From heavy rain and wind to loose or missing shingles, there are many things that can go wrong during a New England winter storm. If you have sustained roof damage due to Mother Nature’s wrath, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible, and to have repairs made quickly. Remember, signs of damage may not be obvious, and may not even show up for weeks, often in the form of mysterious leaks.

That is why it is best to call a Massachusetts roofing professional like Hi-Tech to come out and inspect your roof after a particularly violent storm. Here are some tips when it comes to roof damage and storms – something that can and does happen frequently here in New England. Keep in mind that:

Heavy Rain, Snow, Wind and Ice Can Damage Your Roof

Mother Nature is not always kind to New England roofs. Strong winds can blow shingles off your roof. If left untreated, water from storms in the future can damage the underlayment and initiate rotting. Eventually, the water will leak into your home. Wind can also lift or break shingles’ sealing strip, allowing water or ice to get underneath the shingles, resulting in mold growth, leaks and damage to your interior.

Snow and ice are very heavy, adding to the stress on your roof.Sleet or below-freezing temperatures freeze melting snow, leading to ice dams and water leaks. Large snow and ice storms can even lead to roof collapse due to overloaded roofing elements if not removed in a timely fashion.

Torrential downpours tend to wash away the granules that make up your shingles. Rain can also get under missing sealing strips or flashing that has been damaged. If temperatures plummet and freezing occurs, the roof will expand and crack, compromising the integrity of your roofing system.

Signs of Damage May Not Show up for Weeks

The worst part is, you may not even know about the damage until weeks later when you notice a leak on your ceiling or walls. It’s hard to trace a leak back to its original source because water never travels in a straight line. A professional roofer has the tools to inspect the situation and determine the cause of the leak.

Hire a Professional to Inspect the Roof for Signs of Damage

It’s always a good idea to have inspections once yearly and after severe storms where you suspect damage has occurred. A roofer can check for loose or missing tiles, damaged flashing, hail damage and gutter damage. When repairs are made correctly and quickly, this can save you as the homeowner a lot of time, stress and money in the long run.

Contact Hi-Tech Windows & Siding

If you suspect your roof has sustained damage after a storm, call Hi-Tech for a free estimate and book an inspection. Contact us today in Methuen at 888-597-8355.