If you just encountered a storm blow through your neighborhood, you’re likely wondering how to spot wind damage to the roof.
Well, buckle up because in this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about roof damage from high winds. We’ll share useful tips on structural damage, roof repair, and wind speeds that may call for roof replacement. Ready to learn about wind damage to the roof and know if it’s time for a roof damage insurance claim? Read on and find out.
Your roof is a lot like an umbrella for your home.
The shield your abode has from the weather can be weakened when it’s hit by damaging winds, flying debris, fallen trees, or severe thunderstorms.
To better know how strong winds can lead to roof damage, and ultimately lead to a call with your insurance company…Let’s touch base on roofing materials and the level they can withstand high winds.
Understand The Impact of Wind Speeds on Roofing Materials
Different roofing materials have varying levels of resistance to wind damage.
To better understand roofing systems and their stress points, here’s a rundown:
- Asphalt shingles can sustain damage from winds as low as 50-60 mph. That’s similar to the wind speeds you’d experience in a severe thunderstorm. On such occasions, you may find torn or missing shingles after the storm has passed.
- Metal roofs are more akin to heavy-duty jackets designed for rough weather conditions. These sturdy structures can withstand gusts up to 110 mph without significant harm – nearly twice what asphalt roofs can handle.
- Then there are tile roofs that resist even hurricane-force winds up to 150 mph with relative ease, much like how your winter coat keeps out blizzards effortlessly.
Next, Familiarize Yourself With the Signs of Roofing Wind Damage
Just like a torn jacket or a broken umbrella shows clear signs of damage, missing shingles, curling shingles, damaged vents, and cracked tiles on your roof, do the same.
If wind gusts or other weather events have recently occurred, it is essential to survey your roof for any harm that may have been done.
Strong winds can wreak havoc on your roofing materials; if left unchecked, minor issues can escalate into significant problems.
Inspect Your Roof Damage After a Windstorm
After the storm has passed, you can start by doing a free inspection yourself to notice damage or spots where roof penetrations may have occurred.
You might spot obvious signs such as missing shingles or debris scattered around your property.
You can use binoculars for a closer view without climbing onto the roof yourself, if possible.
Since safety is paramount when dealing with storm aftermath, let professionals handle detailed inspections; you only need to understand if there’s damage at a high level.
A reputable roofing company, with inspection experts like us here at Oaks Roofing and Siding, is equipped to safely assess the severity of wind damage.
Identify Wind Damage to Shingles
Damaged, curling shingles, or missing shingles are telltale indicators of wind damage.
High winds have enough force to lift shingles off their place or crack them entirely, which could lead to leaks down the line.
The rule of thumb is that more exposed nails equal higher chances that strong gusts have been messing with your rooftop.
Apart from visible external signs, water stains inside homes, particularly on ceilings and walls, indicate water intrusion, possibly due to damaged roofing material above.
Not all tiles cracked during high winds will fall off immediately; some might stay in place but create potential leaks when it rains.
Knowing what to look out for can help you catch problems early before they turn into bigger issues.
If your roof shows any of these signs after a windstorm, don’t hesitate to get professional help immediately.
Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor To See How Much Roofing Wind Damage Happened
When it comes to assessing wind damage and carrying out necessary repairs, hiring a qualified roofing contractor is the best course of action.
These roofing companies have hands-on experience dealing with various roof types and understand how different wind speeds can impact your home.
Let Them Assess the Extent of Roof Shingles Damaged by Wind
A seasoned roofing contractor possesses the knowledge and expertise needed to accurately determine the severity of wind damage on your roof.
They can quickly spot signs such as missing or damaged shingles, cracked tiles, loose nails, or even subtle water stains that may indicate more serious issues underneath.
The value in this cannot be understated: Consider it like having an expert chef taste-test your soup instead of doing it yourself. You might notice if it’s too salty, but they’ll pick up nuances you could miss: just right or needing a dash more oregano.
In addition to identifying existing damages caused by high winds, these roof contractors also help prevent further deterioration by making prompt repairs where necessary.
