Tips for Multi-Family Roofing Damage Detection and Prevention
Georgia has seen its fair share of rain and hail storms over the years, each of them causing headache for property managers. In September 2009, North Georgia faced heavy flooding resulting in $500 million of damage to properties in the area. More recently, there was heavy snowfall which caused over 200,000 power outages for businesses and properties. On March 20th of this year, a severe storm made its way through the Metro Atlanta area, destroying many properties in Fulton County, Haralson County, Paulding County, and Gwinnett County to name a few.
When multi-family properties are hit by storms, the effects prove to be devastating for the community. Often, multi-family properties may be far and few in-between especially in more remote areas in Georgia. The damage caused to the roofing can be more than enough to persuade tenants to move out if the problem isn’t fixed in a timely way. Even if the outside state of the property appears to look good, there might be some more subtle damage that may be missed, costing you more than you might have bargained for.
To help you save as much as possible on your roof, you can read this guide which will show you some of the trickier kinds of roofing damage to spot. You will also have the information you need to find the best roofing contractor who can work on your project.
What Should I Do After a Storm?
Any renovation or repair involving your roofing system is going to be a disruption for many of your residents. The parts of the roof which have been damaged from the storm will essentially become a site for the roofing repair and replacement specialists to work on. After a storm, call a professional roof repair and replacement company and get their assessment on the extent of the damage. Pick a day you’d like the roofing repair company to come and work on the project, and notify your residents in advance by mail.
By notifying your residents in advance of the renovations and repairs which will be made to the property’s roof, you will give them enough time to prepare and adjust to the changes that will take place. Roofing contractors may also change their schedule occasionally, and you’ll need to let your residents know about these changes as well. Your residents will feel confident you are acting in their best interest and that these roofing repairs are for their benefit.
What Types of Storm Damage to Look For
Multi-family property managers must be proactive to sustain the longevity of their roofing systems. Georgia’s humid climate and intense rain and hail storms cause all sorts of damage. Some of the signs of storm damage you need to look for in your roofing system are:
1. Bent Gutters
The gutter system on your property can suffer as much as the roof, so it’s important to check it for any damage carefully. The gutters can clog easily and not flush out water as effectively because of the mass of debris which builds up in the system. The stress and pressure can become great enough to detach the gutters entirely away from the property, allowing moss, mold, and other nuisances in, which isn’t the best way to keep your residents living on your premises for as long as possible.
2. Missing Shingles
The high wind speeds of a storm can be devastating for your multi-family property’s roof. Heavy winds will blow away shingles that lack the adhesive necessary to stay fixed to your roof, exposing the underlayment. It’s time to seek advice from a roofing specialist if you suspect your shingles are approaching the end of its lifetime. A violent storm in Georgia will only make the situation worse, so it’s best to check for this problem routinely at least once a year.
3. Ridge Vent Dents
Watch for dents in the ridge vents, the structures which maintain ventilation for your multi-family property. These dents could be caused by poor installation worsened by the impact of a severe storm. Ridge vents that are dented are less effective in keeping water out of your property and will cause leaks, an inconvenience for your residents.
4. Missing Ridge Caps
Roof caps cover the parts of the roof where the angles meet and play an important role in stopping rain and snow from leaking into your home. They are also one of the most vulnerable parts of your roof, so immediately check this part of your roof after a storm. You should also check your ridge caps at least once a year as part of your roofing maintenance.
4. Stains and Leaks
Always check for any stains or links on the interior of the properties you manage. When there’s water dripping from the ceiling, it’s an indicator that the performance of your roofing system has been on the decline and wouldn’t hold up well during a storm. There also could be mold and fungus developing which could spread to many other parts of your community, putting them at risk of contracting harmful, and even fatal airborne diseases. This is why monitoring your roofing system is one of the best ways you can keep everyone in your community safe before, during, and after a storm.
5. Decaying Soffits and Fascia
Soffits and fascia are the overhangs of your roof and are often the first parts of your roof to succumb to rotting. This problem is made worse after a storm causes damage to your multi-family property. Excess water seeping through the soffits and fascia creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and fungi to form. Pests such as bees, birds, squirrels, and hornets will make themselves at home under the eaves and cause more damage.
7. Missing Granules
If your multi-family property has a roof made from asphalt shingles, then you need to check for missing granules after the storm. Missing granules are an indicator that your shingles are going to break down faster, leaving you with more roof repair costs to pay. Having someone look at your roof after a storm will keep you from having much larger problems to deal with in the future.
Areas Affected by the Storm in 2018
This year’s storm affected many cities in Georgia, including:
• Austell
• Douglasville
• Atlanta
• Alpharetta
• Johns Creek
• Sandy Springs
• Roswell
• College Park
• Hampton
• McDonough
• Stockbridge
• Dallas
• Braswell
• Hiram
• Duluth
• Norcross
• Peachtree Corners
• Suwanee
• Lawrenceville
Whether or not your city was impacted by this year’s weather, calling a professional roofing contractor is the best way to keep your roof in peak condition and catch problems before they grow worse. By contacting a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible, you will be doing your part to ensure the safety of your community.
Who Should I Trust?
An outstanding roofing contractor is someone who cares about you and protecting the community from danger. Finding a roofing contractor can be a difficult, arduous process. Looking for one with years of experience working with multi-family communities and HOAs is even harder because of the size and scope of the projects involved. In these situations, a roofing contractor must be prepared also to take on project management duties and offer timely communication throughout the repair or replacement processes. Moreover, the roofing contractor you select must:
• Use only the highest-quality material in repairs
• Know how to help you file an insurance claim without getting ripped off
• Have experience attending roof inspections with the insurance adjusters
Ameristar Roofing is a roofing contractor which meets all of these qualifications and more. Our roofs are backed by the GAF Lifetime Roofing System Warranty and are built to last long and hold up well during a storm too. Call us at 877-330-3301 and get a $500 credit towards a roof replacement.