Storms come in all shapes and sizes here in the Midwest. It’s not uncommon for tornadoes to sweep through the Kansas City area during the summer months or hail to hit during the spring. Winter storms sweep through, as well, dropping snow and ice everywhere. All these weather conditions can cause storm damage to your Kansas City home, and often, it’s the roof that takes the biggest hit.
Midwest storms often result in the need for roof leak repair, and a Kansas City roofing contractor can help you set things right. The expertise of a local roofing contractor is helpful when it comes time to fix storm damage on your Kansas City home.
Types of Storm Damage
Midwest storms may leave a trail of damage behind. This damage typically falls into one or more of these categories.
Water Damage
Heavy rains can damage shingles, knocking the granules off the shingle surfaces. These granules are there to help deflect the sun from the roof, which keeps the house cooler during hot summer months. During a storm, heavy rains pound these granules off, especially if the roof is showing some age. These granules then wash down into the gutters and get caught with leaves, sticks, and other debris.
Too much moisture is bad for a roof. Moisture leaks into weak spots – small cracks, loose flashing, or vent seams – and gets into the house. You’ll notice this when it shows up as water spots on the ceilings. Trapped moisture often leads to mold and mildew, both of which can lead to severe health problems for those with respiratory issues. If you suspect you have water damage, call a local roofing contractor to come out and advise you on roof leak repair for your Kansas City home.
Wind Damage
Heavy winds can also damage shingles. Wind catches the edges of loose shingles, prying them up or tearing them off. Strong winds also blow tree limbs down. The best way to avoid wind damage is to have a roof inspection done annually. An inspection will uncover any issues you have with loose or damaged shingles, allowing you time to take care of the problem before the next storm hits. Also, if you have trees with branches that overhang the house, keep the branches trimmed back away from the roof. That way, if they come down in a storm, your roof is safe.
Hail Damage
Hail damage is common in the Midwest, but it’s hard for the average homeowner to spot. Hail can crack or otherwise damage shingles, making them susceptible to leakage. Hail also knocks off those granules we discussed earlier. If you suspect hail damage, call a local roofing contractor for help. They’ll assess the situation and advise you on filing a claim with your insurance company.
Snow and Ice Damage
Snow and ice can also cause problems. Snow gets heavy, and if it’s on the roof for too long, you may end up with leaks or other moisture issues. In freezing weather, ice build-up leads to ice damming, a condition where ice forms under the flashing. As snow melts, it runs down toward the gutters, where it freezes and starts backing up onto the roof. This traps water underneath the ice, which can cause significant roof damage. Keep your gutters clean during the winter months, and use a broom to sweep heavy snow off the roof if the weather stays too cold for it to quickly melt.
Shamrock Roofing and Construction is Your Local Roofing Contractor
If you have storm damage on your Kansas City home, give us a call at Shamrock Roofing and Construction. We’ll come out and do an inspection on your roof, providing you with a detailed report that outlines any damage we found. We specialize in storm damage repair, so we can also do the roof leak repairs. Kansas City weather is unpredictable. Contact us today for more information on assessing storm damage in Kansas City.