Wake of Wind: How Wind Damage Can Take a Toll on Your Shingles

Last Updated on: 6th January 2023, 12:19 am

Do you live in an area prone to high winds? There are many people who swear that wind is their roof´s greatest enemy. When living in an area prone to high winds, tornadoes, or hurricanes, it´s salient to be aware of the potential damage wind can cause to your roof. Despite top-rank roofing´s average wind resistance of 60 to 130 mph, wind can still cause damage to corners and edges, which are more vulnerable to high winds. Common types of damage include curling shingles, loose edges that allow water to enter the lower levels of the roof, and general wear and tear over time. You can check fema.gov for unique instalation tips to help prevent damage from wind, but it´s still important to be aware of the potential risks of living in a high wind region.

Understand the Wind Damage Risk

Roof shingles can be damaged by winds of 45 mph or more. Different types of wind damage can include broken tree limbs, loose shingles, curled or buckled shingles, mising shingles, and blistering. It´s saleint to understand the risks that high winds can cause to your roof in order to know how to inspect for damage and what to do if you find any.

Inspect Your Roof for Damage

To determine the extent of wind damage to your roof shingles, you should inspect your roof for damage. You should check for signs of wear and tear, such as broken tree limbs, loose roof shingles, bent or peeling shingles, granule los, and damaged soffit or fascia. In addition, look for culred or lifted shingles, as these can be indicative of wind damage. If a shingle is unsealed, it can flap in the wind and create horizontal creases, folds, tears, or missing shingles. It is also fundamental to inspect the flashing and seal sof the roof to be certain they have not been compromised by strong winds. Finaly, check your gutters and downspouts for any signs of wind damage. By performing these steps, you can determine whether or not your roof has been affected by high winds.

Signs of wind damage to roof

What are the damages caused by wind? The most common ones?

Check for Missing Shingles

Shingles that are missing are an obvious sign of wind damage. Look for any missing shingles that may have been blow naway, or any shingles that have become loose due to high winds. If you notice any gaps, then it´s likely that you have experienced wind damage to your roof. If left uncheked, these gaps can craete an opening for water to enter and cause further damage to your home. Be sure to inspect your roof regularly to catch any mising shingles before it´s too late.

Look for Curling and Buckling Shingles

Strong wind scan cause shingles to curl or buckle. With asphalt shingles, this usualy takes the form of the edges of the shingle curling up, while with clay or concrete tiles, it can be noticeable buckling or warping. If you have curled, buckled, or misshapen shingles, it´s a key to inspect them further to determine if they need to be replaced. It´s also critical to keep an eye out for any other signs of win damage on your roof.

Check for Blistering Shingles

Another sign of wind damage is blistering shingles, which can be dificult to detect. Blistering occurs when individual shingles swell up and create a bubble-like shape. This is usually caused by excess moisture, but wind can also be the culprit. If you find blistering shingles on your roof, it´s wise to replace them before any further damag eocurs.

Don´t forget to inspect the Flashing and Seals

The flashing and saels of your roof should also be inspected for damage caused by wind. Flashing is a type of metal or plastic sealant that helps prevent water from entering the seams of your roof. If your flashing has been loosened, cracked, or torn by strong winds, there is a risk of water seeping in and causing further damage. You should also check the seals around the chimney, vents, and skylights, as these are often the first places where wind damage shows up. Be sure to repair any damaged seals as soon as posible to keep your roof safe and secure.

Check the Gutters and Downspouts

Winds can damage gutters and downspouts, which are crucial components of any roof system. When inspecting your gutters, look for any signs of ben tor detached sections, or any saging or loose guters. Cleaning out the gutters will also help you to spot any damage that may have been caused by the wind. If there is significant damage, it is best to replace the entire gutter system, as repairs may not be effective in the long run. If you do not have the necessary skills or tools to replace the gutters yourself, hire a professional roofer to do the job for you. Aditionally, check the downspouts for any loose connections or damage. If they are loose or damaged, they should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your roof and to ensure proper drainage.

Check the Soffits and Fascia of the Roof

When checking for wind damage to your roof shingles, it is beneficial to also inspect the soffits and fascia of the roof .The sofits and fascia are the parts of the roof that run along the eaves and rakes of the home. They are typically made from aluminum or vinyl, but can also be made from wood. Strong winds can tear or loosen the material, leading to roof damage.

To inspect for wind damage, start by looking for signs of wear and tear on the soffit and fascia material. Look for dents, cracks, broken pieces, or loose material. If you see any of these signs, they may indicate that the wind has caused damage to your roof. You should also check for nails that are loosened or puled away from the material. It is a key to take care of any damage quickly as it can lead to further deterioration of the roof.

