Introduction

Storms and snow can affect your roof in various ways than you can imagine. This statement is why it is essential to find out if storms have damaged your roof and how you can avoid it in the future.

The four threats you should know

Roofing experts are well aware that it is necessary to check the roof after each storm to avoid considerable costs and long-term problems.

Either the storms or snows, your roof's structural integrity is bound to be threatened by:

• Snowstorms.
• windstorms
• hail storms
• thunderstorms

Steps to take when your roof has been affected

Check and repair immediately

The slightest damage to your roof may result in seepage that will cause water damage and wood decay in the underlying wood frame.

It is for this reason that it is essential to repair the damage as soon as possible to prevent costs from multiplying.

Do not let the wind take away your heritage

Trust me when I say this, strong winds have the potential of carrying shingle granules off your roof hence exposing it to water damage. The wind can even rip shingles and you will have no trouble imagining the damage that an opening of this size can inflict on your roof.

Shingles need to be replaced or repaired immediately to prevent the problem from growing in size and cost.

How do you check that your house roof is damaged by hail?

That's simple. Make a quick visual inspection, and you will be able to quickly point out any deformations caused by the hail, bearing in mind that each of them is about half the size of the hailstone.

On asphalt shingles, hail can "bruise" the shingle leaving a bald area. Moreover, you should check the fracture lines below the shingle. If your roof is made of split shingles or wooden shingles, hail can separate them.

To find out if the separations come from a recent hail storm, look inside to see the exposed colour. Does the wood look new, or is it faded and old?

Get rid of snow

The damage caused by the storm is easy to avoid and does not involve high costs by investing in a relatively cheap snow rake that can safely remove snow from the roof without you leaving the ground.

How much snow is your roof able to withstand? This factor varies with location.

In areas prone to heavy snowfall such as mountains, roofs are built to withstand harsher weather conditions. Generally, however, the weight per square foot is up to 9 kg (20 lb). Once the slope of your roof is above 8 cm (which is 3 inches) for 31 cm (12 inches) horizontal distance, the snow would be adequately removed to its cast iron. But do not forget that the snow, which falls on a previous layer already packed, weighs heavier. Meaning, even if your roof is able to withstand 1.2 m (4 feet) off freshly undamaged snow, the packed snow from the previous day will be twice as heavy.

Look for damage caused by ice

And do not forget the ice dikes! Heat loss through your roof melts the snow that flows downward, forming ice on the lower edge of the roof and in your gutters. Water accumulates between shingles, causing considerable and expensive damage.

Contact your insurance company

Regardless of the type of storm that has occurred in your area, your home insurance will probably cover the cost of repairing or replacing the roof (after deducting the deductible). Check your policy if you need details about your roof cover.

Roof Installation and Repair Services

Whether you are working on new construction or undergoing a significant renovation in your home, having a professional team to install the roof is an absolute necessity. At, West Coast Roofing & Painting, we have a large group of roof experts who can advise you on the best type of roofs for your home or commercial property. Then we will install for your house or building. We provide durable and beautiful roofs that will always protect your home from rain and wind damage.

Portland Roofers are professionals and are very knowledgeable about different types of roofs. We can help you choose from a selection of:

• Asphalt shingles.
• Clay roof tiles.
• Metal roof.
• And much more.

Roofing Repair Services

When your roof begins to drip, it is essential that your roof is repaired immediately to avoid further damage to your roof and your home. Small leaks that have formed on your roof are easy to rule out, but even the most minor leaks can cause significant problems in the future, especially if they start to grow due to regular wear. When the leak repair is successful, it can delay the need for a complete roof replacement. Our team of experienced roofers can handle different types of roofs, from metal, tile and asphalt, as well as flat roofs. Our roof repair service covers both the residential and commercial sectors.

Conclusion

These different types of roofs offer many distinct advantages. Discuss your options with our professionals. We will be happy to talk with you about your projects and the benefits of each type. We will discuss the durability, aesthetics and sustainability of each project. Feel free to ask us any questions about roof types or installation. We will make sure you are informed during each part of the process.