Most Common Roof Damages & What You Can Do About Them This Winter

With the storm, rain, and hurricane season behind us, we’re all looking forward to some quiet, stress-free time these coming months. Because, unlike many other homeowners across the country, Florida homeowners don’t have to worry about the harsh winter weather and the potential roof damages that come with it.

However, what we should take into account is whether there are any roof damages left behind by the storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, excessive heat, and similar inclement weather we’ve been facing so far. 

So, make sure to read on, find out what type of damages your roof might be experiencing, and discover what you can do to mitigate or resolve them!

Storm & Wind Damage

During the storm season, high winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes can pose a great threat to the integrity of your roof, so making sure it is in good shape right now should be your top priority. 

Combined with hail and rain, harsh gusts of wind could easily tear off your shingles and tiles if they’re not properly attached, which could lead to water leaking through that space. And if the singles don’t get completely blown off, they are sure to experience some cracking, curling, or buckling, as well as the loss of surface granules. 

Severe storms and high winds are also known to cause significant structural damage,  such as the roof collapsing entirely or its interior structure getting weakened, especially if your roof is older or nearing the end of its lifespan. 

And you will be at an even greater risk of structural damages if you have trees and branches overhanging your roof since during storms, heavy or dead tree branches can break off and fall onto your home.

Therefore, the best thing you could do for your roof and your own safety is to have all the trees around your home trimmed or completely cut, as well as to take care of any other vegetation that might be risky and damaging.

In addition to that, regular maintenance and inspections are crucial, and these calmer winter months are the ideal time to call your roofer to check for any damages that may have occurred and get your roof in top shape for the future.

Rain & Water Damage

Flashing, gutters, and downspouts are the first ones in the line of fire when it comes to rain and water damages. Since they transport massive amounts of rainwater during the spring and summer months, they might get damaged, start to sag, break off or become loose, or get backed up and clogged by the debris that’s been falling in.  

The flashing is equally susceptible to these damages, as it protects some of the most vulnerable parts of your roof, such as roof valleys, skylights, chimneys, and other roof protrusions. Flashing can also get blown off or loosened, thus allowing the water to seep into the interior of your roof and home.

Checking the state of your gutters and flashing is crucial, so make sure to get your roofer working on them as soon as possible to get them in top shape before the next rainstorm hits.

Heat Damage

The heat and sun are two things that Florida rarely lacks. It is, after all, called the Sunshine State. And while many enjoy the sunshine, the sun relentlessly beating down on our roof can also lead to roof damage and even shorten your roof’s lifespan.

As a direct result of exposure to UV rays, roof shingles and tiles can get distorted or warped, they can crack, and become more fragile. This weakens the entire roofing system, making it more susceptible to leaks and further damages once the storms hit.

Moreover, your roof and attic ventilation might get worn and torn as well since they work diligently during the hot summer months to keep the heat outside.

Now is the perfect time to check for any of these weaknesses and existing roof damages, fix all of them, and upgrade your insulation and ventilation for optimal roof function.  

Animal Damage

And last but not least, your roof can also suffer from more or less extensive damage caused by animals, especially critters. Critters are known to sneak into your home, more specifically under your roof and into your attic, through any type of hole or crack they can find. 

And while they are known to do this year-round, it is even more common when the weather is bad. They will seek shelter in your attic and roof structures, and probably start nesting there.

Critters and wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, rats, birds, and even wasps might claw, chew, burrow, or tear their way through the structure of your home, leaving significant roof and structural damages, as well as attic insulation damages.

They are known to tear their way through the soffits and any cracks in the siding or the shingles, so that’s where you can expect the most damage. 

Therefore, as soon as the weather is clear and you have some time to dedicate to home and roof maintenance, make sure to call in your roofing contractors to check for any signs of damages and critters taking shelter in your home. The roofers will make sure to take care of them asap and prevent any further issues.

Put Your Trust in Your Local Roofers

R&C Roofing and Contracting is at your full disposal for winter roof maintenance and all your potential roofing emergencies. We will repair any damages your roof might have sustained and make sure to get it back into top shape.
Don’t hesitate to call your #1 Poinciana roofing company today! Let us take care of your roof so that it’s ready to stand strong against any type of weather that comes its way in the future.