Many people do not realize they have damage to their roof after a storm. Whether you’ve had hail, a lot of snow, or high winds during a storm you could have storm damage. Everything from ice damming that backs up ice/water and cause leakage, to hail and wind damage can attack your roof during a storm. For most people they do not notice any damage until there is a leak, or the obvious missing shingles, or damaged gutters.

After a serious storm it’s a good idea to step outside and visually inspect your roof. Look for missing shingles, downed, or bent gutters, leaks inside, bent flashing, or bent drip edges on the sides of your roof line where the shingles join the facia. Talk to neighbors who may have had similar damage and theirs may be more visible. One of the biggest signs of storm roof damage is neighboring structures that have similar damage.

Heavy, wet snow, strong winds, and hail are the biggest culprits of roof damage from a storm. Your roof takes a beating from the elements all year long and most people don’t regularly inspect, or survey their roof for damage. Hail, tornadoes, straight line winds and heavy, wet snow can seriously damage a roof. If you think you have had storm damage you need to contact a reputable and highly rated roofing company along with your insurance company.

There are several things to inspect before you call a reputable roofer, or your insurance company. Inspect and look at the following:

• Missing, or ripped shingles. Granule buildup on your shingle, dings and dents in the shingles from hail.
• Flashing that is missing, or loose-hanging especially along vents, chimneys and skylights.
• Water damage in the attic, or along a ceiling.
• Sealant that is coming loose around various connection points.
• Weak, sagging, or loose gutters after a storm.

If you have any concerns, or questions contact a professional roofing company and ask them to inspect your roof for possible damage. Most companies will perform an inspection for free and provide a repair estimate if necessary. You should have your roof inspected at least twice a year (fall and summer), or minimally once per year.

Reputable firms will be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss any potential underlayment issues, shingle replacement, flashing repair, or sealant/caulking problems around venting, etc. They will provide a written estimate. Your homeowners insurance will usually cover what is damaged beyond your control. Extreme weather and “acts of God,” are typically covered as well as straight line wind damage, tornadoes, hail, wind and rain.

If you suspect damage, take pictures of what you can see from the ground or the second floor windows. Do not get on your roof to assess damage. This is a liability from which you may not be covered under your insurance policy. Leave the gritty work to the professionals!

Depending on the age of your home, or the roof, your roof may come with a warranty. This is an important factor in determining reimbursement and liability. Many shingles are covered from 25-50 years depending upon the type and manufacturer. If you recently purchased the home, or structure most roof warranties are transferable. Do your homework and rely on certified, highly rated roofing professionals as well as your insurance company.

Avoid companies that show up in your neighborhood after a harsh, or devastating storm. These companies prey on innocent homeowners in need of repairs to inhabit their home following a storm. Make sure the company is recognized by the Better Business Bureau, your insurance company and has strong ratings/online reviews. You have to look out for yourself when it comes to storm repair and cleanup.

Make sure the company you choose is reputable, meets the state and local qualifications for roof repairs and has no outstanding grievances, or lawsuits regarding their work.
Gilstrap Roofing has been a family owned and operated business serving the Upstate and Midlands of South Carolina since 1935. We welcome your questions, and scrutiny in searching for a roofing contractor. We are a full service roofing contractor with an A+ BBB rating.

Brian Gilstrap, President
Gilstrap Roofing
Greenville, SC 29611
864.269.1232
Email: office@gilstraproofing.com

One of the most disregarded home maintenance issues is your roof. There are a wide variety of issues that affect your roof. Think of your roof as the blanket on your bed. It protects you from the elements, keeps you dry and warm as you sleep. When it performs like it’s supposed to no one thinks about it. However, when it fails, or doesn’t deliver as expected, it can be frustrating and costly.

There are several things that can lead to roof maintenance issues. Among them:

• Holes in your roof that you may not even know about. Severe weather, hail, high winds and snow can lift metal flashing and shingles up pushing water, or element damage underneath. Lifted shingles need to be nailed down and resealed. Loose flashing is a concern for leaks and exposure to the elements.
• High winds can sponsor debris that can penetrate your roof and open holes in the roof. Insects and small animals can penetrate these holes and cause serious problems and damage within the attic and roofline. Holes in the roofline also compromise your heating and cooling integrity.
• Asphalt shingles have small granules (you can find them in your gutters) that absorb UV radiation and protect your roof from the weather. When granules fall off the integrity of your shingles is in jeopardy. Bald spots can occur and you can begin having roof problems from leaks to damaged shingles and roof decking.
• Shrinking shingles and tiles can occur when your roofing did not take these weather related factors into consideration When shrinking occurs shingles and tiles can break or fall off and create leakage.
• Aging gutters can cause serious roofing problems. If your gutters are blocked, or aren’t draining properly they can send water back through the shingles and under the roofline. Regular gutter maintenance will help protect your roof.
• Overgrown trees can cause a variety of roofing problems. Tiles, shingles and flashing can be damaged on your roof when trees are too big and contact your roofline. Homes with overgrown tree canopies are very susceptible to damage.

Gilstrap Roofing has been a family owned and operated business serving the Upstate and Midlands of South Carolina since 1935. We welcome your questions, and scrutiny in searching for a roofing contractor. We are a full service roofing contractor with an A+ BBB rating.

Brian Gilstrap, President
Gilstrap Roofing
Greenville, SC 29611
864.269.1232
Email: office@gilstraproofing.com