Rainstorms are frequent in St. Petersburg, Florida during the summer. These can be extremely violent and destructive at times, especially when they are accompanied by hail. A St. Pete roof check is crucial after every such event. The homeowner can conduct an initial DIY roof check. This will reveal most of the obvious and superficial damages. However, it is not wise to stop at that. There may be some very serious damages that can be spotted only by a professional. So it is always good to engage a professional roofing company to conduct a thorough roof inspection after a, particularly violent rainstorm. 

Superficial roof damages 

The superficial damages are easily detected damages which consist of mostly shingle and rooftop damages.

• Missing shingles

The rainstorms in St. Petersburg, Florida are usually violent, mainly because of strong winds. The wind is likely to lift the shingles from under which results in the loosening of roofing nails. Once they are loose, the wind blows them away leaving gaps on the roof. This causes water to enter the roof affecting the parts underneath.

• Damaged shingles

If the wind does not blow the entire shingle away, it will break parts of it leaving gaps and holes through which rain enters the roof, damaging the roof decking. This damage is easily noticed and can be remedied.

• Damaged flashings 

Flashings are installed where the roof-top structures like, vents, chimney, or skylights are attached to the roof. The joints are covered with metal sheets and fixed using roofing cement or other sealants. The torrential rain is capable of washing parts of the sealants, especially, if it is cracked during the hot days. This will create seepage tracts. The exposed metal parts are likely to rust and corrode. You will have to replace the metal sheet if it is corroded or reapply the roofing cement.

• Gutters and downspouts 

Rain, combined with strong winds are too much for the gutters and downspouts to bear. The gutters may be torn away from their holdings and the downspouts pushed askew. If such an issue is noticed it should be remedied immediately.

• Damaged chimney 

Since the chimney rises above the roof it will have to put up with the aggressive wind force. The bricks may crumble and come loose or the chimney cover can be blown away. In both cases, water damage can be serious while it lasts.

• Attic issues 

Rainstorms accompanied by powerful wind will force water into your attic through various gaps and cracks in the fascia, soffit, or gables. This creates mold and mildew issues and ceiling issues. The water damage occurring in the attic can easily damage the ceiling. It can be soaked and fall off in parts. The fungal growth that invades the living space of the house is extremely dangerous to people and properties of the house. This problem should be detected and remedied fast.

• Rusted windows and doors 

The rain is likely to affect the metal parts of the windows and doors jamming them. So it will be difficult to open and close them. Furthermore, the wooden parts will be soaked and swollen. So, sufficient measures should be taken to protect these structures from the rainstorms.

• Hail damages and water pooling 

Hails are usually a part of the rainstorms. These will dent the shingles and later fill them with water. Water-pooling results in debris buildup and moss growth. The stagnant water slowly finds its way into the roof through the gaps between the shingles. After a rainstorm, you should clean your roof. If you spot any issues caused by hail, make sure to remedy them immediately.

Internal Roof Damages

These damages cannot be easily visible. They can be detected only by an experienced roofing contractor. So, it is necessary to have a professional roof check after a strong rainstorm. If there is structural damage, it should be evaluated accurately and remedied without delay. This kind of timely maintenance will prolong your roof-life considerably.