By David Wilfong
What are some of the common problems with roofs caused by high winds?
While wind might seem like a relatively harmless element of nature, high wind can cause quite a bit of damage to your roof, leaving room for leaky roofs and higher utility bills. That’s why being able to spot damage on your roof is so essential to the safety of your home and family. Keep reading to learn more about how you can spot wind damage on your roof.
Since high winds don’t usually hit roofs uniformly, they are quite prone to wind damage. The amount of damage that occurs depends on various factors from the wind speed to the age of the roof. Usually, destruction starts around the perimeter or on shingles that are already loose. In addition to the wind itself, your roof shingles could suffer from falling objects and debris.
The speed of the wind greatly impacts the type of damage that might occur:
45-55 mph – Broken tree limbs, loose roof shingles blown off
55-75 mph – Small trees torn down, sturdy shingles ripped off
75-90 mph – Large trees blown over or uprooted, structural damage occurs
90+ mph – Significant roof damage
One of the first indications of roof damage is that your shingles have been dislodged or aren’t secured correctly anymore. If the wind is picking up, even with a slight breeze, you might be able to see a shingle or two flapping around or moving. If this is happening to you, you should know that it’s time for a roof repair. If a strong wind could be hazardous to you, don’t run outside to check for flapping shingles. Choose to look up at the shingles when it’s noticeable windy, but you know that you’re safe to go out.
If you notice that your shingles are wearing thin and there has been some granule loss, it might be time for some repairs or replacement. Wind can do a number on your roof and erode away the granules on your asphalt shingles, leading to wind damage. If you can safely walk on your rooftop to identify the damage, do precisely that while looking for signs that your shingles are thinning. Bob Vila also recommends checking the gutters and downspouts for granules. If you notice only a few shingles have missing granules, you can easily repair the roof by replacing the individual shingles. But granule loss is no joke, and if there is a lot of it, you may want to consider calling a professional roofing company to conduct an inspection and possibly re-roof the home.
Another way to identify any damage to your roof is inside the home. Check ceilings and walls for any signs of water damage and leaks. Once a shingle is dislodged or broken, rain and condensation have a much easier time finding their way into your home. If you’ve recently had high winds and you’re noticing water damage in your home, you can likely give credit to the wind for damaging your roof.
The Roof Doctor, www.roofdoctorutah.com, (801) 512-3614