With our wild Oklahoma weather, your roof takes a beating all year long. Intense summer sun, pounding hail, and high winds can create small, hidden issues that become major disasters when temperatures drop. Before that first hard freeze hits the OKC metro, it's crucial to inspect your roof to prevent costly winter water damage.
Look for These Telltale Signs Inside Your Home
Often, the first clue of a roof leak isn't on the roof at all. Start your inspection inside, especially in your attic and on the top floor.
- Water Stains on Ceilings: Look for yellowish or brown circles on your ceiling or running down your walls. These are classic signs that water is finding its way in.
- Peeling or Bubbling Paint: Moisture getting into the wall cavity will cause the paint to bubble, blister, or peel away from the drywall.
- A Musty Smell: If you notice a persistent damp, musty odor in your attic or certain rooms, it's a strong indicator of hidden moisture and potential mold growth from a slow leak.
- Damp Attic Insulation: Carefully check your attic insulation. If it feels damp or compressed or looks darker in some spots, water is likely dripping from the roof deck above.
Inspect Your Roof's Exterior (The Oklahoma Damage Zone)
After a typical Oklahoma storm season, your roof's exterior will show the clearest signs of wear and potential entry points for water.
- Hail and Wind Damage: This is the number one cause of leaks in the OKC area. Look for shingles that are cracked, bruised (with missing granules), curled up at the edges, or completely missing. High winds can lift shingles and break their sealant, creating a perfect path for water.
- Damaged Flashing: Flashing is the metal material that seals the seams around your chimney, vents, and skylights. Check to see if it's rusted, cracked, or pulling away from the roof. This is a very common failure point.
- Granules in Your Gutters: When you clean your gutters, look for a large amount of tiny, sand-like asphalt granules. A few are normal, but a large accumulation means your shingles are aging and losing their protective layer, making them vulnerable to leaks.
- Clogged Gutters: Gutters backed up with leaves and debris can cause water to pool along your roofline. When it freezes, this creates ice dams that force water up and under your shingles.
Why a Small Leak is a Big Deal Before a Freeze
The real danger is the freeze-thaw cycle. A tiny bit of moisture that seeps under a hail-damaged shingle will freeze and expand overnight. This expansion can widen the crack or lift the shingle even more. When it thaws, more water gets in, and the cycle repeats, turning a tiny issue into a significant leak that can rot your roof decking and cause major interior damage.
Don't Wait for Winter Damage—Get a Professional Check
Finding these issues early is key to protecting your home. While you can spot many of these signs yourself, damage from hail and wind can be difficult to see from the ground.
Before the first freeze sets in, protect your investment. The experts at Taylormade Exteriors specialize in identifying and repairing the specific types of storm damage common to Oklahoma homes. We will perform a thorough, no-obligation inspection to ensure your roof is ready for winter.
Contact Taylormade Exteriors today for a free inspection at taylormadeexteriors.com and have peace of mind this winter!
