Modern roofing systems are designed to withstand years of battering and abuse by the elements. They are made to resist heat, water, hail, and wind–especially in areas of the country that are prone to inclement weather patterns.  Despite their strength and durability, even the toughest roofing systems are subject to wear and tear, damage, or even structural failure. Even though they’re designed to take the brunt of what mother nature throws at our homes, every roof will have its day where repairs or a replacement will be necessary. When inclement weather does strike–be it a nasty Summer storm or a full-on natural disaster–high winds often come with it. Roofs are built for wind resistance; standard roofing systems can withstand winds around 90 mph, while roofs in more hurricane-prone areas of the country can hold up against 150 mph. 

Wind Damage Contributing Factors

It is not the wind itself that causes roof damage in many cases, but rather the debris that it carries with it. Tree limbs come to mind as a common example; even a seemingly light breeze can be enough to detach a heavy branch and send it crashing down on your roof. In more extreme cases such as hurricanes, structural debris from other buildings becomes a severe risk as well. And, of course, there’s always the issue of hail that heavy rains can bring. Severity of wind damage can also depend on roof type; a gable roof, such as that of a stable, is not as effective at reducing wind load as a hip roof, which provides more angles for the wind to disperse around the structure. wind damage to your roofAnother contributing factor to wind damage is the overall health of your roof. If you choose to install the cheapest shingles you can find, you’re likely to face wind damage sooner than you would using high-quality roofing materials. In addition, unaddressed wear and tear can deteriorate shingles, with repeated extreme weather patterns year after year causing them to curl, crack, and rot. This will leave the roof that much more vulnerable to wind damage. Wind can damage a roof in many ways, but whatever the cause may be, it’s imperative to address it as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. Some types of damage are more obvious than others. Here are a few tips on how to locate and repair wind damage to a roof.

How to Locate Wind Damage

The first step in assessing roof damage is to locate it. While you would surely notice a giant tree limb crashing through your roof, damage from actual wind–not the debris it carries–can be harder to pinpoint. When it comes to high winds, certain roof areas and roof types are more vulnerable than others. A well-designed roof will minimize wind load, or the level of force applied to your roof by the wind. The eaves and corners of a roof are naturally more vulnerable to wind damage because of their location and structure, so always be sure to check these areas extra thoroughly.  Check for missing, damaged or warped shingles, as these can also be signs of wind damage. If not the direct result of high winds, damaged shingles will make the roof more prone to wind damage down the line.  Because locating the full extent of roof damage can be challenging, it’s recommended that concerned homeowners contact either their insurance provider or a professional roofing company to perform a damage inspection. An experienced roofer will know just what to look for and where, ensuring that no problem areas are overlooked. 

How to Repair Wind Damage

Before investing in DIY roof repair, you should contact your insurance company to see if the damages are covered. Wind damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance, provided there aren’t any caveats associated with your plan. If you do decide to fix your roof yourself, you’ll need replacement shingles, roofing nails, roofing adhesive, and waterproof sealant. All of these can usually be found at your local hardware store, including national chains such as Lowe’s. You’ll also need a few standard tools, such as a hammer, pry bar, and a putty knife.  Use the prybar and hammer to remove damaged shingles, then install new ones using hammer and nails. Curled or cracked shingles that aren’t too far gone can be repaired using adhesive, a putty knife, and a brick to weigh them down until dry. Apart from replacing a few missing or damaged shingles, it is highly recommended to leave wind damage repair to the professionals. Most homeowners are not accustomed to walking around on their roofs, and doing so could result in further damage, injury, or worse. Only a professional roofing company will have the skills, experience, and knowledge to properly and fully assess wind damage to your roof. At National Home Improvement, we work with our customers through the whole process of wind damage assessment and repair, from the insurance claim to paperwork to actual repairs. If your roof has fallen victim to wind damage, don’t hesitate; contact us today to learn more about our roof replacement services.