Roof damage is a common type of property damage and affects many Americans every year. If you’re not aware that your roof may be damaged, you might find yourself in an unpleasant situation and without a roof over your head – literally. Knowing the signs and common causes of roof damage can save you a lot of time and money.
Our team at Klotzman Property Damage Law is here to help if the insurance company denies your roof damage claim or tries to pay less than you deserve.
What Are the Signs of Roof Damage?
Catching signs of roof damage before it escalates can save you a lot of trouble, not to mention, money. Insurance policies usually cover unexpected roof damage due to natural disasters, but if issues go unnoticed, you may lose out on the compensation you deserve.
Here are some signs to look for that might indicate that your roof is damaged:
- Water stains on walls or ceilings: If you start noticing discoloration or dark spots on your walls or ceilings, it might indicate that your roof is compromised. Leaks from outside the house or moisture trapped inside can lead to stains, mold, and structural damage.
- Missing, curled, or damaged shingles: It’s always a good idea to step outside your house and look at your roof. If you see any of the shingles missing or looking damaged, you should act fast to avoid further damage to your roof.
- Problems in your attic: If you don’t regularly pop into your attic, you might want to start doing so now. You may find water stains running down the walls from the ceiling or rotting wood in your attic and that may indicate that there is a hidden leak. Call a professional to help you pinpoint the leak before it gets worse.
- Gutter rust: Rusted gutters could also indicate you’re dealing with a damaged roof. Leaks usually occur when the seams become rusted.
What Are the Common Causes?
It is essential to understand the causes of roof damage so you can be aware of how to prevent them. Now that we’ve covered the signs of roof damage, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of the damage.
Poor Roof Installation
Like many aspects of structure improvement, roof stability is of high significance. Poor roof installation can cause problems in the future. For instance, poor installation can lead to loose shingles or roof leaks. Fixing loose shingles and roof leaks is costly, so it’s crucial to hire skilled professional roofers to install your roof. Not only can high-quality roof installation bring leverage and security, but it can also aid in property value.
Poor Roof Maintenance
Poor maintenance of your roof can lead to expensive roof repairs. Inspecting your roof regularly is very important. Hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof annually to detect any minor issues. Minor issues that go unnoticed can become expensive major problems in the long run. Having a contractor come in regularly can be life-saving because they can repair minor issues promptly.
Hail Damage
A massive hail storm can damage your roof. It can displace the granules from the surface of your shingles. Displacing the granules exposes the asphalt layer to the sun. The UV rays from the sun can, therefore, damage your exposed asphalt layer, damaging your roof. Inspecting your roof after a huge hail storm is always recommended.
Strong Winds
A strong wind can damage your shingles, loosen your nails, and expose your roofing materials. For example, high winds can rip your shingles right off the roof or cause nails to become unattached. It is expensive to repair loose shingles. But leaving materials exposed can reduce the lifespan of your roof.
Hurricanes are a notorious culprit of wind damage to roofs. After a storm, look for stray shingles as a sign that you should inspect your roof.
The Age of Your Roof
A roof deteriorates over time due to regular wear and tear. If your roof is over 20 years old, you might see signs of aging. Your shingles might become loose and fall to the ground. If your old roof is in bad condition, you should take action to replace it. Hire a professional roofing contractor to replace your old roof.
Weather Conditions
Known to be both nurturing and often destructive, Mother Nature can cause a plethora of issues when it comes to roofing. Harsh weather conditions can damage your roof. Regular exposure to water and the heat of the sun can cause permanent damage to your roof. A violent hurricane can damage your entire roof. Extreme weather conditions can damage your roof beyond repair.
Foot Traffic
It is not recommended to walk on your roof, especially if your roof is not protected with walk pads. Walking on your roof can cause damage by breaking or cracking shingles, displacing the top layer of granules, and more. In addition, ensure that you do not drop heavy things onto your roof as these can break or knock off shingles and lead to unnecessary repairs.
Speak to Our Trusted Florida Roof Damage Lawyers
Roof damage can often be avoided if you look for the signs regularly. But sometimes, the unavoidable happens and you find yourself needing to file a claim with your insurance for roof damage. If you find yourself experiencing challenges with your claim or believe you are receiving less compensation than you deserve, contact us today.
Schedule your free case review today with our Hollywood, FL property damage attorneys. When insurance companies fail, Klotzman Property Damage Law succeeds.
