If you live in an area where strong winds are common, you may be no stranger to storm damage to your roof. However, wind-related damage to roofs can happen to anyone regardless of location or home style. The aftermath of damaging winds can cause serious damage to roofs and other exterior exposures.
One of the best ways to combat wind damage to roofing is to have a solid plan. Knowing what to do can save you:
- Time ⏰
- Money 💵
- Headaches 🤕
If you are looking to learn more about wind damage to your roof and what you should do, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn our tips and tricks for keeping your roof safe all year long.
What Are the Dangers Of Roof Wind Damage?
If you don’t feel particularly frightened by the idea of wind, you aren’t alone. Many homeowners worry about environmental damage from things like rain, hail, and snow but forget to think about wind.
The truth is that wind damage poses serious damage to the exterior of your home. Some of the biggest dangers include:
- Fallen Trees 🌳 – One of the biggest dangers of high winds is that they can knock trees or tree branches onto your roof. The impact from this can cause serious damage to your entire roof.
- Missing Shingles 🏡 – Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. When shingles are blown off by the wind, it creates a gap that allows water to penetrate through the various layers of your roof. This can lead to water damage.
- Power Lines 🔌 – Wind storms can lead to fallen power lines. This can pose huge risks for your home and put it at risk for electrical fires.
The danger of roof damage increases with changing wind speeds.
🌬️ 45-57 MPH
At roughly 45 miles per hour, you will start to notice potential dangers. At these speeds, tree branches and limbs can be torn off and land on your roof. If you had any existing loose shingles, you may find that they are easily blown off in these conditions.
🌬️ 58-74 MPH
As wind speeds pick up, you will start to notice more serious consequences. Trees may come down or be ripped up from the root. Even well-secured shingles are prone to blowing off at this speed.
🌬️ 75-89 MPH
These speeds are very dangerous, and it is important that individuals take cover. You may find that cars and mobile homes can be flipped at this speed, and roofs most certainly will have some damage.
🌬️ 90 MPH
Anything above 90 MPH is extremely dangerous and is almost guaranteed to damage the exterior of your home.
What Does Wind Damage To Roofing Look Like?
Now that you know what types of damage wind can do to your roof, you might be wondering what exactly a wind-damaged roof looks like. Here are some of the most telling signs.
- Missing Shingles – The most obvious sign of wind damage is missing shingles on your roof. As we’ve mentioned, this can lead to severe water damage if left untreated.
- Curling Shingles – Certain areas of the roof are more vulnerable to damage than others. In particular, the edges of the roof are prone to curling shingles. Even with part of the shingle still attached, water damage can still occur.
- Granule Loss – Are you finding black grit on your driveway or in the gutters? This may be the granules from your shingles. Losing too many granules can make your shingles less durable. It is important to contact a roofing contractor to conduct a thorough roof repair, including replacing the weakened shingles.
- Leaks – Finding a leak in your home is never good news. If your ceiling starts leaking after a windstorm, you are likely dealing with wind-damaged shingles.
- Chimney Problems – Be sure to check your chimney flashing and cap to ensure there are no lifted edges or missing pieces.
How to Fix Wind Damage
When your roof suffers wind damage, it is imperative that you begin the repair process right away. Many homeowners are unsure of where they should start, though. Here are the steps to take when you notice these damages.
Get Your Roof Inspected
While we’ve mentioned what to look for after a windstorm, it is always a good idea to get a professional roof inspection. Qualified roofers will be able to see subtle signs of roof damage that you may not be able to spot on your own.
Replace Missing Shingles
If you find that your roof is missing shingles after a major storm, we recommend replacing them ASAP. If you do not feel comfortable making roof repairs yourself, a professional roofing contractor can help.
Contact Your Insurance Company
As soon as you notice signs of damage, it is important to contact your insurance company. When filing your insurance claim, be sure to thoroughly document all of the damage, with multiple photographs. A quick note: not all insurance policies cover wind damage, so be sure to check with your provider.
Choose A Sturdy Roofing Material
If your roof has suffered extensive wind damage, you may be looking at a full roof replacement. If that is the case, you may want to look into other roofing materials. Different roofing materials may provide more wind resistance than a standard shingle roof.
Schedule a Roof Inspection Today!
By taking the time to research wind damage on your roof, you can help prevent greater issues in the future. If you are unable to perform inspections or roof maintenance yourself, it’s highly recommended to contact a local expert such as Johnson Restoration who can inspect and restore any damage that’s been done to your roof. Contact us today!
