The Type Of Damage A Fallen Limb Can Cause And The Roofing Repairs Your Home May Need
If lightning strikes a tree and a limb splits off and lands on your roof, you can be sure there is some sort of roof damage, even if it's just scratched or dented shingles. You might want to peek in your attic to see if the limb punched through the deck, but otherwise, you'll have to wait for the limb to be removed and then have a roofing repair company do a thorough check to see what damage was sustained. Here are some types of damage a fallen limb might cause and the roof repairs you might need.
Damage To The Deck Could Require Deck Patching
The only good thing about a limb falling on your roof is the damage is localized, so you may not need a roof replacement unless other storm damage, such as from hail, was done too. The roofer will inspect the roof after the limb is safely out of the way. They'll look for shingle damage as well as damage to the deck underneath. They'll also check flashing and protrusions in the area for signs of damage that could lead to a roof leak.
If the deck is cracked or broken through, the old plywood has to be removed and new wood put in its place. This entails removing the shingles from that area of the roof first, and you'll probably need new shingles put on to replace them.
Cracked Or Bruised Shingles Need To Be Replaced
Detecting shingle damage can be tricky when a crack isn't obvious. A bruised area on a shingle can signal damage that could lead to leaking in the future. The roofer may need to tear off several shingles in the area of damage and replace them with new ones of a matching color so they blend in.
Damaged Flashing Or Boots Need To Be Repaired
The rubber flashing around a pipe vent could possibly be damaged or punctured by a falling tree limb. If it shows any signs of damage, the roofer will probably replace it so rain doesn't leak through the cracks. Leaks are common in flashing, so the roofer will check it carefully for gaps and dents that could be signs of potential trouble. Flashing can often be resealed or repaired, but if necessary, it can be replaced too.
If your roof was damaged so much so that it leaks when it rains, then you'll need quick repairs if possible. When roofing repairs can't be done right away, the roofer may put a blue roof tarp on the damaged area to block rain until supplies are gathered and the repair date can be scheduled.
To learn more, contact a residential roofing repair company.
