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How to Inspect Your Roof and Siding After Heavy Winds.

4/24/2024

Stop Waiting For Exterior Or Interior Damage To Appear. Instead, Inspect Your Roof and Siding After Heavy Winds.

After storms with heavy winds, the only way to know what damage your exterior has acquired is to look for it. Be vigilant because wind damage to your roof and siding creates and accelerates problems concerning functionality, aesthetic appeal, and safety. The severity of the damage depends on the strength of the wind, the age of your roof, and the quality of maintenance.

In this article, we'll discuss how to do a DIY inspection from the ground, attic, and roof.

Start On Solid Ground.

There is a bit of looking around while you're on the ground. Keep an eye out for:

Mold on the soffits
Missing or damaged fascia and soffits
Debris from storms
Warping or cracking in the siding, where wind and water can enter the home, making it challenging to regulate internal temperatures

Investigate the Attic.

There are warning signs in your attic that suggest injuries to your roof. This is an expert-approved attic inspection checklist:

When you walk in the attic, wait to turn on the lights. If you can see areas of light coming in, there may be leaks and holes in your roof.
Use an inexpensive thermal camera to measure changes in temperature in or around the attic. Big changes may indicate improper insulation.
It's easier to spot leaks if you inspect on a rainy day.
Pests can easily make their way through gaps in the soffit. So, evidence of pests indicates that your siding is damaged. Look for droppings, leaves, nests, acorns, and damage to your insulation.
Water stains, rot, and mold suggest roof or siding leaks.
Poor ventilation in the attic may cause roof damage. The interior and exterior need ventilation to “breathe.” Signs of inadequate ventilation include mold, rusted nails, and condensation on the sheathing.

Inspect Your Roof.

Last, it's time to get on the roof if you're comfortable doing so. Of course, it's safer to hire a roofing professional to do it. If you would instead do it yourself, we recommend using safety tools like a harness, spotter, roof harness anchor, sturdy ladder, and rubber-soled shoes.

Look for the obvious missing shingles or punctures from flying debris.
Ensure that the gutters drain appropriately by clearing debris out of them.
See if there are dents and cracks in the gutter or if it's detached from the roof.
If there are water stains or damp spots on the roof, and it hasn't rained, you may have roof leaks or other damage.
Check for curling, lifting, or torn-off shingles.
Check for Malfunctioning roof vents or flashing.
Assess for small cracks radiating from one area of the underlayment.
On the ground and the roof, look for structural damage from fallen debris.

So, if you live in West Michigan, call Town Corners Roofing and Exteriors at 616-772-9700 or fill out our contact form for a FREE estimate. We'll make necessary repairs ASAP so you can maintain your home's beauty and usability.

Request an Inspection

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What You Ought To Know About Roof Leaks and Water Damage

4/1/2024

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What You Ought To Know About Roof Leaks and Water Damage

Water damage isn't just damage; it's dangerous. Unfortunately, April showers can cause roof leaks in many ways. Let’s talk about how wind and rain increase the risk of leaks and why you should avoid interior water damage at all costs.

Where Are the Leaks Coming From?

Sadly, there are abundant ways for roof leaks to occur:

The caulking under your flashing can dry out and crack, leaving space for water.
When a roof has a shallow slope, rain can run underneath the shingles.
Wind can rip shingles off the roof.
Heavy rainfall can cause water to splash under the collar around a gas vent. The water will run down the pipes and land near the appliance connected to the gas pipe.
If skylights are improperly installed, water can show up on the drywall around the skylights and drip down the walls.
There are a variety of chimney-related issues. These leaks will turn up inside the fireplace and on the walls outside of the fireplace.
1. The fasteners can loosen.
2. Wet and freezing masonry may crack.
3. The metal on the chimney top can rust over.
4. Rain can saturate the mortar joints and bricks, then seep into your home.
5. The flashing under the shingles surrounding the chimney may be damaged.
When a gutter installed in a valley is full of debris, water will find “the path of least resistance” into your home. The leak may not occur until heavy rainfall, but it will appear on your walls and gutters.
If a nail backs out of a shingle, rain will fall through the hole and show up anywhere in your house.
UV rays can break down your pipe boot over time, allowing water to fall through the cracks and down the pipe. You'll likely notice the leaks in a bathroom or closet, but they can appear anywhere.

Water Damage Is Disastrous.

Interior leaks can take a dangerous turn within the first 24 hours! A full day is enough time for mold to develop, walls, floors, and electronics to damage, and structural issues to occur. Furthermore, within one week, your house can become a biohazard, and after a week, your risks of structural damage will be severe.

The earlier you address water damage, the easier, safer, and more inexpensive experience you will have. If you don't immediately address the situation, your insurance will unlikely cover it.

When water sits, all germs, fungi, and bacteria breed. I'm sure you know how concerning that is for your health. What we find to be even scarier is that moisture and mold can be difficult to spot and reach.

Let's take a look at your interior's vulnerability against water:

Metal surfaces may corrode.
Insulation and wooden beams can receive injuries.
Drywall, furniture, wooden doors, and window frames may swell.
Paint and wallpaper can peel or blister.
Water will harm building materials, appliances, fixtures, and electronics, as well.

Inspect your roof for signs of leaks before it's too late! We offer inspections, roof repairs, and replacements in West Michigan. So, call Town Corners Roofing and Exteriors at 616-772-9700 or fill out our contact form for a FREE ESTIMATE.

Request an Estimate

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ROOFING NEWS

How to Inspect Your Roof and Siding After Heavy Winds.

What You Ought To Know About Roof Leaks and Water Damage

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