Your roof is one of the most vital components of your home, providing shelter and protection from the elements. However, when strong winds hit, they can cause significant damage, particularly to your roof shingles. Detecting wind damage early is very important to prevent further issues and costly repairs. Let’s guide you through how to detect wind damage to your roof shingles, ensuring your home remains safe and secure.
Understanding Wind Damage to Roof Shingles
Wind can be incredibly destructive to roofs, especially if the asphalt roofing repair services have not been maintained or the synthetic roofing shingles are not in optimal condition. You are vulnerable to water infiltration and other types of damage if your roof is lifted, curled, or torn off by high winds. While some damage is immediately noticeable, other signs may require a more thorough inspection.
Common Signs of Wind Damage
Wind damage can manifest in several ways. Here are the most common signs to watch for:
- Missing Shingles: If you notice bare spots on your roof where shingles are missing, it’s a clear indication of wind damage. High winds can easily strip shingles from the roof, especially if they are already loose or worn.
- Curling or Lifting Shingles: Shingles that appear to be curling or lifting at the edges are another sign of wind damage. This can happen when the wind gets underneath the shingles and loosens them from the roof’s surface.
- Granule Loss: Asphalt shingles are covered with tiny granules that provide protection against the sun and other elements. If you notice excessive granules in your gutters or around the perimeter of your home, it could indicate that the shingles have been compromised by wind.
- Cracked or Broken Shingles: Strong winds can cause shingles to crack or break, leaving your roof exposed to the elements. Cracked shingles may not always be visible from the ground, so that a closer inspection may be necessary.
- Damaged Flashing or Roof Vents: In addition to shingles, wind can also damage roof flashing, vents, and other components. If these elements are bent, detached, or otherwise compromised, your roof’s integrity could be at risk.
Ways to Inspect Your Roof for Wind Damage
After a windstorm, it’s important to inspect your roof to assess any potential damage. Here’s how you can conduct a basic inspection safely:
Visual Inspection from the Ground
The first step in inspecting your roof is to look at it from the ground. Walk around your home and look for any of the signs mentioned above, such as missing or damaged shingles, debris on the roof, or damage to flashing and vents. Finding damage that is difficult to see with the unaided eye may be aided by using a pair of binoculars.
Check the Attic
Your attic can provide clues about the condition of your roof. Look for signs of leaks, such as water stains, damp insulation, or mold growth. These can indicate that wind has damaged the shingles or other parts of the roof, allowing moisture to seep in.
Inspect the Gutters and Downspouts
After a windstorm, check your gutters and downspouts for an accumulation of granules. As mentioned earlier, granule loss is a common sign of shingle damage.
Look for Debris on the Roof
Windstorms often leave behind debris like branches, leaves, or even large objects that can damage your shingles. While inspecting your roof, check for any debris that could have caused punctures, dents, or other damage to the shingles.
Consider a Professional Roof Inspection
If you’re unsure about the extent of the wind damage or if you’re uncomfortable inspecting your roof yourself, it’s a good idea to hire a professional roofing contractor.
What to Do If You Find Wind Damage
If you discover wind damage to your synthetic roof shingles, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage to your home. Here’s what you should do:
Document the Damage
Take photos of the damage you’ve found, both from the ground and up close, if possible. When working with a Roofing contractor to determine the extent of the damage or make an insurance claim, this documentation will be helpful.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You might want to submit an insurance claim to cover the cost of repairs if the wind damage is substantial. Let your insurance company know about the damage as soon as you can, and start the claims procedure. Make sure you have the necessary papers ready to present to them.
Cover the Damaged Area
If the damage has left your roof vulnerable to leaks, it’s important to cover the affected area to prevent water from entering your home. You can use a tarp or heavy-duty plastic sheeting to temporarily cover the damaged area until repairs can be made.
Get Repair Estimates
Reach out to several reputable commercial roofing company contractors to get estimates for the repair work. Be sure to choose a contractor who is licensed, insured, and experienced in handling wind damage repairs. Choose the contractor with the best combination of price, experience, and reputation from the estimates you receive.
Schedule Repairs
Promptly Once you’ve chosen a contractor, schedule the shingle roof repair work as soon as possible. There’s a greater chance of further damage developing and subsequent, more expensive repairs if you put off fixing wind damage.
Preventing Wind Damage to Your Roof
It is impossible to prevent wind damage to your roof in the future, but you can take steps to minimize its risk. Here are some tips to help protect your roof:
- Regular Roof Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent wind damage is to have your roof properly maintained. This includes clearing the roof of debris, cleaning your gutters, and pruning any overhanging tree limbs that might fall during a windstorm. To preserve the integrity of your roof, dry rot repair needs to be done as soon as you see symptoms of the condition.
- Reinforce Shingles
If you live in an area prone to high winds, consider upgrading your shingles to a more wind-resistant type. Some shingles are rated to withstand higher wind speeds and can provide better protection for your roof.
- Secure Roof Components
In addition to shingles, other roof components like flashing, vents, and gutters should be securely attached to your roof. Loose or improperly installed components are more likely to be damaged by wind, so it’s important to check and secure them as part of your regular roof maintenance routine.
- Install a Wind-Resistant Roof
If you’re in the process of building a new home or replacing your roof, consider installing a wind-resistant roof system. This may include using impact-resistant shingles, a reinforced roof deck, and additional fasteners to secure the roof to the structure of your home.
- Keep Trees and Landscaping in
Examine huge shrubs and trees close to your house that could damage your roof in a windstorm. Remove any unhealthy or dead trees that might topple over your roof during a storm, and trim back any branches that protrude over it. This can help reduce the risk of debris damaging your shingles and other roof components.
- Stay Informed About Weather Conditions
Finally, staying informed about the weather in your area can help you prepare for potential windstorms. When high winds are forecasted, take precautions, such as securing outdoor furniture and other items that could become airborne and cause damage to your roof.
Conclusion
It’s critical to identify wind damage to your roof shingles if you want to keep the structural integrity of your house intact and avoid expensive repairs. You can maintain the safety and security of your home even during severe weather by being aware of the warning signs of wind damage, doing routine inspections, and taking precautions to preserve your roof. To make sure your house is safe, don’t wait to take action and speak with a professional if you think the wind has damaged your roof.