During the year, your roof remains the most exposed part of your home. Weather events such as sun, hail, wind, and rain are the leading reasons for Austin roofing and property damage.
While some visible signs of damage include torn
or missing shingles; there remain many other failures that wreak havoc on your
home’s interior.
Types of Roof Damage to Look For
Roof damage can
happen to anyone. While the reason of damage may vary, here are the common
types of roof damage to be aware of:
1. Cracks
Shingles may naturally crack with age exposing the underlayment material, creating a potential leak in the attic or crawl space. Over time, these cracks or gaps in the shingles expose the underlayment, and ultimately, lead to leaks.
2. Heat Damage / Improper Ventilation
Shingle cracking and warping occurs with the prolonged exposure of heat, without the presence of proper attic ventilation.
You can protect the roof by using a qualified roofing professional who understands the importance of proper attic ventilation. A poorly ventilated attic space drastically reduces the life span of your shingles and creates a prime breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
3. Granule Loss
With time, gradual granule loss occurs shortening the life of the shingle. These granules are the first line of defense for your Austin roof as they protect the fiberglass and asphalt base layers of the shingle. Once the fiberglass is exposed, the water resistance of your roof is compromised. Dents and dings on shingles are an indicator of weather damage.
Below, we’ve
put together some precautions that as an Austin roofing company we recommend to
minimize roof damage.
“Installing hurricane metal straps can help strengthen your roof.”
Give Priority to Maintenance
Roofing issues
can show up anytime, but basic upkeep goes a long way.
1. Replace Cracked or Missing Shingles
A shingle is more likely to break free when it’s damaged. If cracked, water may seep under the roof. If shingles are missing, well then you’ve got a gap for wind and rain to do even more damage. Get in touch with an Austin roof repair company to get your shingles fixed.
2. Repair Loose Siding
Warped or
cracked siding is usually noticed immediately after a harsh storm. Repair loose
siding as your insulation may get compromised.
You’ll soon
notice an increase in your energy costs due to decreasing efficiency of your
HVAC system.
Further,
damaged siding may lead to leaks that invite molds and bacteria to grow inside
your walls. Ultimately, all this ruins the structural integrity of your home.
3. Clean Gutters
Clogged gutters
are not just unsightly; they also cause overflow, water damage, and mold
growth.
Clean your
gutters to remove any dead foliage stuck before bad weather arrives. Also,
direct the downspouts
away from your home into a drain, ditch, or another area where you can remove
the water.
4. Check your Roof Deck
Roof decking deteriorates when mold and mildew grow due to a lack of ventilation. This is easily noticeable with a simple attic inspection. If excessive water marks or dark spots/mold growth are noticed, please contact us. These issues can be created by an undetected leak in the roof, or even a moisture intrusion from the home’s interior (bathroom fan, kitchen fume hood). However, they can be corrected by installing proper ventilation systems and will greatly prolong the life of your roof.
“Avoid future roof damages from intense storms by taking preventive measures.”
5. Trim your Trees
Broken tree
limbs or branches damages rooftops, vehicles and neighbor’s property. Make sure
to regularly trim the trees on your property to protect your roof and windows. Even small tree branches can scratch
your shingles and create a leak in your roof with a simple wind storm. Ensure
that no branches are touching your roof.
Get a licensed
professional roofing company to strengthen your roof.
Insurance Claims
Insurance
claims are an essential part of recovering from roof and property damage.
Review your insurance policy to ensure you have appropriate coverage for your
property. Photograph and inventory your property to assist with post-disaster
claims.
Contact Bluebonnet for Quality Roofing
Services in Austin
Trusted by
Austin homeowners, Bluebonnet Roofing provides quality services for residential
and commercial roofing. Whether it is your general roof maintenance or new
installations, we meet all your requirements. We also offer thorough
inspections and hail damage repairs for your roof. Call (512) 580-9063 today
for an estimate!
How to Protect Your Roof from Bad Weather | Bluebonnet Roofing -Austin, TX