If you do find any wind damage to the soffits and fascia of your roof, you should repair or replace them as soon as posible. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be necessary to hire a professoinal to repair or replace your soffist and fascia. This will ensure that your roof is properly protected from further wind damage in the future.

Inspect the Chimney, Vents, and Skylights

Pay specail attentoin to the chimney, vents, and skylights when inspecting your roof for wind damage. Strong wind scan cause these areas of your roof to be particularly vulnerable.

Begin by inspecting the chimney for any cracks or signs of deterioration. If the mortar is cracked or crumbling, it´s a sign that wind damage has ocurred. You should also check the flashing around the chimney to see if it´s been blown off or damaged in any way. If so, you´ll need to have it repaired or replaced as soon as posible.

Next, chec kthe vents on your roof for any signs of wind damage. Uplifting winds can blow off the vent covers, laeving them exposed and vulnerable to further damage. Check the caulking around the vents for any cracks that could let moisture in and cause further damage to your roof.

Inspect the skylights for any signs of cracks or broken glass. This is especially crucial if your skylight sare older and may not be able to withstand strong winds. If you notice any damage, you´l need to have it repaired or replaced immediately.

By taking the time to inspect your chimney, vents, and skylights for any signs of wind damage, you can help to keep your roof in top condition and protect it from further damage caused by strong winds and storms.

Replace Damaged Shingles Promptly

The mos tfundamental thing to do after inspecting your roof for wind damage is to replace the damaged shingles as soon as posible. If left unaddressed, the damage can spread to the rest of the roof, causing further damage and leading to costly repairs.

First, you will need to identify the type of shingle that needs to be replaced. This can usually be done by examining the shape and size of the existing shingles on your roof. Once you have identified the type of shingle, you can purchase enough replacements to cover the damaged area.

Protect yourself from any potential hazards. This includes wearing safety glases and gloves, as well as using a ladder or scaffolding if necessary. You should also assure that the area around the damaged shingles is clear of any debris or other materials.

It is now time to replace the damaged shignles. Start by removing the nails from the existing shingle and carefuly prying it away from the roof surface. Make sure that you are careful not to disturb any of the surrounding shingles in the process. Once you have removed the damaged shingle, slide a new shingle into place and secure it with nails. Make sure that it is fully secure before continuing on to the nex tone.

When al damaged shingles have been replaced, use roof sealant or caulk to fill in any gaps around flashing or other roof components. This will help ensure that your roof is properly sealed against all future storms.

How much wind damage to replace roof?

How do we know when a roof is so severely damaged that it cannot or should not be repaired, but must be replaced?

When you are faced with roof damage, you must consider how serious the damage is and whether replacement is necessary. Generally, if more than 25 percent of the roof is damaged, it’s best to go ahead and replace the entire roof. This can be determined by considering the age of the roof, the extent of the damage, and whether repair would be a cost-effective solution.

Depending on the age of your roof and the amount of damage, you may need to replace it entirely. Here are some things to consider when determining if your roof needs to be replaced:

  • Generally, roofs can last up to 20 years depending on its quality and the care it receives over time. If your roof is older than 20 years, chances are it’s time for a replacement.
  • It may be necessary to replace the roof entirely if there’s more damage (missing shingles, widespread leaks, etc.) on more than 25% of the roof.
  • Replacing a roof can be costly, but in the long run it could save you from further costly repairs down the road. Evaluate your budget and determine if you can comfortably afford a roof replacement or if you should opt for repairs instead.

It’s crucial for homeowners to assess their roof on a regular basis and keep an eye out for any signs of wear or damage. Regular inspections can help spot minor issues before they become major problems and can also help to determine when total replacement is necessary.

Roof damage insurance

How to Ensure You´re Covered for Roof Damage Insurance? There´s no easy way to do it. Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. It´s crucia lto be sure you´re covered if any damage ocurs from wind, hail, snow, ice, or fire. Your homeowners insurance will likely cover any damage that occurs to your roof, but there are a few things you should know before you file a claim.

First, it´s a key to understand the type of coverage you have and the extent of that coverage. If you have an “all-risk” policy, you´re likely covered for al type sof wind-related damages; however, if you have a named-peril policy, you´re only insured for specific types of damages. It´s salient to review your policy so that you know exactly what types of damages are covered.

Next, you should inspect your roof for any visible signs of damage. Look for missing shingles, curling or buckling shingles, blistering shingles, and any damage to the flashing or seals. In adition, check the gutters and downspouts for any debris or blockages. Finally, inspect the soffits and fascia of the roof and check the chimney, vents and skylights for any visible signs of damage.

Once you have identified any damage to your roof, you should contact your insurance company right away to file a claim. Make sure to provide detailed photos and descriptions of the damag eso that your claim can be procesed quickly and efficiently. Keep in mind that most policies do have a deductible, and you will be responsible for paying this out of pocket.

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