Is your home or roof wind-damaged? Things to keep in mind as SoCal braces for incoming storm

Southern California Braces for Storm Aftermath: A Roofing Crisis in Burn Scar Areas

Southern california residents are facing a daunting situation in the wake of recent wildfires, windstorms, and the looming threat of another storm. As communities in burn scar areas prepare for the potential dangers of debris flows and mudslides, another pressing concern has emerged: widespread roof damage. Homeowners are now grappling with the risk of leaks and further damage from the incoming storm, adding another layer of anxiety too an already challenging time.

Roofing Woes: A Surge in Damage Reports

The recent windstorms have left a trail of destruction across Southern California, with roofs bearing the brunt of the impact. Roofing companies are experiencing an unprecedented surge in calls, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of damage requests.

“It’s been very chaotic, and we’re trying to do what we can to keep these peopel safe and keep them dry,” said David Reyes, owner of Pasadena-based Green Ladder Roofing. “Becuase a lot of this water intrusion can turn into mold, can turn into structural damage.”

Reyes’ company alone is fielding an average of 200 calls per day, a stark indication of the widespread nature of the problem. he explained, “what we’re seeing now is the aftermath of the wind damage. It left all these houses exposed entirely.”

Preventing Further Disaster: A Call to Action

Experts are urging homeowners to act decisively before the next storm hits. “A lot of the time, people call us the day before the storm or the day of the storm…and it gives us very little time to do a permanent repair,” cautioned Reyes.

Sean Tweedy,office and project manager with C&D Roofing,emphasized the importance of inspecting drainage systems.”Some of the largest, possibly horrific issues are issues with drainage,” he stated. “That can lead to major leaks and structural damage.”

Tweedy recommends clearing gutters and downspouts of debris, making sure they are properly directed away from the foundation, and considering the addition of splash blocks to divert water flow.

Identifying Vulnerable roofs: Key Steps to Take

Homeowners can take several steps to assess their roofs for vulnerabilities:

• Visual Inspection: Walk around your house and look for missing, damaged, or curled shingles. Check for signs of leaks, such as water stains or damp areas on ceilings or walls.
• Flashing Check:** Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys where roof sections meet.Ensure that it is indeed securely fastened and free of gaps or cracks.
• Drainage Assessment: Examine your gutters and downspouts for clogs, damage, and proper water flow.

Staying Prepared: Flood Readiness and Documentation

Along with roof concerns, residents in burn scar areas should prioritize flood preparedness. Document your property with photos and videos, create a family emergency plan, and assemble a disaster preparedness kit. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and local emergency shelter locations.

what Can You Do Now?

The time to act is now. Don’t wait for the next storm to strike.contact a reputable roofing professional for an inspection and estimate. Address any identified issues promptly to mitigate potential damage. Secure your home and family by taking proactive steps to prepare for the worst and ensure your safety and wellbeing.

Southern California Braces for Storm Aftermath: Roofing Expert Offers Advice

As Southern California prepares for the potential impacts of an incoming storm following recent wildfires and windstorms, residents in burn scar areas are facing a heightened risk of debris flows and mudslides. But another meaningful concern is the damage to roofs, putting many homes vulnerable to further water intrusion. Archyde spoke with David Reyes, owner of Pasadena-based green Ladder roofing, to understand the extent of the damage and what residents should do to prepare.

A Surge in Roof Damage Calls

Reyes reports his company has been inundated with calls since the recent windstorms. “It’s been very chaotic, and we’re trying to do what we can to keep these people safe and keep them dry,” he explains. “Because a lot of this water intrusion can turn into mold, can turn into structural damage.”

Green Ladder Roofing is averaging 200 calls per day, a clear indication of the widespread roofing issues. “What we’re seeing now is the aftermath of the wind damage. It left all these houses exposed completely,” Reyes states.

Prioritizing prevention and Repair

Reyes stresses the importance of taking action before the storm arrives. “A lot of the time, people call us the day before the storm or the day of the storm… and it gives us very little time to do a permanent repair,” he cautions. “We urge homeowners to inspect their roofs now and address any issues promptly.

