmed. So, you can say that checking one's roof after a heavy rainstorm is a routine or duty. While this may not be so difficult for people who practice regular roof maintenance, it can be a herculean task for others who don't.

The damage that a heavy rainstorm can cause to a roof strongly depends on the roof type. Whilst these damages differ, there are some general roof inspection checks that you must carry out after a rainstorm.

This simple guide therefore will teach you, step by step, how to inspect your roof after a rainstorm.

6 Simple Steps to Inspect your Shingle Roof after Rainstorm Today

 

1.  Start from the ground

If you want to thoroughly inspect your roof, the best place to start is outside your house, not on your roof -yet. Walk around your house and stare at the ground as you do this. Check for pieces of broken or damaged shingles, pieces of granules, look for pieces of wood or metal pieces from your chimney. Whatever you see on the floor can be a good indicator of the type of damage your roof suffered.

2.  Visual inspection

After you have performed the ground inspection as stated above, check your roof from the ground; binoculars will help make this easy. Walk around your building, inspect your roof and take note of all the changes you see from your position. This damages may be cracked, bent, or warped shingles or any other roof damages. After this second phase of ground inspection, go up to your roof and take a proper look. But if you don't feel up to it, call a professional roofer.

3.  Inspect house interior

A house's interior usually displays tell-tale signs of roof damage after a heavy rainstorm. This sign could be leaks or animal infestation. So, check your attic for water leakages, check your walls ceiling, and floor for stains and discoloration. Also check for paint peeling, dark molds, as such are instances of leakages. Remember to reach out to your contractor ASAP when you notice any signs of leakages.

4.  Check the gutters

Homeowners who regularly clean their gutters will easily find signs of roof damages after a rainstorm in their gutters. If you find some parts of your roof like damaged shingles, broken pieces of granules in your gutter, you may have roof damages.

Call a roofer to remedy this. And after fixing it, clear your gutters to allow easy flow of water because clogged gutters may lead to further damage if another heavy rainstorm occurs. While you're at it, properly inspect your gutters to detect if they are broken, then fix them. 

5.  Inspect for leaks

Heavy rainstorms are one of the common causes of leaks on roofs. If you don't check for leaks, a minor hole might turn into a huge one sooner than you think. So, if you find out that some of your shingles are damaged or missing then know that there's a hole on your roof through which water can enter your home. You should also check around your skylights and your chimney if any.  

Another way of checking for roof leaks is by checking your attic on a sunny day. If sun rays penetrate your building, that is a sign of a hole. Contact a professional to inspect further and fix the holes. 

6.  Inspect the flashing

Your roof inspection is incomplete without checking for flashing damage. Flashing is the tiny metal used to seal or weatherproof the edges and joints of a roof. If there is no flashing, your roof would be exposed and vulnerable. The same happens when the flashing is damaged. Since a rainstorm can damage the flashing on your roof, you have to closely inspect it after a heavy downpour. For instance, debris blown by the wind can bend the flashing and destroy its weatherproof seal. If you fail to fix this, your roof will be exposed for water to freely pass through.

 

A good roof maintenance practice helps you easily detect when you have a roof problem. Moreover, with a regular roof maintenance habit, you'll easily know when there's something amiss with your roof, especially after a heavy rainstorm. So, if you don't inspect your roof after a storm, the damages may multiply and cost you more money to fix. 

And although this article has pointed out some DIY methods to inspect your roof after a heavy rainstorm, you have to contact your roofer when it gets too tough or complicated for you. Remember that your job is to maintain your roof and call a roofer when you discover damages, while a roofer has the duty of fixing the problem.