Sounds familiar... flashing issues can really sneak up on you, especially after harsh weather. Good call on the yearly checks—it's amazing how quickly minor gaps can turn into major headaches. On the bright side, now you're ahead of the game. Roof maintenance is definitely one of those things that pays off in peace of mind later. Glad you caught it early!
I've seen a lot of roofs after wild weather, and honestly, the flashing is usually the first thing to go. Good catch on your part—most folks don't notice until there's already water damage inside.
If you're looking for roofing materials that really hold up against harsh conditions, you might want to consider architectural shingles or metal roofing. Architectural shingles are thicker and heavier than standard asphalt shingles, so they handle wind and hail better. They're also pretty good at resisting algae growth, which can be a bonus if you're in a damp climate.
Metal roofing is another solid option. It sheds snow easily, resists hail damage (depending on thickness), and can withstand high winds if installed properly. The key with metal roofs is making sure they're installed with proper fasteners and spacing—otherwise, wind uplift can become an issue. I've inspected plenty of metal roofs that held up beautifully through storms because they were done right from the start.
One thing I'd suggest is paying extra attention to underlayment and flashing details during installation. Even the best roofing material won't help much if water sneaks in around chimneys or vents. Ice-and-water shield membranes around vulnerable areas like valleys, eaves, and penetrations can save you a ton of headaches down the road.
Also, don't underestimate regular inspections after big storms—even if your roof looks fine from the ground. I've climbed onto roofs that looked perfect at first glance but had loose shingles or bent flashing hidden from view. Catching these small issues early makes repairs quick and inexpensive compared to waiting until leaks appear inside your home.
Anyway, sounds like you're already proactive about maintenance, which puts you ahead of most homeowners I meet. Hope this helps!
"Even the best roofing material won't help much if water sneaks in around chimneys or vents."
Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way... Had metal roofing installed a few years back—great against wind, but sloppy flashing led to leaks. Definitely worth double-checking those details during installation.
You're definitely not alone there—I've seen plenty of homes with similar issues. Flashing is one of those sneaky details that often gets overlooked during installation, but it makes all the difference in keeping water out. I've inspected roofs that were top-notch materials-wise, yet still had leaks around chimneys or vent pipes because someone rushed through the flashing.
The good news is, once you pinpoint the trouble spots, it's usually straightforward to fix. A little extra attention and care with sealing and flashing can save a ton of headaches down the road. Sounds like you've already learned this firsthand (unfortunately!), but at least now you're aware and can keep an eye on things.
Metal roofing is generally a solid choice for wild weather—wind-resistant, durable, and long-lasting—but like you said, even the best roof won't hold up if the details aren't done right. It's great you're sharing your experience here; it'll probably help others avoid making the same mistake.
- Totally agree about flashing—seen it cause headaches more than once.
- Another sneaky issue I've noticed is improper fasteners or screws. Even with metal roofs, if they're not installed correctly or tightened enough, wind-driven rain finds its way in.
- Had a building last year with a brand-new metal roof, looked great...until the first big storm. Turns out, installers rushed the fasteners and didn't seal properly around skylights either.
- Curious if anyone here has experience with synthetic underlayment? I've heard good things about it holding up better under extreme conditions compared to traditional felt paper.
- Seems like details and installation quality matter just as much as materials when it comes to weatherproofing a roof.
