What sort of toll has this hurricane season taken on your roof? You may have concerns over damage you can not see that will be a greater nuisance when the winter rains come. And after all the wind and rain the past few months, it is hard to know what one should be looking for.

We at Guy Brothers Roofing & Siding are well acquainted with such worries. We are a family business that has been in operation since 1970 and have put our experience to work for Gulf Coast homeowners to shield their roofs from storm after storm. Give us a ring at (850) 783-2062 if you would like an expert to have a look at things.

There is no better time than fall to put your roof through its paces. The hurricanes are behind us for now as the calendar changes, so you have an opening to put a stop to any damage before it gets out of hand. A roof may appear sound from the ground but storm damage has a way of being concealed where you would not expect it. Left to its own devices, a minor matter can become a costly one.

The Importance of a Fall Inspection in This Part of the Country

A roof does not have an easy life on the Gulf Coast; it is among the harshest in the country. Your shingles, underlayment and flashing are under duress from high winds, hail and the like. One good storm will loosen up materials and you would never know it from your driveway.

It is best to address these matters while the weather is still clement. Put off an inspection until the next heavy downpour and you might be faced with interior damage, mold and leaks that run you far more than a straightforward repair.

Spotting Trouble Without Getting on the Roof

You can make out warning signs from the ground and we would advise you to do so for your own safety rather than climbing up. From below you will want to check for:

• Shingles that are missing, curl or have a crack in them
• Granules from shingles in the downspouts or gutters
• Any sagging on the roofline
• Flashing in poor condition about the vents and chimneys
• Gutters that are loose and have been pulled from the house
• Debris of one kind or another in the valleys
• Stains on the fascia or soffits

Any of the above calls for a professional to come take a closer look. What is visible from the ground is only part of it.

Have a Look Inside as Well

Indoors you will often find the most telling evidence of a roof in trouble. After a trying season of storms, arm yourself with a flashlight and make your way to the upper rooms and attic. Be on the lookout for water stains, peeling paint near the roofline, daylight through the roof boards, or a musty odour and dampness in the insulation. It is unfortunate how many a homeowner will not see the damage inside until a drip has turned into a steady leak. An early fix is much less of an undertaking later on.

Pay Attention to the Edges

Wind and rain will go after the vulnerable spots. That includes the seals at any point of penetration and the flashing on your skylights and chimneys. Make sure your gutters are not clogged and draining as they should; otherwise you are forcing water back under the shingles.

While you are at it, check the siding. Storms are hard on it as well and a panel that is cracked or loose will let moisture get to the wood. Since we do roofing and siding, we can examine the entire exterior in a single trip.

Make the Call to a Pro

You can do some of the inspecting on your own, but if there is damage or you want to put your mind at ease, it is the sensible thing to have a pro do it. Our certification with the FORTIFIED Roof program of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety means we are versed in what to do about the kinds of damage hurricanes and high winds leave in their wake.

Every replacement or repair we put our name to is covered by a 10-year warranty on workmanship. We are here for the homeowner in Pensacola and the Okaloosa/Walton area, Punta Gorda in Florida, and in Alabama from Mobile and Bay Minette to Fairhope.

This fall should not go by without you seeing to your roof. For a free estimate or an inspection, contact Guy Brothers Roofing & Siding today at (850) 783-2062. We will take care of your family.