Your home’s roof has a big job. It’s responsible for keeping everything underneath of it protected from the elements. Hail storms, thunderstorms, and wind storms can all wreak havoc on your roof. Below you’ll learn what to do if wind damages your roof and how to protect the integrity of your home.
What Is Wind Damage?
If you’re like many people, you might associate a wind-damaged roof with extraordinary storms like hurricanes or tornados. The reality is that even run-of-the-mill thunderstorms can produce winds that are high enough to cause damage to your property.
In general, straight-line winds are those that are at least 50 to 60 miles per hour. It’s not unheard of to have winds reach up to 100 miles per hour though. Regardless of how fast these winds are, they are considered to be different than the types of storm systems that cause tornadoes.
During severe thunderstorms, there are often downdrafts. These can cause damaging winds though there are other scenarios that can produce these types of weather as well. About half of the wind-damaged roof and other property claims in the United States are caused by the winds generated by severe thunderstorms.
Signs That You Have A Wind Damaged Roof
In addition to the type of wind your home experienced and the strength of the wind, the wind damage your roof experiences also depends on the material it’s made of. It’s important to perform an inspection of your roof as soon as possible after the storm and when the conditions are safe for you to do so.
A good place to start is by looking at your roof from the yard or street. In your yard, note if you find pieces of your roof, such as shingles or roofing granules. When doing a visual inspection of your roof, look for missing shingles or shingles that are curled up.
A professional roofing contractor is a good source of information regarding a hands-on inspection of your roof. If there is any question of the safety of your roof or if you are not handy with a ladder, it’s best to call in the professionals for a thorough assessment.
Types Of Wind Damage Your Roof Might Have
The type of damage you’re looking for varies depending on the material in question. Below are a few common roofing materials and some specific examples of what wind damage might look like:
Shingles
In addition to shingles being blown off and curling up, you might see split shingles on your roof. Over time, you might notice mold or roof rot.
Flashing
Look carefully at the corners of your roof. If you see any buckling, tears or punctures of the flashing there, chances are that you’ll need a roofing company come out and repair it.
Gutters
Your gutters play an important role in keeping your roof in the best condition possible. If your gutters are sagging, bent or there are missing pieces, it’s possible that the roof underneath them has been compromised as well. Rust, decay and leaking gutter seams can mean the gutters are compromised. Not only will they need to be repaired but you’ll want to make sure that the roof hasn’t been damaged.
Contact EC Roofing Today
This is just a partial list of the signs that you should be aware of if you suspect you have a wind-damaged roof. Calling a professional roofing company like EC Roofing is a smart move. Not only do they offer free estimates and courteous service, but they also strive to provide you with a no-pressure and no-hassle experience. Contact them today at 410-455-9880 to schedule your roof assessment today.