This proactive approach keeps minor problems from escalating into major expenses down the line – think fixing one small leak before it turns into Niagara Falls pouring through your living room ceiling.
The best part? These contractors are also well-versed with the National Weather Service’s Wind Damage Potential Categories.
This means they have insights into how varying wind speeds impact different types of roofing materials – from asphalt shingles to metal roofs or tiles.
The Importance of Prompt Roof Repairs
Wind damage to your roof is not a matter to take lightly. Neglecting it could lead to more significant problems, affecting your home’s overall integrity.
Prevent Further Roofing Wind Damage
Making quick repairs after wind damage can save you from a world of hurt in the future.
Even small cracks or dislodged shingles caused by high winds can create an opening for water intrusion, leading to potentially costly water damage and mold growth over time.
Every licensed contractor is committed to helping homeowners maintain their roofs’ health and prolong their lifespan through timely repairs following wind events.
Apart from preventing further harm, prompt roof repairs also contribute significantly towards maintaining its structural integrity – crucial for protecting everything underneath it.
Catch Problems Early On
The sooner you spot potential issues with your roofing system, like loose or missing shingles after a storm, the quicker they can be addressed.
This proactive approach not only saves on costlier fixes but helps keep minor problems from escalating into major ones that could compromise your entire roofing structure.
In fact, we’ve seen first-hand how swift action taken at early signs of wind-induced wear and tear has saved our clients thousands of dollars in long-term repair costs.
The key lies within regular professional inspections, which allow us to detect subtle signs of impending trouble before they escalate.
Maintain Your Roof’s Lifespan
Let’s not forget that prompt repairs also extend the life of your roof.
Consider this: The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is about 20 years, but with regular maintenance and timely repair after wind damage, it can last even longer.
We at Oaks Roofing and Siding have helped countless homeowners squeeze more useful years out of their roofs through our commitment to swift, quality repair work.
Remember: a well-maintained roof means less overall cost in the long run.
Wrapping Up Your Guide to Roof Wind Damage
That’s a wrap on our journey through knowing the impact of wind damage on your roof.
Now you know how different wind speeds can impact your roof, whether made of asphalt shingles, metal, or tile.
You’ve also got the skills to spot signs of damage early, missing shingles, loose nails and cracked tiles no longer go unnoticed.
And let’s not forget about timely repairs!
You’re now aware that swift action is crucial to avoid more costly issues down the line.
If things get tricky?
Well, professional roofing contractors are there for you.
They’ve got your back with their sensing damage severity and performing necessary fixes expertise in as!
FAQs About Wind Damage To Roof
At what speed does wind cause damage?
It is important to note that roofs with asphalt shingles can start to sustain damage from winds as slow as 50-60 mph. This is because asphalt shingles are more susceptible to wind uplift than other roofing materials, such as metal or tile. When the wind speed exceeds 60 mph, the risk of damage to the roof increases significantly. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your roof is in good condition and properly installed to withstand severe weather conditions. Regular maintenance and inspection of your roof can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems, and can also help extend the lifespan of your roof.
How much damage can 25 mph winds do?
When the wind velocity reaches an approximate speed of 25 miles per hour, it is generally considered to be relatively moderate. At this force, the wind is not typically strong enough to cause any substantial damage to structures, such as buildings or homes. However, it can still exert enough force to knock over lightweight outdoor items, such as patio furniture or gardening tools, as well as small branches from trees. Although the damage may not be severe, it is still important to take necessary precautions and secure any loose items to prevent them from being blown away or causing any harm to nearby individuals or property.
How much wind damage to replace the roof?
The extent of wind damage to your roof that would justify a replacement depends on several factors such as the age of your roof, the type and extent of the damage, and the cost of repairs versus a full roof replacement. It is recommended to have a professional inspect your roof to assess the damage and provide you with an estimate for repairs or replacement.
What is the wind speed damage scale?
The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) gauges tornado strength based on observed destruction. It ranges from EF0 for minor damages caused by winds between 65-85 mph to EF5 for incredible devastation inflicted by twisters above 200mph.