It’s never easy to predict when a home might be hit by severe weather, but as a homeowner in Minnesota, you can guarantee that it will happen at some point. Strong windstorms, destructive thunderstorms, blizzards, and ice storms can cause some of the most common roofing problems homeowners encounter. The unpredictability of storms can also impact siding and gutters. It’s essential to understand how the different types of severe weather can affect your home and what you can do about it.

WIND

The damage left by wind is not always immediately visible, but when a severe windstorm strikes, you can quickly see how much damage it has done to your roof. There are two types of wind damage in roofing: up-lift and racking.

• Up-lift occurs when fast-moving wind creates a lower pressure zone on the downwind slope of the roof, walls, and inside the house.
• Racking can happen when the strong winds do not hit the home evenly.

Although roofing materials have improved, homeowners need to understand that any damage, no matter how small, can cause much bigger problems inside. This is especially true for windows, which is one of the many reasons why storm windows are so crucial for combatting windy climates.

HAIL

It is a sign of hail damage if you see round impressions or pitting in your roof or siding. Although the damage may not seem serious at first, it can become the start of a leak if it is not fixed.

Hail can also cause visible denting on the metal flashing bordering the roof. The area around the downspouts for gutters could show signs of granules from the shingles loosened during the hail storm.

If damaged shingles are not replaced, they can become water absorbent, in time filtering water to the layers below.

HEAVY SNOW

Snow is a part of winter life in Minnesota and one of the most significant contributors to roof damage. That is because snow is hefty. Light, fluffy snow can weigh 10-15 pounds per square foot (PSF), while thick, wet snow can weigh up to 40-50 PSF. That is a tremendous amount of strain on your roof.

In northern Minnesota, residential building codes are set to 42 PSF and 35 PSF in southern Minnesota.

While there are specific materials that work better for roofing in cold climates, it’s always a good idea to routinely inspect your roof. Signs of damage include sagging, cracking, even collapsing roofs.

ICE

Ice can be a sneakier source of home damage. Often icicles look innocuous. We even try to imitate them in the shape of white and blue lights around the holiday season. However, hanging from the front of your roof, they can be a harbinger of danger to your roof in the form of ice dams. Ice dams occur when warm air from the inside of your home melts snow on your roof, but the cold air outside refreezes it. That pattern creates a buildup along the roofline that can lift up shingles, bend gutters, and cause water damage to the inside of your home.

FALLEN DEBRIS

A large tree or branch crashing into your house can be an obvious red flag that you’ll need to call a contractor, but even small amounts of falling debris can cause cracked shingles that could lead your roof to leak. It goes without saying that storms like tornadoes produce a lot of debris, but straight-line winds, like derechos, have been in the news lately for creating just as much debris and damage.

Debris can not only impact your roof, but also your gutters, windows, and siding depending on the fury of the storm.

RAIN

Rain might seem innocent enough, but over time moisture damage can add up on your roof. We get our share of rain in Minnesota, which is why you should be able to recognize some of the most common signs of rain wear. Frequent rain storms can strip off the protective granules, leaving the shingles more susceptible to rain damage. If you see evidence of buckling, curling, warping, or even missing shingles, contact Principles Building & Remodeling.

If you notice mold in your attic, it means that water is leaking from somewhere on the roof and it can cause a headache for homeowners. Similarly, if you see mold on your shingles, it could be caused by nearby vegetation, but it could also be a sign of damage, and it should be inspected.

ASSESSING THE DAMAGE

As soon as you can, contact Principles Building & Remodeling to evaluate and prioritize the damage. It’s important to address it quickly so that it does not worsen over time and lead to more costly repairs or affect the resale value of your home.

YOUR PARTNER IN HOME REPAIR

It’s essential to promptly address storm concerns to your home in Minnesota. You will ensure that your home can continue to keep you safe and warm for years to come. Principles Building and Remodeling cares about providing quality workmanship and service.

In 2015, we saw an opportunity in the construction industry. That is why we focus on the quality of work, not speed. We understand that storm damage and home repairs can be a stressful time. That is why we are also happy to work with you as you get an insurance claim approved. Contact us for a complimentary inspection, and we will let you know all your repair options.