Common Roof Problems Attributed to Coastal Storms on Long Island
Was the last nor’easter responsible for the shingles you found in your yard? Water stains on the ceiling have you concerned? You may be asking yourself if your roof is up to the task of the next coastal storm.
Since 1992 King Quality Roofing has put those concerns to rest for homeowners on Long Island. Give our team a ring at (631) 364-7442 whenever you like. One only has to live close to the water to know a roof endures what an inland home would not. To safeguard your property you must first come to terms with the sort of damage salt and wind and rain can do.
Why Your Roof Suffers in a Coastal Storm
Being on Long Island puts you in the way of Atlantic storms. Be it a summer hurricane or a winter nor’easter, there are years of hard driving rain, salt in the air and gusty winds for our homes to contend with. A roof in good order will put up with much, but even the sturdiest one will show its age after season upon season of such conditions.
Then there is the insidious nature of salt air. It will eat away at the metal in your gutters, fasteners and flashing. Homeowners are often none the wiser until a leak makes itself known because the process is so gradual. Add to that the force of the elements and trouble is sure to follow.
Storm Damage: What We Come Across
We have been putting in work on roofs all over Long Island for decades and we see certain things crop up in the wake of a storm. The following are by far the most prevalent:
Shingles missing or raised by the wind; those that have curled or cracked from temperature changes and salt; corroded flashing on a skylight or vent which water can make its way past; clogged gutters that back up to the edge of the roof; granule loss on asphalt leaving it open to the elements; sagging in the deck where moisture has done its work; and any discoloration or bubbling on an interior wall or ceiling that tells you moisture is inside.
Left to their own devices these will become costlier to fix. With some regular inspection they are simple enough to spot.
Wind Damage
Do not think of wind as merely dislodging a shingle or two. It can break the seal that makes the system watertight by lifting the edge. The shingle might drop back into place but the seal will not. From there water can make its way under and put in an appearance well away from where it entered. Such damage is not always apparent when you are standing on the ground.
The Effects of Salt Air
In Bay Shore, Freeport, West Islip and the rest of our coastal communities you are never without salt air. It hastens corrosion on any metal your roof has. Inland, a piece of flashing might go for decades, here it does not. Nails on an older roof will let go of their hold and shingles can slip. An occasional checkup will keep this kind of wear from turning into a leak.
Have Your Roof Inspected
There is no call to put off making a phone call until you have a leak on your hands. We would advise an inspection annually and in the aftermath of a major storm. Make an appointment if:
- Your roof is in excess of 15 or 20 years
- You are seeing new paint bubbling or discoloration on the ceiling
- Daylight or water marks are evident in the attic
- Gutters are full of granules or are leaking and sagging
- Pieces of shingle are to be had in the driveway or yard
An early intervention will spare you some expense in the way of interior repairs later on.
Put in a Call to the Experts
With 300,000 projects to our name we are the Northeast’s largest contractor. As an award-winning and GAF 3-Star certified firm, King Quality Roofing stands behind our workmanship with lifetime warranties. We can provide a free estimate and through our Easy Pay program flexible financing is available. Should you have any doubts about your roof after a storm, we are at (631) 364-7442 to help you put your mind at ease.
