Wind Damage and Your Roof
Homeowners in Arizona are all too familiar with the complications our weather brings. From monsoons and heavy rain, to dust storms and wind damage, your roof can end up taking a beating. Continue reading to discover:
How Heavy Winds Damage Your Roof and Shingles
Wind damage on your roof most often occurs when wind speeds surpass 50 miles per hour(mph). During Arizona’s monsoon season, rainstorms and offshore hurricanes generate wind gusts frequently exceeding 70 mph. These strong winds can be detrimental to your roof, bringing damage in two distinct ways:
Debris Impact
Speed isn’t the only thing you should worry about during heavy winds. Storms and strong winds can also throw debris at your roof, such as:
- Tree limbs and branches
- Outdoor furniture
- Other miscellaneous objects
While your roof may be able to withstand the wind speeds, handling the impact from debris is another story. One of the most common ways strong winds damage roofs is through flying debris which puncture your system’s membrane.
Regardless of the cause, promptly identifying the signs of wind damage to your roof is crucial to preventing further issues.
Wind Speeds
During monsoon season, wind speeds can range anywhere from 20-110mph, with the severity mainly determined by the storm’s size. It’s uncommon for winds below the 20-40 mph range to cause severe damage to your structure; however, if your home is in the direct path of a strong monsoon, the chances of damage increase.
The heavy winds accompanying monsoons can cause substantial damage to your roof through:
- Breaking/cracking your roof
- Contributing to leaks and water damage
- Blowing and moving shingles
And the threats of wind damage encompass more than just wind speeds.
What to Look for When Identifying Roof Storm Damage
Below are three signs of wind damage to look out for on your roof:
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are one of the most common signs of wind damage. You can identify this roofing problem on your own, as it’s obvious to spot and visible from ground level.
Once wind speeds exceed 40+ mph, they can lift your shingles, causing them to detach from the roof. This is a severe threat to the structural integrity of your roof, as missing shingles leave parts of the underlayment exposed and unprotected. During future storms, water and debris will have a much easier path into your home.
If you notice shingles missing from your roof after heavy winds, it’s best to schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible. A professional roofing company will be able to assess the severity of your roof damage and create a plan to help mitigate the issues.
Lifted or Curling Shingles
Just because you don’t see any missing shingles after heavy winds doesn’t mean your roof escaped unscathed. Strong wind speeds can grab the edges of your shingles, lifting or curling them upwards. This can break the adhesive seal between your shingles and underlayment, causing your structure to lose its watertight surface.
While more challenging to spot, confirm that none of your shingles are lifted or curled. If you notice the edges of any shingles look out of place compared to the rest of the roof, it’s best to schedule a professional roof inspection.
Wind damage to your roof can manifest in subtle ways, and if left unresolved, it can spiral into a massive problem requiring a total roof rebuild. By being proactive with your roof care, you’ll save a lot of time and money down the road. Consider scheduling an annual roof tune-up to extend the longevity of your roof.
When’s the last time you had a roof inspection?
If you can’t remember, or it’s been over a year,
it’s time to schedule an assessment.
Paramount KangaRoof offers free inspections for
commercial and residential properties.
Missing Granules
Granules are small pieces of stone and minerals that coat asphalt shingles. They provide a layer of protection for your roof. However, as roofs reach the end of their lifespan; the granules begin to shed, leaving your structure vulnerable to:
- Water leaks
- Wind/impact damage
- Flying debris
- Sun/head damage
During strong winds, storms can prematurely blow granules off of your shingles. Once worn, they tend to pool in your gutters. When checking for wind damage to your roof, be sure to take a look at your gutters. Seeing a collection of granules is a solid indicator that your roof sustained wind damage.
What To Do if Your Roof Sustains Wind Damage
To mitigate the wind damage to your roof, you need to act fast, as the damage can quickly spread to the rest of the shingles, and eventually, your underlying structure. Here’s what you need to do in case your roof is damaged due to the wind.
Protect Your Roof From Further Damage
When protecting your roof from the consequences of wind damage, you’ll need to do more than simply cross your fingers and hope for the best. Here’s what you can do to protect your roof from further wind damage:
1. Trim Your Trees
The impact of tree branches is the most frequent form of debris, as strong winds cause the limbs to break off and puncture your roof’s structure. Luckily, by trimming nearby tree branches, you help reduce the threat of flying debris in future storms.
2. Store Outdoor Furniture When Storms are Coming
Outdoor furniture should never stay outdoors in strong winds, as they can be carried and dumped onto your roof. Bring your outdoor furniture inside or store it in a covered area during future storms.
Document the Damage
If any damage is visible from the ground, you should document this damage yourself—having proof of damage is key to making the insurance claim process quick and easy.
Contact a Professional Contractor
Lastly, if you suspect your roof experienced storm damage, call a professional roofing contractor. They’ll inspect your roof, assess the damage, and discuss repair and maintenance options with you.
Paramount KangaRoof: Known for High-Quality Roofing Solutions
If you’ve noticed missing shingles, water leaks, or punctured membranes, reach out to Paramount KangaRoof.We offer free inspections to help you determine the status of your roof. Don’t wait until it’s too late—trust the professionals with your roof care.