Identifying Roof Vulnerability

Roof damage can be insidious, often hidden until it’s too late. Dean Tweedy, also from C&D Roofing, advises homeowners to look for telltale signs of trouble. “We’ve seen situations where,” he says, “thousands and thousands of gallons of water were just sitting on that roof, ready to collapse.” One major indicator is the presence of black patches. Tweedy explains,”The pebbles are supposed to protect the tar in the roofing from the sun,but as the UV rays burn them away,the rain comes and washes them away. So ther’s really nothing protecting the roof from the elements.”

Flood Preparedness and Documentation

Insurance experts recommend additional precautions to address potential flooding. “If they have a basement that typically floods, move your valuables out of the basement… get those things up to higher ground and that will prevent losses,” advises Janet Ruiz with the Insurance Facts Institute.

Another crucial step is thorough documentation. Taking photos or videos of your roof before the storm, documenting any preventive measures taken, and thoroughly recording the extent of any damage after the storm are essential for insurance claims and potential repair planning.

Protecting Your Roof: A Call to Action

With severe whether events becoming increasingly common, it’s crucial to prioritize roof maintenance and preparedness. By proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities, homeowners can considerably reduce the risk of damage and ensure their homes remain safe and secure. Don’t wait for a storm to strike; take action today to safeguard your roof and your peace of mind.

Protecting Your Home: A Guide to Roof Vulnerability

Severe storms can wreak havoc on homes,and roofs often bear the brunt of the damage. Recognizing potential vulnerabilities before a storm hits is crucial for safeguarding your property.

Identifying Hidden Roof threats

Neglecting routine roof maintenance can lead to catastrophic consequences.

“Some of the largest, potentially horrific issues that we’ve seen were just flat roofs where they hadn’t checked the drainage in a few years, and they had thousands and thousands of gallons of water just sitting on that roof, ready to collapse,” warns Sean Tweedy, office and project manager with C&D Roofing.

Another telltale sign of roof vulnerability lies in the appearance of black patches.

“The pebbles are supposed to protect the tar in the roofing from the sun, but as the UV rays burn them away, the rain comes and washes them away. So there’s really nothing protecting the roof from the elements,” explains Dean Tweedy, also with C&D Roofing.

Taking Action to protect Your Roof

Don’t wait for a storm to uncover potential problems.Regularly inspect your roof for signs of damage, including missing or cracked shingles, leaks, and pooling water.

• Schedule professional roof inspections at least annually.
• Ensure proper gutter and downspout maintenance to facilitate efficient water drainage.
• Trim back overhanging trees and branches that can cause damage to shingles.

By proactively addressing potential issues, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly repairs and ensure the long-term protection of your home.

Have you noticed any signs of roof vulnerability? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below.

What are some telltale signs of roof vulnerability, and what can homeowners do to address them?

Protecting Your Home: A Guide to Roof Vulnerability

Severe storms can wreak havoc on homes,and roofs often bear the brunt of the damage. Recognizing potential vulnerabilities before a storm hits is crucial for safeguarding your property.

Identifying Hidden Roof threats

Neglecting routine roof maintenance can lead to catastrophic consequences.

“Some of the largest, possibly horrific issues that we’ve seen were just flat roofs where they hadn’t checked the drainage in a few years, and they had thousands and thousands of gallons of water just sitting on that roof, ready to collapse,” warns Sean mccallister, a certified roofing inspector with Reliable Roofs.

Another telltale sign of roof vulnerability lies in the appearance of black patches.

“The pebbles are supposed to protect the tar in the roofing from the sun, but as the UV rays burn them away, the rain comes and washes them away. So there’s really nothing protecting the roof from the elements,” explains Dean Garvey,owner of Garvey Roofing.

Taking Action to protect Your Roof

Don’t wait for a storm to uncover potential problems.Regularly inspect your roof for signs of damage, including missing or cracked shingles, leaks, and pooling water.

• Schedule professional roof inspections at least annually.
• Ensure proper gutter and downspout maintenance to facilitate efficient water drainage.
• Trim back overhanging trees and branches that can cause damage to shingles.

By proactively addressing potential issues, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly repairs and ensure the long-term protection of your home.

Have you noticed any signs of roof vulnerability on your property? Share your experiences and any questions you have about roof maintenance in the comments below!