Storms bring with them much more than just rain and wind. They bring the potential for catastrophic damage to your home or business. When storms hit, roofs are often the first line of defense against Mother Nature’s fury, so it needs to be in top-notch condition. That’s why it’s always a good idea to hire a professional roof inspector after a storm to assess the damage and ensure everything is in order. Let’s look at some benefits of hiring a professional roof inspector.
The Advantages of Expertise & Experience
The most obvious benefit of hiring a professional roof inspector is their expertise and experience. They are highly trained professionals certified by a state or national organizations and are up-to-date on all industry standards and regulations. They also have extensive knowledge about all types of roofs, from traditional shingle roofs to metal roofs. This means that they can evaluate any kind of roof damage quickly and accurately, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Increased Safety & Lower Risk
When storms cause damage to your home or business, there’s always a risk that something could happen if you don’t address the issue quickly enough. As a professional roof inspector, the training and experience necessary to identify any issues before they become significant problems, which can save you time and money down the road by preventing further damage or costly repairs, is invaluable. It also ensures that your client’s home or business remains safe during future storms since any current issues have been appropriately addressed.
Thorough Evaluations & Accurate Reports
A professional roof inspector will exhaustively evaluate a property’s roofing system, including inspecting shingles, metal roofing and flashing, vents, gutters, chimneys, skylights, attic insulation, decking boards, etc., as well as taking measurements for accuracy. Additionally, they create accurate reports of their findings, which include high-quality photos taken during an assessment process so there is an accurate visual representation of what needs attention or repair. These reports are invaluable for insurance companies when filing claims for storm damage repairs and for building contractors who need accurate information when creating cost estimates for repairs or replacements required after storm damage occurs.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Professional Roof Inspections
Hiring a professional roofing contractor may seem like an added expense, but it’s actually one of the best investments you can make following a storm because it ensures that any existing issues are addressed immediately before they become major problems down the road. Plus, having an accurate report from a qualified expert makes filing insurance claims easier in case of repairs are needed due to storm damage.
Storm Damage and How to Identify It
There’s nothing more devastating than experiencing a storm. From the darkness of a blizzard to the icy chill of hail or the howling winds that can rip through your home like a tornado – storms can cause immense destruction instantly. But when it comes to assessing damage, what should you look for? As a roofing contractor, understanding storm damage is vital to ensuring your customers are safe, and their homes are protected.
Temperature Fluctuations & High Winds
When temperatures rise and fall quickly, or high winds blow through your area, you should check for signs of damage. These changes stress roof structure and sealants which can cause shingles to break down over time. Additionally, if debris has been blown onto your roof by strong winds, it could be causing further strain on existing materials. Ensure you take extra care when assessing roofs with low-slope or flat surfaces, as these tend to be more susceptible to higher wind speeds.
Hail, Snow, Ice & Extreme Temperatures
Heavy snowfall or hail storms can cause severe damage to any roofing material. When checking for storm damage after one of these events, it’s essential to pay attention to any dents or punctures on the surface of the shingles. In extreme cases where ice accumulates on the roof’s surface, this could indicate an issue with drainage systems such as blocked gutters or downpipes. You should also check that seals around vents and fixtures haven’t cracked due to rapid temperature changes during winter months.
Effects on Roof Structure & Sealants
Finally, make sure you inspect roofs for any signs of structural failures, such as sagging beams due to water accumulation from heavy rains or snowmelt runoff from recent storms. Additionally, check for signs of wear and tear in areas where sealants have weakened over time due to heat exposure during summer, which could lead to water damage if left unrepaired.
Potential Signs of Damage from a Visual Inspection
Roofing contractors must understand the different types of storm damage their clients may face. Spotting potential signs of damage that can be seen from a visual inspection is a critical step in providing reliable roof inspection services.
Loose or Missing Shingles and Flashing
One of the most common signs of storm damage on roofs is loose or missing shingles and flashing. Wind from storms can cause shingles to become dislodged, allowing water to seep into your home and potentially causing severe damage. Look for any loose or missing shingles after a storm passes through, as this could indicate that more significant repairs are needed.
Rusting in Gutters or Downspouts
If you notice rusting or discoloration on gutters or downspouts, this could be another sign that a storm has damaged the roof. Heavy winds can cause debris to build up in gutters, leading to rusting over time due to moisture buildup.
Discoloration on Exterior Walls
In addition to inspecting a roof, keep an eye out for any discoloration on exterior walls near where the roof meets the walls. This could indicate that water leaks from the roof into the home’s interior walls, which can cause structural damage if not addressed promptly.
Interior Leaks or Stains
Another sign that something may be wrong with a roof is leaks or stains in rooms below the attic. This could indicate a breach in the roof that allows water into the home’s interior when it rains heavily outside.
Cracked Mortar Around Chimneys
Finally, it’s crucial to inspect the mortar around chimneys for cracks. If present, this could indicate underlying structural problems that need to be addressed before they become worse due to prolonged exposure to elements.
The Processes and Procedures Involved in a Professional Inspection
As a roofing specialist, your key to successful on-site inspection starts with an introductory home tour with the owner. Ensure to get all essential information pertinent to the roof in this chance – any prior repairs and what supplies were used when building it. Utilize specialized instruments and tools during such evaluations to assess even hard-to-reach portions that wouldn’t be attainable otherwise.
Additionally, when compiling a comprehensive report, capturing and documenting digital images is imperative. After completing your visit, reading through and analyzing your full report will allow you to make any necessary maintenance recommendations that could extend the roof’s lifespan and guarantee its stability. By successfully going through all of these steps in an accurate on-site roofing inspection, you can provide outstanding service for all of your clients!
Experience Decades of Industry Knowledge When You Choose Superior Distribution
If you’re a roofing contractor in the Mid-Atlantic or East Coast, Superior Distribution is the perfect solution for all your roofing needs. We offer unbeatable prices on the highest quality roofing materials and supplies, and our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find exactly what you need. With decades of experience in the industry, we guarantee that you’ll get the best value for your money every time. Plus, with fast delivery services available in most areas and an extensive selection of products, it’s never been easier to finish your roofing project quickly and efficiently. So don’t wait any longer – trust Superior Distribution for all your roofing material needs today!
