Storm, Wind, Ice or Hail Damage? Keep Calm and Call Us for a Roof Replacement Estimate

Hail can damage your roof by leaving dents in your shingles, etc.  It can bruise a shingle causing an indentation that may be hard to see but that can crack the shingle allowing water to leak over time. 

Potential signs of hail damage:

• Other hail damage around the house; dents on cars or other items on your house or in your yard
• A distinct pattern of small round-shaped divots on the edges of the shingles
• Indentations in the shingle where granules are missing
• A large pile of granules at the end of your downspout; a small amount is normal, especially with new shingles

Strong Winds can cause asphalt shingles to come loose and even blow off the roof. Leaks can result from the areas where shingles are missing. The adhesive seal that provides a water-shedding surface can also break.  This damage can be difficult to observe.

Potential signs of wind damage:

• Missing shingles
• Thin horizontal lines where granules have been worn off about 1-2 inches beneath the shingle above; this could indicate that the shingle seal was broken and the shingle was flapping in the wind rubbing against the shingle above it

Winter can cause havoc on your roof.  Leaks can be caused by an ice dam. Ice dams are the most common damage causing problem to roofs.  Ice dams form when snow sits on the roof for a time, melts and refreezes.  As this melt and refreeze pattern continues, water travels downward then freezes again as it reaches the eaves and forms a dam at the edge which doesn't allow water to flow off of the roof.  That water will get under the shingles and damage eaves and gutters and leak into the home.  The melting and freezing cycle happens when a roof is not properly vented causing heat to escape through the shingles.  To prevent this from occurring, be sure your roof is properly ventilated and gutters and downspouts are kept clear of debris. Ice and water shield underlayment will help to prevent this leaking from occurring. If snow does build up, cautiously rake it from the edges or hire a roofing contractor to properly shovel the snow from the roof.
For more tips on preparing your roof for Pittsburgh winters, visit our answers section.