Signs Your Roof Has Wind Damage and What to Do About It
High winds can cause significant damage to your roof, leaving you with costly repairs. It is important to know the most prominent signs of wind damage so that you can act quickly when severe weather hits- protecting your home and family.
At 45 - 57 mph wind damage begins. You can expect loose shingles to be blown off of your roof and small branches to be pulled loose. At 58 - 74 mph, wind will cause significant damage to landscaping and roofing. The wind will be powerful enough to pull shingles loose and uproot trees. Above 75+ mph, wind can cause serious damage to commercial and residential structures. At this speed, the wind can overturn mobile homes.
Key Signs of Wind Damage
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles are an important part of your roofing system. They are strategically installed to help channel water off of your roof. High winds can cause shingles to be torn off of your roof, leaving exposed areas susceptible to water damage. When you see missing, cracked, or curling shingles, it is a clear sign to call in the pros for an assessment and repair.
Granule Loss
What are granules? They are sandpaper like particles on your shingles. Granules are the first place to look if you suspect wind damage. If you have spots of missing granules, you will likely find them in your gutters. Some granule loss is normal over time but bare spots or cracks can indicate that the seal on your shingle broke. Sometimes the damage can be repaired if it doesn’t affect your entire roof. If granule loss is widespread then you may need to replace your roof.
Damage To Your Gutter System
Wind damage is not limited to your roof, your gutter system may also incur damage due to high winds. Check your home for signs of bent or broken gutters as well as missing or damaged downspouts.
Debris
After a storm, it isn’t unusual to find leaves, sticks and other debris that has accumulated on your roof. This debris can hide damaged shingles or even cause dents or divots on impact with your roof. Leave can also clog your gutters, leading to a poor drainage system and leaks. Be sure to clean your roof and gutters as needed to keep everything functioning properly.
Bubbles in a Flat, Rubber Roof
Many commercial buildings have flat, rubber roofs that present signs of damage differently than shingle roofs. However, this does not mean they are impervious to damage. If you have a flat roof, be sure to check for tears in the material. Strong wind can leave bubbles that weaken your roof or rip sections away.
How To Fix Wind Damage
It is best to deal with roof damage swiftly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your home. If your home has been damaged in severe weather, these are the steps you should take:
Contact a professional roofer: Schedule an inspection with a professional roofer who knows what to look for and can give you a complete picture of your roof’s condition. Many roofing companies, like Elite Roofing and Restoration, will offer a complimentary inspection, making this an easy step in the repair process.
Make temporary repairs: Severe storm damage may require you to make immediate repairs to prevent further damage such as covering any holes with a tarp. Our professionals can assist with storm related emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you choose to make temporary repairs on your own, be sure to follow the instructions of your roofer.
Replace damaged components: After assessing your roof, your roofer will replace any missing or damaged roofing elements, such as shingles, flashing, or gutters.
Will My Insurance Cover Wind Damage?
Most kinds of wind damage are covered by homeowners insurance but it is important that you check your policy to see if you are able to submit a homeowners claim. The information provided in an inspection will be helpful if you decide to file a claim with your insurer. Our team at Elite won’t leave you to file by yourself- we are experts in the claim process and will work with your insurance company to get your roof covered at little to no cost to you!
Dealing with wind damage to your roof can be a daunting task, but it is important to take action quickly. Ignoring wind damage can lead to costly repairs in the future, so don't hesitate to take action. By following these steps, you can ensure that your roof is repaired properly and your home is protected.
Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.
In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.
