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How To Identify Roof Damage in Ann Arbor, Michigan

How To Identify Roof Damage in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Not all roof damage will be easy to spot, but it’s best to catch roof damage before it causes issues that will require expensive repair services. It is important to know how to identify roof damage to ensure your roof is doing its job and stays in good condition for as long as possible.

Roof damage can be the result of aging and wear, or it can happen abruptly due to severe weather conditions. In either case, you want to be able to spot problem areas that signify that damage has occurred. We recommend hiring a roofing company in Ann Arbor, Michigan to do a roof inspection at least twice a year and then after any major rain, hail, or snowstorms. These are times when roof damage is most likely to occur because the elements can lift shingles, cause water buildup, or toss branches and debris onto the roof.

The following sections will include the types of roof damage to watch out for and signs that can help you detect roof damage both inside and outside your home.

Most common types of roof damage

Each of these situations can cause damage to your roof. If you suspect your roof is damaged, please contact a roofing company that can offer professional assessment and roof repair services. Mr. Roof is on call for home and business owners in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to help with roofing needs large and small.

Weather damage

Wind, hail, rain, and ice are all notorious for their ability to damage the structure of homes and businesses. The pounding rain accompanied by wind or hail can cause unbelievable amounts of physical damage to the roof of your home. Heavy snowstorms can leave your roof weighed down with wet snow that puts pressure on the shingles and underlayment, causing cracks, leaks, and spots that are caving in.

If you believe your roof is damaged after a storm, we recommend you call professionals to inspect for damage instead of climbing up to inspect the roof yourself. If you must look for yourself, take note of the following identifiers of damage.

  • Torn or buckled flashing
  • Dents from hail impact (on metal roofing)
  • Splintered wood in gutter or downspouts (in cedar roofing)
  • Dark spots from fallen granules (on asphalt shingles)

Moss damage

Look out for moss that can grow along your roof and cause damage to shingles. If you have moss damage, you will notice heavy clumps of moss over most or large portions of the roof. If the moss has been growing for a significant amount of time, the shingles that are affected will need to be replaced.

Mechanical damage

Mechanical damage happens anytime you or someone else unintentionally breaks or compromises the structure of your roof. Mechanical damage is usually accidental, but the damage will still need to be repaired to prevent bigger issues.

Any of these situations can lead to mechanical damage:

  • Cleaning gutters
  • Removing snow from the roof
  • Walking along a steep asphalt roof when the weather is hot

Look for damaged flashing around your chimney, valley, skylight, rakes, or walls to identify roof damage. You’ll know there’s damage if you see the shingle lifted from the roof, shingles with dark spots, shingles that are cracked or bent, or any signs of granule loss.

Tree damage

Fallen trees, tree branches, and large amounts of wet leaves can all cause massive damage to your roof. Unlike other forms of roof damage, damage from trees is usually seen or heard, so you may have an idea that your roof needs to be checked. If your roof has been hit by fallen branches, it is a good idea to inspect the roof to make sure no shingles were cracked or removed.

Signs your roof is damaged

There are also ways to identify roof damage from inside the home. If you notice these signs, you have some level of roof damage.

  • Water spots on the ceiling
  • Buckling of walls or wallpaper
  • Wet framing or insulation inside your attic
  • Ceiling sagging
  • Water leaks
  • Musty smells or visible mold
  • Increases in your energy bills

These signs indicate that the damage has started to impact other areas, and you should arrange to address these issues as soon as possible.

Roofing Contractors in Ann Arbor, Michigan

When you suspect that your roof has sustained damage of any kind, our roofing specialists are prepared to assess the problem and provide you with an estimate for services.

With over 60 years in the roofing business, the team at Mr. Roof continues to build on its legacy of providing quality roofing services to homeowners in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas. Contact our team to discuss having your roof assessed for damage and needed roof repairs.