How High Winds Can Damage Your Roof and What to do About it
Thursday, April 30th, 2020 by Emma Niemi
High winds are inevitable. Without a strong and durable roof in place, you’re leaving your home susceptible to bigger and more expensive problems.
Shingle roofs are especially susceptible to damage during high winds. Despite the fact that most shingles are rated to withstand 90 mph winds, damage can begin around 50 mph. That is why we love GAF’s Advanced Protection® Shingle. These shingles ensure the very best combination of weight and performance that modern manufacturing technology can deliver. GAF shingles also pass the industry’s two most stringent wind resistance tests.
How Does Wind Damage Happen?
The problem with high winds is that they do not hit your roof evenly across the surface. This leaves the corners, the edges of the roof, and the ridgeline susceptible to damage.
The wind can easily get under a corner or small piece of the shingle and curl it, or rip it off completely—leaving your roof exposed in those areas.
Another danger of high winds to your roof is the lifting of the shingles. While the shingles may look intact, high winds coming up over a roof can create a suction effect and lift the shingles upwards—loosening the nails that are holding them down. When the shingles lift, the sealant between each layer can be broken. This can leave your roof susceptible to leaks.
High winds can also blow debris around, causing trees and limbs to fall on your roof—puncturing the roof and damaging shingles.
Does Your Roof Have Wind Damage?
It is essential to know whether or not your roof has wind damage so that you can get it fixed ASAP. Ignoring the problem will only cause more expensive problems down the road. Here are some signs that your roof may have wind damage.
- Missing shingles
- “Lifted” shingles
- Curling shingles
- Roof leaks
- Punctures in the roofing/roof
- Flashing/gutter damage
A well-built roof, done by an expert roofer, will stand against high winds far longer and more efficiently than a poorly constructed one. That’s why it’s essential to have the job done correctly the first time around.
