With most of the year prone to heavy wind storms your home’s roof must be regularly inspected and repaired. Strong winds have an effect on your home’s roof. For many homeowners, they simply don’t know where to look in order to monitor their home’s roof health, especially after strong winds. Wind can produce a number of different outcomes when it comes to affecting the roof. First Choice Roofing will share what and where to look when inspecting your home’s roof after strong winds have passed through your area.
How Fast Does Wind have to Be to Damage a Roof?
As you hit the 45 mph wind speed mark and beyond, you can expect to see at least some damage to your landscaping, if not your home or other property. Starting at 45 mph, the wind itself can lift loosened shingles, and even cause weak trees or limbs to break off and cause damage to your roof. However, sometimes a gust at less than 45 mph can give your roof a beating!
What Does Wind Damage to Shingles Look Like?
After strong winds there are certain points of a roof that is commonly affected. Wind most often affects the roof corners and the roof perimeter. The corners and the edges are exposed the most to the wind and therefore, the wind can loosen tiles, shingles and create spaces between the roofing tiles and the inner surface. When the corners become loose or that spacing occurs, the inner insulation becomes exposed. Leaks will often develop in those weakened areas. Wind can also loosen the tiles or shingles on the roof. Tiles may begin to slide out of place and after a strong wind, asphalt shingles can disappear completely. Often the tile must be put back in place and shingles replaced to prevent future water damage and leaks. Some asphalt may peel back and need to be secured back in place.
Trees Can Fall on Roof During a Wind Storm
Trees, after a wind storm, can damage the roof. Areas that have been in contact with the tree branches may have loosened or displaced roofing tiles or shingles. This can allow water to damage the inner layers of the roof, leading to leaks. After the winds have passed, always inspect the roof near trees and that could have come in contact with the tree branches. It is recommended to keep branches cut back to avoid any contact with the roof.
Clogged Rain Gutters from Wind Blown Debris
Gutters are not directly affected by wind storms in most cases. However, strong winds can blow dirt and debris into the gutters. When too much debris or dirt enters the gutters, they can become clogged. When it rains the water may not flow off the roof properly and lead to moisture damage. After wind storms pass, make sure to inspect your home gutters. Clean the gutters often to ensure they don’t develop any clogs.
Importance of Roof Inspections
Now is a great time of year to have your roof professionally inspected. Not only have we come out of the windy season but all of the snow has melted. Your roof has undergone a lot of stress due to our climate and regular storms. Pennsylvania is prone to snow, rain, and wind storms and no stranger to tornados, averaging 16 tornados each year. Roof inspections are essential to ensure your home’s roof is properly cared for. Inspection can reduce the cost of repairs and even prolong roof replacements.
Roof, Siding & Seamless Gutter Exterior Remodeling Contractors in Reading, Wyomissing, Blandon, Shillington, Ephrata, Columbia, Lititz, Millersville, Mount Joy and Lancaster, PA | Berks & Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
If your home’s roof reveals damages due to wind and other elements, contact First Choice Roofing. We provide roofing inspection, repairs, replacement and more. Contact First Choice Roofing and schedule our services today.
