Do I Need to Have My Phoenix Roof Cleaned and Inspected after a Storm?

Phoenix gets some monster storms. Every year, the monsoon season sends pouring rain, hail, and high winds down on the area for months at a time. Not only does that ruin any outdoor plans you had, but it can also be really hard on your home — particularly your roof.

You should have your roof inspected and cleaned at twice a year: Once in the fall and once in the spring. The inspection is a critical part of keeping your roof well-maintained and in top shape. The inspection can discover minor damage before it becomes a major problem, giving you the opportunity to get repairs before water damage spreads throughout your home and costs you thousands of dollars.

Even if you have already gotten your two roof inspections for the year, you will still want to get an inspection after a major storm. We’re not talking about a heavy rain — we’re talking about a storm that seems to rattle your whole house, that includes heavy winds that have your trees bending like they’re going to snap and the metal on your roof shed rattling. A storm that batters hail down on your roof or sends lawn chairs flying.

That’s the kind of storm that can do serious damage to your roof, and you’ll need to hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect your home to make sure you don’t need roof repair.

Here are a few things that a roofing contractor will look for after a storm:

Signs of Broken or Missing Roofing Materials

Heavy winds can cause roof shingles to peel up or even blow away completely, and they can knock tiles out of place and cause them to crack or break. Broken or missing roofing materials leave the roof vulnerable to water damage. You may not notice it right away, but a leak can form that can trickle water into your attic and through your walls and ceiling.

The inspection will also look for signs of loose or missing flashing, which is the material around your chimney, vents, and other parts that intersect with the roof. Problems with the flashing are among the top reasons for roof leaks, and there are many things that can cause problems with the flashing.

Excessive Shingle Granules

As shingles deteriorate over time, they will shed granules that will accumulate on your roof. Excessive granules are a sign that the shingles are not providing the protection that your roof needs.

A strong storm can wear away at your shingles, causing those granules to shake loose. Your roofing contractor will look for signs of excessive granules after a storm. If the granules are present, you will probably need to have some shingles replaced.

Soft Spots

Soft spots on your roof are signs that you have damaged or rotting roofing materials. That means that you likely have other roof damage that is allowing water to leak. If it hasn’t made it to your ceiling or walls, it probably will soon.

After a storm is a great time to check for soft spots. If there is a leak, the water will come through and soften up the underlying materials, making the soft spots easier to identify.

Soft spots are a serious problem for your roof. They indicate that you need major roof repair, which will include replacing multiple layers of the roof, right down to the decking. You may also need repair to other areas of your home, such as the ceiling beams, ceiling sheet rock, or drywall.

If soft spots are discovered, your roofer will need to take a closer look inside your home to see that there is no other damage or mold growth.

Storm Debris

Storms can deposit a lot of debris on your roof. The heavy rains and winds can down limbs, and can smaller twigs and leaves to rain down on your roof. Mud, pebbles, weeds, and other debris can get kicked up on your roof, as well.

Large deposits of storm debris are not just a cosmetic issue. If this debris remains on your roof, it can start to decompose and break down the roofing materials. The debris can basically turn into soil on your roof, and it can attract bugs and even allow seeds to take root. You’ll soon have living matter growing into your shingles or other roofing materials.

Larger debris can also get stuck in the flashing or between the tiles, causing a crack or rift that can loosen the materials and create an opening for leaks.

Your inspection should look for signs of problems caused by storm debris, and it should include a cleaning. Your roofing contractor will have the proper tools and cleaners to remove the debris safely.

Arizona Roof Rescue provides seasonal roofing inspections, as well as spot inspections after heavy storms. With the way Phoenix gets hammered every monsoon season, we tend to stay very busy during the summer and early fall months. An experienced roofing contractor from our team will perform a thorough inspection to discover any lingering issues that could cause major problems for your roof or your home. If roof repair is necessary, we can often perform it on the same day. If not, we can schedule it quickly to ensure that your roof is protected. Call us today to get your Phoenix roof inspected or to schedule any necessary maintenance or roof repair.

Published By:

Alan Monzon – Arizona Roof Rescue

6069 N. 57th Drive

Glendale, Arizona 85301

Office: 602-635-8650

Fax: 602-595-2704