5 Common Types Of Roof Damage In Idaho & Storm Damage Info

Do you want to learn more about the common types of room damage in Idaho? Whether you are looking for tips on repairing your roof or just the common signs of roof storm damage in Boise or Idaho, we’ve got you covered!

Your home’s roof is the first layer of protection against the elements; sometimes, it can take a beating. Wind, hail, rain, and the sun can lead to missing or loose shingles, granule loss on your shingles, and damaged roof systems that form ice. Since roofs are integral to your home’s structural integrity, identifying any roof damage and acting swiftly is vital.

Roof damage can be widespread, especially after storms, and truthfully, whether you live in Boise or elsewhere, no Idaho home is 100% immune. Today, we will discuss the common types of roof damage in Idaho and how to find storm damage help in Boise and surrounding areas.

Quick Signs of Wind and Roof Storm Damage:

Here is a quick list of the most common signs of roof storm damage in Boise, Idaho:

• Missing shingles
• Flapping shingles
• Dented shingles (from hail)
• Structural roof damage (from falling branches)
• Sagging plywood
• ✔️Related Reading Material: Roofing Warranty Info

Wind & Storm Damage Roofing Companies in Boise:

Mother Nature, in all its beauty, has the unique ability to take something like your home’s roof and cause damage. Whether it is wind damage or issues caused by a storm, your home’s roof should endure MOST storms in Idaho.

However, storms that bring significant wind, hail, or tons of ice can cause issues. When you suspect you have roofing damage in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or somewhere else in Idaho, you mustn’t wait to have it addressed.

Hail can cause shingle dents that lead to leaks; wind can completely upend some of your shingles, and rain can penetrate broken roof flashing. Here at Legacy Roofing Idaho, we always recommend having your roof inspected if you suspect damage!

You can reach out for a free roof inspection with Legacy Roofing here:

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✔️We proudly install and repair roofs all around the greater Boise area, including all of the Treasure Valley, Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, Garden City, Fischer, Emmet, Homedale, Marsing, and more!

6 Common Types of Roof Damage in Idaho 

1. Wind Damage

The most common cause of roof damage in Idaho and the Boise area is wind!

Wind is a silent killer, and it negatively affects the shingles and sometimes even the structural foundation of your roof. Over time, heavy gusts of wind can loosen and even remove shingles on your roof. 

Damaged shingles can often lead to a whole host of issues, such as additional moisture that can spawn mold/moss/mildew along your roof, and so forth. Typically, the most obvious damage to your home’s roof will come from missing shingles caused by strong wind gusts.

In Idaho, roof damage is typically a result of harsh winter winds or winds from storms in the spring. In 2021 and 2023, intense wind storms in the greater Bosie, ID, area caused quite a bit of wind damage. One neighborhood in Boise had multiple homes where we had to replace their roofs!

2. Progressive Water Damage

Given their elevated structural features, roofs not only protect against the elements but also help facilitate water drainage. However, you could have a drainage problem if you see water pooling on your roof! 

Be sure to check your roof, especially after heavy rainstorms, if this is the case. It wouldn’t hurt to check your gutters to see if they’re clogged since that is usually how your roof experiences water damage. 

Excess water can reduce the effectiveness of your roof and spur early degradation because, as mentioned, it can seep in between cracks, gaps, and shingles and give life to moss, mold, and various diseases in and around your roof. 

Most water damage results from a roof leak or gutter issues. If you live in a heavily wooded area, gutter guards may be worth considering. Luckily, in Boise and other parts of Idaho, intense rain storms are less common than on the East Coast.

Related: Common Roofing Misconceptions

Water Roof Damage Causes in Idaho:

• Clogged gutters
• Heavy rains
• Missing shingles
• Leaking vents, flashing, or pipe collars
• Improper nail patterns

3. Membrane Erosion of Shingles 

Every roof has an internal membrane underneath its shingles, giving it an additional weatherproof property. While membranes can last an extended period, they can become compromised over time and progressively erode and shrink. 

This, in turn, breaks up the foundation of the shingles, causing them to crack. Membrane issues mean you will most likely need a roof replacement shortly. Never hesitate to call a professional to assess your situation if in doubt. Similar to the next one on this list, this is less common for newer homes in and around Idaho. Typically, membrane erosion and granule loss are reserved for older shingles (15+).

4. Insufficient Roof Ventilation 

A healthy roof requires proper ventilation through roof vents to regulate air circulation in and out of your roof. Faulty roof ventilation, especially during the spring/summer as heat rises, can increase the amount of air moisture, making the conditions ripe for mold/mildew.

This is typically more common in older roofs and homes, but be sure to look for it if your home is approaching the 25-year age mark. With so much growth in the Treasure Valley, if you have a new home, this is less likely to occur. However, if your roof or home is over 20, consider having a roof inspection to check the ventilation!

5. Hail Damage

Golf ball-sized hail can cause many issues for your cars, home, and even your roof! Large hail can leave dark spots like the ones in the photo above, which can slowly cause the shingles to lose their structural integrity.

Hail can cause various issues, including shingle damage, roof leaks, and more! In situations like these, it is always best to have a roofing company like Legacy Roofing Idaho inspect your roof.

6. Tree-impact collision! 

Fallen trees and over-extending branches can severely undermine the structural integrity of your roof. Heavy storms and powerful winds are enough to have adjacent trees fall over and hit your house. 

A collision, even on a minor scale, will require professional help since the weight and momentum factors of the crash could reveal more damage than expected. 

✔️Warning: A certified roofing contractor should perform all roof inspections due to the elevated risk of falling, which could result in excessive bodily harm and death. 

Why is it good to know how to recognize storm roof damage?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and therefore, it should require the most attention since it protects so much. As mentioned before, roofs serve as the initial line of defense against the elements but also play a role in regulating energy efficiency in your home year-round, keeping your house cold during the summer and warm in the winter. 

Roofs are tricky, but they can be compromised and vulnerable over time; therefore, identifying and understanding types of roof damage commonly experienced in Idaho will put you in the best possible position to be proactive rather than reactive. 

What’s the verdict? 

The types of roof damage in Idaho are pretty self-explanatory; however, identifying such damage can require a trained eye. Remember that many variables, such as regional climate, geographical area, and so forth, will influence the extent of roof damage if you experience any.

If you live in or around Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or the surrounding areas of the Treasure Valley, Legacy Roofing can help you! We are recognized as one of the best roofing companies in Boise, and we are here to help you with any storm damage, roof damage, or other issues you might have!