When severe weather descends on your home, your roof takes a beating. Wind is one of the most common and overlooked culprits of rooftop damage. You might wonder how wind can damage your roof or what signs to look out for. As a trusted exterior remodeling and roofing expert, Ganser Company Inc. is here to shed some light on these concerns.
Contrary to what one might think, wind does not affect the entire roof uniformly. Certain areas are more susceptible to wind damage, including the perimeter and corners of the roof. Winds exert higher forces on these areas, which could cause the roofing material to lift.
Once there’s an initial tear or dislocation due to high wind speed, it creates room for further damage, allowing the wind to get under the material (whether tiles or shingles) and push them further up, hence loosening their grip and structure. Even without high-speed winds or storms, a sole dislocation might collapse the roof, creating an opening through which water and debris can enter the house.
Furthermore, the wind carries dust, debris, branches, and, in severe cases, even whole trees that collide with roofs, creating impact damage. Prone to this type of damage are surfaces like your gutters, ventilation systems, and chimneys. Also, continuous wind exposure can lead to material fatigue, which means earlier roofing replacement than initially expected.
Lastly, the underlayment and decking of your roof can also suffer damage under intense wind storms. When the wind speed is high enough to blow off the shingles or tiles, the underlayment is exposed and prone to damage.
If the underlayment is damaged or torn away, the decking is exposed to the elements, leading to a leaky roof. Moreover, the roof’s overall integrity is at risk with missing shingles or tiles, as the remaining ones could easily get dislocated.
Simply put, wind damage is an alteration in the appearance and structure of a roof due to the effect of wind. Identifying wind damage can be tricky as it might only sometimes be apparent. Here are some key signs to look out for:
Missing Shingles. The easiest sign of wind damage to spot is missing shingles. If shingles are missing from previously covered areas, the wind might blow them away.
Curling Shingles. Curling, peeling shingles at the edges or in the middle could show that wind has gotten underneath and lifted them.
Leaks Inside Your Home. If you notice water intrusion in your home, especially during rainfall, it could be a sign of wind damage. Remember, however, that leaks could be due to numerous factors, so it’s essential to have a roof rebuild specialist check it out.
Granule Loss. Another tell-tale sign of wind damage is granule loss. Granules give shingles their color and protect them from UV damage. If wind damage occurs, the granules might be shuffled or blown away, revealing the underlying material or leading to discolored patches on your roof.
Damaged Flashing. Flashings around chimneys, vents and skylights can get bent or torn due to high wind velocities. Damaged flashing is an open invitation for water to seep in, often leading to serious leakage.
Blocked Gutters. Debris carried by wind often ends up in the gutter, blocking it. Functional gutters are essential for a healthy roof and home during rainfall as they maintain proper water flow away from the foundation.
Structural Damage. Strong winds can cause an old or weak tree or branch to fall on your roof, resulting in significant damage to your property. In such cases, always contact a roof repair expert to inspect your home thoroughly.
When confronting wind-related roof damages, understanding the steps to take is crucial to prevent further harm and costly repairs. Here’s a guide on handling wind damage:
For insurance claims, it’s essential to document the wind damage. Take photos and keep a record of all visible damage. Include date and time stamps wherever possible.
If you suspect wind damage, the first step is to inspect your roof comprehensively. Look for visible signs of damage, such as missing, curled or broken shingles, damaged flashing, blocked gutters, and leaks in your home.
It’s also advisable to look around your property for fallen branches that could have caused impacts on the roof. It’s important to remember safety during this process, so consider hiring an exterior remodeling and roofing professional to do this job if it involves getting up on a ladder or the roof.
Following a thorough visual inspection and documentation process, contact a reliable roofing professional to perform comprehensive damage assessment and repairs. Remember that even seemingly minor issues can evolve into severe problems if not promptly addressed. A professional roofer can locate hidden damage and restore your roof to a secure condition.
Once you’ve accurately assessed and documented the damage, it’s time to contact your home insurance provider to file a claim. Depending on your policy, wind damage may be covered under home insurance. Provide your insurer with the documentation you gathered for processing. Often, as part of this process, they’ll send an adjuster to confirm the extent of the damage.
Depending on the degree of damage, a roof repair might be adequate. However, if the damage is severe or the roof is relatively old, replacing the entire roof might be more cost-effective. Your roofing professional will guide you through this decision-making process, ensuring you make an informed choice for your home.
Once the repairs or replacement are complete, it’s necessary to take preventative measures to guard against future wind damage. This can include regularly trimming overhanging tree branches close to your roof and maintaining your roofing system with routine inspections and minor repairs.
Don’t hesitate to act if you suspect your roof has been damaged by wind. Reach out to us at Ganser Company Inc. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with your roof repair or even complete roof rebuilds. Call us at (608) 222-1243, or visit our contact page, and we’ll help ensure your home stays safe and secure against the elements.
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