Though we are nowhere near tornado valley, history has shown us that we’re certainly not immune to disastrous storms here in the Charlottesville area. A little more than a year ago, on a relatively normal Thursday morning, a storm broke out in Albemarle County leaving a trail of chaos in its wake.
The National Weather Service confirmed that a small EF-0 tornado had carved a path through the town. Don’t let that minor rating fool you, though. At 75 yards wide and traveling at 71 miles an hour, this little tornado certainly left its mark.
Trees were violently ripped from a hillside, and Monticello High School sustained damage to the auditorium roof and had its windows blown out. Though the damage was not that widespread and the tornado was over in less than a minute, Charlottesville residents were left a bit shaken.
Many people reported slight damage to their homes, and here at Superior Roofing, we were happy to provide free estimates for any damage sustained.
Storms like this one can bring more than just the strong wind. Hail is also a menace. Storms can bring along other debris that can cause damage for homeowners. This small tornado showed that even relatively minor weather incidents could have severe repercussions for your roof.
A home’s roof is its most critical component, so it’s vital to keep it in good shape. Damage from a storm can hinder your roof’s structural integrity and place your family and home at risk of exposure to the elements.
Wind Damage
Wind can be a problem that comes with any storm, not just tornadoes. Wind can tear the shingles and other roofing material right off your home. Missing or damaged shingles expose your roof and underlayment to the elements, and this can create further damage to your roof. If your home has suffered from any wind damage, you should take action right away.
Hail Damage
Hail can do a number on a roof, but many homeowners don’t realize that. Most roofing materials, including asphalt, metal, and tiles, can be damaged by hail. The hail can cause your shingles to crack and split, and ceramic tiles can be completely shattered. This leaves the underside of your roof at risk of further damage from rain. UV rays from the sun are also potentially harmful to your roof, especially in areas that have already sustained damage.
Debris
When storms like the one in August blow through, they can kick up a great deal of debris. This happens due to strong winds uprooting trees and displacing them, blowing toys and furniture out of yards, and displacing fire pits and BBQs. Anything that isn’t fully secured can become a projectile. This can be extremely dangerous for your roof.
If you think you might have experienced any roof damage from last year’s storm or in any storms since then, give us a call at (434) 205-6633. Superior Roofing has an experienced team in place ready to give you a free estimate, so call us today!
