It can be relaxing to listen to the sound of the rain or sit on the front porch and watch a thunderstorm roll through the area. However, just because they're interesting and sometimes fun to experience doesn't mean they can't be inconvenient or dangerous. Storms occur throughout the year, from heavy snow to rain, high winds, and hail. Atmospheric events often lead to the need for storm damage roof repair. Here's how severe weather conditions can affect your property.

How Do Storms Damage Roofs?

1. Wind

Wind is an integral part of most storm systems, including tornados and violent thunderstorms. Strong gusts typically lead to some sort of property damage. Sustained wind or isolated bursts can rip shingles off your roof. If these pieces are dislodged or missing, it creates a risk of leaks that can harm the interior of your home. 

In some severe situations, low air pressure outside and higher pressure inside a home during a storm can result in an entire metal roof or its flashing being pulled off. Strong winds can also warp or pull pieces of siding off the house.

2. Hail

Hail can cause roof damage, even if the ice balls are as small as 1 inch in diameter, which is slightly wider than a penny. These pieces of debris will leave small dimples on asphalt shingles, and they can leave shingle edges ripped and broken. 

Larger hailstones can lead to more significant problems, including large dents in metal roofing. The indentations can also cause the material to rust if it's not protected by a zinc coating. Large pieces of hail can pierce metal, especially softer products like copper, making the roofing susceptible to leaks. Sustained hailstorm conditions might require a complete roof replacement.

3. Rain

Pounding or excessive rainfall can erode the adhesive that holds shingles to the underlayment. As a result, water could seep under the top layer of roofing. Regular inspections and professional evaluations of your roof after storms will preserve your property and protect your investment. Smaller issues are easier and more inexpensive to fix than problems that are ignored and left to worsen. Save yourself some money and extend the life span of your roofing system by staying on top of care.

When you need storm damage roof repair after bad weather, turn to Pritchard Roofing & Construction in Ogden, IA. The team at this roofing company boasts over 40 years of experience in delivering roof and gutter improvements. Residents of Boone County and central Iowa have depended on this company's storm damage roof repair services for over 25 years. Whether you need asphalt shingles, rubber, or metal roofing, they can provide the material you need. Visit the website to learn more about their services. Call (515) 230-5489 to schedule a free roof evaluation or estimate.