What About Wind Damage?

As a homeowner, you probably hear a lot about what hail does your home. But what about wind? High winds are actually one of the main causes of roof damage. In fact, a storm doesn’t need to produce either rain or hail, high winds are enough to damage a roof. High winds loosen shingles easily and in extreme situations can rip new shingles off your roof completely. So, how fast does wind have to be gusting for problems to begin to arise?

45 Mph

From 45-57 miles per hour, you will begin to see tree branches and limbs being torn down. Loose shingles will also be at risk of being removed completely from your roof. The National Weather Service considers this range of wind speeds as being “non-severe”, but this can still lead to serious troubles.

58 Mph

When the wind reaches this speed, it can cause significant damage to both your landscaping and your home. Entire trees have been uprooted when wind reaches this threshold, and even newly installed shingles can begin to be peeled off. If you are ever in an area where the wind is forecast to reach these speeds, stay inside, and if you can, ensure that any lightweight or loose objects on your property are secured or brought indoors.

75 Mph

It’s rare to see wind speeds this high in our region, but when it happens you can expect there to be a lot of damage. Winds this speed will cause damage to trees, homes, commercial buildings, and has even been known to flip mobile homes. If your home is hit by winds at this speed, you should schedule a free damage inspection with Shelter Construction.

How can you identify wind damage to your roof?

Maybe you want to do your own evaluation of your roof before calling us, good idea. Here are a few things to look for.

Roof curling from peeling shingles

The wind is most likely to cause damage to the edges of your roof, and further damage parts that are already loose. Wind can loosen or get under an already loose shingle and peel it off. Loose shingles will be less effective in keeping out water, and eventually, that will lead to water damage.

Granule loss

Wind can cause your roof to lose granules. Shingle granules play a vital role in the preservation of your roof. They prevent your roof from being overexposed to the sun, in turn prolonging the need for another roof replacement. Look for discoloration as a visible sign of granule loss, or look for excessive granules in your downspouts.

Entire shingles missing from your roof

If wind reaches high enough speeds, it has been known to rip entire shingles off of roofs. If you’re noticing that your roof is missing entire shingles, then you should call your preferred roofing contractor immediately. Missing shingles can lead to several major issues within your home.

Damaged siding, soffit or fascia

Look for loose or cracked siding, soffit, or fascia. As a part of your home’s exterior envelope, even minor visible damage can lead to larger issues.