How to Spot Signs of Storm Damage on Your Roof

You only have to listen to daily weather reports to know that weather patterns seem to be changing all over the world and Toronto is no exception. There is no doubt that the number and severity of windy and stormy days have been increasing in recent years.

While fibreglass shingles or cedar roofing is designed to withstand nasty weather, the more of it they are exposed to, the higher the risk that a storm or high winds could damage your roof.

If you learn ways to prevent damage and identity problem spots following a storm, you will maximize the lifespan of your roof.

• Check for Nearby or Overhanging Trees and Wires – Even trees or wires that don’t seem too close to your roof in normal weather can come in contact with the surface of your roof in strong winds. Tree branches can end up travelling a surprisingly long distance as they are blown, bounce back and are blown again. The result is a regular striking of your roof during a storm that can seriously damage your shingles. Try to trim trees and re-route wires as much as possible.

• Inspect Your Roof After Every Storm – Whether it’s a serious storm or not, it’s good idea to get into the habit of doing a “walkaround” roof inspection afterwards. If winds were not that high, there still could have been airborne debris blown against your roof, or a previous problem could have been made worse.

• Look For Damaged or Curled Shingles – While obvious damage, like missing shingles or an exposed roof deck, should be easier to spot and fixed immediately, it’s just as important to look for signs of damage that could become worse later. Depending on wind direction and gusts, it doesn’t take much for the wind to get up underneath a shingle and start bending it back. While a curled shingle doesn’t always mean you need an immediate repair, it will continue to let water in underneath during rain storms. Eventually the tile will either come off entirely or enough water will seep in to damage your roof’s underlying structure.

If you see something that could potentially damage your roof, but you can’t get rid of it, or if you spot signs of damage after a storm, it’s best to contact a trusted roofing contractor for a professional assessment and to undertake repairs as needed.