Roof repair in Lakewood Village, Sunnyvale

Wind, branches and wear are hard on shingle roofs. Here's what to check after a storm, and how repairs usually go.

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If your Lakewood Village roof lost shingles in the wind, took a hit from a branch, or started leaking after a storm, call (669) 240-7171 and describe what you see. This page walks through a safe check after bad weather, how trees and debris wear on a roof, and what a wind-damage repair usually involves.

Roof repair help for Lakewood Village homes

Lakewood Village is one of Sunnyvale's residential neighborhoods. Like any neighborhood, its roofs differ in age, material and condition, but they all face the same weather: sun through the dry months, then wind and rain when the storms arrive.

Wind, falling branches and built-up debris are among the most common reasons a roof needs attention after bad weather. Here is how to tell what you are looking at:

Not sure which of these applies? The roof symptom checker on our homepage can help you sort it out.

Project photo placeholderAdd: a recent project photo from Lakewood Village. Only name the area if the job was really there.

After a storm: a safe walk-around

You don't need to climb anything. Walk around the house, look up, and note what you see. Use binoculars or a phone zoom for the high spots. Then use this table to decide what to do next.

What you find after a storm and what to do
What you findWhat it may meanNext step
Shingle pieces in the yard or guttersThe roof surface has been damagedPhotograph the pieces and the roof, then call
A bare patch or a dark exposed layerShingles are gone and the underlayment is exposedCall before the next rain
A bent or hanging gutterEdge damage, possibly the fascia or drip edge tooPhotograph and have the roof edge checked
A branch resting on the roofImpact damage that may be hidden under itLeave it, stay clear, and call
A new ceiling stain or damp spotWater is getting in somewhereContain the water, mark the stain, then call

Leave branches where they are

Don't climb up to move a fallen branch. It may be resting on damaged roofing or pulling on gutters, and wet roofs are slippery. Call us, and an arborist for the tree if needed.

Trees, branches and debris

If trees overhang or stand near your roof, they affect it every season, not only during storms.

  • Branches scrape the surface and crack shingles when the wind moves them.
  • Leaves and needles collect in valleys and along edges, hold moisture against the roofing and push water sideways.
  • Moss and algae grow on shaded slopes. Dark streaks are mostly cosmetic, but thick moss can hold water and lift shingle edges.
  • Clogged gutters back water up under the edge of the roof and onto the fascia.

Trimming branches back from the roof is a job for a tree professional. Gutters and valleys can be cleaned from a ladder, but only if you are comfortable and it's safe. Otherwise, we can do it during an inspection.

What a wind-damage repair usually involves

Wind tends to do three things: it lifts shingles whose sealant has dried out, it tears away shingles entirely, and it loosens metal parts at the edges and around vents. A typical repair looks like this:

  1. We inspect the damaged area and the roofing around it, since neighbors of a failed shingle are often close to failing too.
  2. Lifted shingles are resealed, and torn or missing ones are replaced.
  3. Edge metal, ridge caps and vent covers are checked and secured or replaced.
  4. Any exposed underlayment or wet wood is repaired before new roofing goes on.
  5. Debris and old nails are cleaned up from the roof, the gutters and the yard.

Ask us whether the rest of the roof is in good enough shape to be worth repairing. If shingles are brittle, spot repairs can crack more of them.

A simple yearly routine

Roofs last longer when small problems are caught early. This routine takes a few minutes at each stage.

A year-round roof routine
WhenWhat to do
Before the rain startsClear gutters. Look for lifted shingles, loose vent covers and debris in valleys.
After a windy day or big stormWalk around the house, check the yard for pieces of roofing, and look at the ceilings indoors.
When the rains endCheck the attic for damp spots and compare today's photos with earlier ones.
Once a yearHave us inspect flashing, vents and the roof surface, especially on older roofs.

Pro tip

Take photos of the roof from the same spots each year. A before-and-after comparison shows changes you might not notice day to day.

What to ask any roofer

  • Is the damage limited to this area, or is the whole roof tired?
  • Will the shingles be resealed or replaced, and how many?
  • Will you check the edges, vents and ridge as well as the damaged spot?
  • Can you show me photos of what you found and what you fixed?
  • Is the quote in writing, and does it list any interior or tree-related work separately?

Other parts of Sunnyvale

If you are in a different neighborhood, these pages cover the same kinds of roof problems. See the notes for homes in South Sunnyvale or for properties near Moffett Park.

Questions about this repair

Can I replace the shingles that blew off myself?

It's best to leave it to us. Roofs are slippery and dangerous, especially after a storm, and a hurried fix can leave gaps. You can safely photograph the damage from the ground and ask about a temporary cover if rain is coming.

A branch fell on my roof. What should I do?

Stay clear and check inside for leaks or sagging. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the structure looks unsafe. Otherwise photograph the branch and the roof from the ground, leave the branch where it is, and call us. A tree professional can handle the tree itself.

How soon should I have the roof checked after a storm?

As soon as it's safe. If roofing is missing or water is coming in, treat it as urgent and call before the next rain. If you only see minor signs, get an inspection before the next significant storm.

Do moss or dark streaks mean my roof is failing?

Not necessarily. Dark streaks are usually algae and are mostly cosmetic. Thick moss is different, since it holds moisture and can lift shingle edges. We can tell you which one you have.

Do clogged gutters affect the roof?

Yes. When gutters clog, water backs up under the edge of the roof and onto the fascia boards, which can lead to rot and leaks. Cleaning them regularly, and checking the roof edge, helps prevent it.

Storm damage on your roof? Call us.

Tell us what you found and whether water is getting in. Photos from the ground are a good start.

(669) 240-7171 Call about storm damage