Roofing Calgary: Signs of roof damage from wind

When a storm of any kind is over and blue skies begin to poke through grey clouds, it can feel like a relief. But with any storm that includes high winds, damage to a roof is given. After a storm has passed, a roof needs a thorough inspection for damages that may require repairs or a complete replacement. Because such damages may not be so explicit to many homeowners, roofing Calgary professionals should be hired to look over a roof that may have endured any harm from a storm.

Find out the signs you should be aware of that point to roof damages that will need repairs sooner rather than later.

Edge of roof curling

The edges of a roof include pressure points that winds of significant strength will most likely impact. The wind can take hold of the shingles on the edge of the roof, and they can curl up when sustaining damage from winds. Look for curling on the roof’s edges, which is an overt sign that the roof has been damaged.

Cracks and tears

Most roof materials, particularly flat roofs, will garner cracks and tears that can damage both the roof and the interior of the home. To reduce the risk of water leaks, repair these tears and cracks as soon as possible.

Missing shingles

According to most insurance and roof repair companies, missing shingles is the most overt sign of roof damage. Finding shingles around your yard, a flower bed, or anywhere on the ground below the roof, you might have a problem that will need further inspection.

Missing shingles on the roof due to storm damage.

Chimney damage

If your chimney looks a bit crooked, the materials look a bit dented or damaged; this could be another sign that there are other more subtle damages on the roof that you cannot see. Sometimes wind can break crucial areas of a chimney, like the sealing around the chimney, allowing water to leak through.

Interior leaks and sags

The exterior of the home is not the only area that needs to be closely examined after a wind storm; you should inspect the interior of your home as well. If there is discolouration on the ceiling, strange spotting, peeling paint or sagging of any kind, those are direct signs that will tell you the roof has been damaged and there is probably a leak as a result. Once you’ve noticed interior signs, you should contact roofing Calgary professionals as soon as possible to avoid further leaking that will result in costly and invasive repairs to be done to your home.

Conclusion

There are many different signs that your roof has been damaged that can be noticed and sought out after a wind storm occurs. Both exterior and interior visible damages can be found that will determine if your roof will require necessary repairs. Do not ignore these signs after a wind storm, as it can be detrimental to the state of your roof and home.

City Roofing & Exteriors consistently takes pride in serving Calgarians. At City Roofing, we understand the importance of customer satisfaction. We put safety, quality work and on time delivery as our top priority. We work hard to assist our customers in providing proper roofing systems to meet their budget and needs. We offer completed roofing services in Calgary and area on both residential and commercial projects. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work and recommend City Roofing as your roofing consultant and contractor. Give us a call at 403-608-9933 or send an email to [email protected].

Roofing in Calgary: How to prevent ice dams

Glistening icicles hanging from a roof amongst the snowy scenery might look quaint and picturesque, but the icicles could be more hazardous to you and your home than you might realize. Ice dams can cause a great deal of damage to your roof, and the walls of a home can impact the insulation and ceiling of the home’s exterior and can even cause mould to appear around the exterior and interior of a house. It can be expensive to repair the damages caused by ice dams, and roofing Calgary professionals will have to be contacted in some cases to undertake the repairs for you.

To avoid paying out of pocket for damages that can be circumvented, learn about the preventive measures you can take so you don’t have to worry about ice dams in winter.

What is an ice dam?

When winter comes and a constant cycle of freezing and thawing starts, that is when ice dams begin to form. When a layer of snow arrives on your roof, it begins to warm the air within the attic below. A warmed attic begins to thaw the snow, and the melted snow drifts down to the edges of the roof. When the snow now located at the edges of the roof cannot drain properly, it will begin to freeze, and thus, ice dams are formed.

How do ice dams affect the roof and home?

As the constant freezing and thawing cycle continues throughout the winter, the ice dams will begin to spread upward on the roof. Water from the ice dams will make its way into shingles on the roof, eventually seeping into the home’s interior. Once the water leaks into the home, it can ruin any insulation that is installed, causing ice dams to grow because warm air will begin to rise to the attic. According to Canadian insurance companies like SGI Canada, ice dams can cause water to enter the home where mould can grow accessible. Water damage can also begin to impact the structural integrity of a house due to ice dams.

Cleaning gutters

When the snow and ice melt, it tends to go into the gutters where ice dams are usually formed. Ice dams are more likely to formulate in gutters that are filled with leaves and debris, where the thawed snow and ice cannot be drained properly. To prevent this from happening, clean your gutters during the fall to ensure nothing is obstructing them and when winter arrives, break off the icicles that may surround the gutters.

Gutter ice dams on the roof of a house during a warm day of winter

Raking off the snow load

Snow gathering on the roof that is bound to melt will contribute to ice dams forming. Make sure snow that piles on the roof is kept to a minimum by using tools, like a roof rake, to get the snow off the top of your home. This can prove dangerous, and hiring a professional to do it for you is the safest route.

Insulated attic

The attic should be well insulated and ventilated to reduce the risk of ice dams wreaking havoc on your home. Installing quality insulation and ventilation into the attic portion of the house will ensure that the heat will stay confined in your home without drifting up into the attic, causing snow to melt and ice dams to likely form. Contact roofing Calgary companies for efficient and prompt installation before the winter to install a ventilation system and insulation.