If you live in an area prone to high wind speeds, inclement weather can damage your roof. Strong winds can lift shingles, tear off gutters, break nearby tree branches and cause flying debris. Fortunately, installing a quality roof, investing in regular maintenance and preparing for high winds can help you protect your home from roofing and wind damage.
Understanding Wind Damage to a Roof
Understanding wind damage to a roof can help you take action toward protecting your roof against damage. High winds can be powerful enough to rip off roof shingles. If the shingles are damaged, the underlying material is susceptible to leaks, further damaging your structure.
High winds can wreak havoc on your roof, so investing in wind-resistant roofing options is essential to protect your home.
Different Types of Wind Damage
Wind damage is a legitimate concern for people living in wind-prone areas. It can compromise the structural integrity of your home, the aesthetic appeal and your family’s safety. The potential damages caused from winds include:
- Roof leaks and water damage: Roof damage can expose the underlying roofing material. As it absorbs rainwater, it can leak into your home, potentially encouraging mold growth and ruining your ceiling, walls and belongings.
- Lifting shingles: Strong winds can rip shingles from the roof, leaving space for leaks and other issues. Plus, the wind may carry debris and damage other parts of your property.
- Gutter damage: Some gutters cannot withstand strong winds and may come off their fasteners. Without gutters, your home is prone to rain damage, and water may pool around the foundation, compromising its structural integrity.
- Fallen trees: Strong winds lead to breaking off of tree branches and even uprooting whole trees that can fall on your house. Fallen trees or limbs can lead to extensive structural damage to your property.
- Power outages: Strong winds can damage utility poles and uproot trees, which may fall on the power lines. Power outages are annoying, disruptive and sometimes catastrophic if you rely on electricity for medical equipment or temperature control in extreme conditions.
- Health hazards: Strong winds can pose a health risk to your family. This debris can fall on your home, break windows and causing other damage to your roof and other exterior elements of your home.
The Cost of Repairing Roofing and Wind Damage
Take the necessary precautions, like choosing wind-resistant roofing materials for your home and having regular roof inspections to reduce your potential expenses after a big storm. Calling a professional residential roofing company to repair extensive roof damage may be less costly than installing a new roof. Sometimes though a roof is too far gone and must be replaced even if materials are readily available.
Depending on the extent of the damage, the cost of repairing wind damage can range from $2,000 to as high as $15,000 and more. The price will be higher if the siding and windows are damaged. If your roof is older or has significant damage, you may need a new installation.
Basic Home Maintenance Practices
Maintenance is essential to your roof’s longevity. You should have a professional inspect your roof at least once yearly to ensure everything is in order. A timely inspection before and after the storm season confirms that your roof is in its optimal condition to protect your home.
Areas of Vulnerability
When you hire a roof inspector to inspect your roof before or after severe weather season, they will look at different areas. Some of the most vulnerable areas of your roof include:
- Shingles: Shingles and tiles are the most vulnerable to wind damage. When inspecting roofs before or after severe weather, look for ripped-off, curled and cracked shingles. Remove and replace the damaged shingles with appropriate material to perform a suitable repair. Depending upon the manufacturer, there will be other steps required here as well.
- Chimney: The chimney has several parts that are susceptible to leaks. The metal chimney cap and mortar joints are prone to cracking and getting loose with age, letting water into the house.
- Flashing: Metal flashing, such as the counter flashing, step flashing, and drip edge, diverts water away from crucial areas. If your flashings are missing or damaged, they compromise your roof’s protection.
- Gutters: Gutters are made to divert water away from the home and the roof. If the gutters are blocked by leaves or sagging, it will deter the flow of water, and the water may go under your roofing material, causing substantial damage to your home’s sides and foundation and interfering with the structural integrity of the building.
Tips for Regular Home Maintenance
As a homeowner, you need to do everything you can to mitigate the potential of wind damage, whether the wind comes alone or there are storms and hurricanes. Regular home maintenance prepares your roof for inclement weather and may save money in the long run by minimizing damage.
Some tips for maintaining your home include:
- Inspecting your shingles: Have a professional inspect your shingles periodically to ensure there are no cracks, dents, or missing granules. Climbing on the roof may be risky, as you don’t know which part may be weak. Hiring a professional roof inspector to inspect your roof is better, as they know how to handle weak roofs safely.
- Cleaning your gutters: Gutters prevent water from entering the roof and sidings. When the gutters are clogged, rainwater lacks an escape route and enters the house’s structure. Ensure you clean your gutters regularly and frequently if you have trees near your house.
- Trimming tree branches: Sometimes, tree branches grow long and touch your roof. Trim the excess and extra long branches to reduce the risk of them breaking and damaging your house’s siding during high winds.
- Inspecting your flashing: A professional inspector should ensure your flashing is intact and well-sealed. Broken flashing can lead to water damage, so replace or reseal as necessary.
- Landscaping: Maintain your landscaping to keep drainage free of obstacles and vegetation. You should also remove any debris on your property to prevent it from damaging your home in the wind.
Choices in Roofing Material and Design
If you live in a wind-prone area, you need a roof designed for the climate. Different roofing materials have varying wind resistance, so ensure you use roofing materials for high winds. Choosing suitable roof materials and designs affects durability and stability.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is the most durable and wind-resistant roofing material. It can withstand high winds and is unlikely to lift during storms. Metal roofing materials include copper and steel and are available in different designs and finishes to complement your home’s style. They are also easy to install, lightweight and need little maintenance.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are popular due to their ease of installation and affordability. They are also moderately resistant to wind, with some manufacturers being able to endure strong winds of up to 130mph. You can improve their resistance by using shingles designed to withstand higher wind conditions. However, asphalt shingles may be less durable than other materials when exposed to harsh weather for a long time.
Rubber Roofing
Rubber roofing materials such as EPDM are gaining popularity due to their ease of installation and wind resistance. They are unlikely to crack and get damaged during storms and are UV-resistant, making them a durable choice for your low slope roofing needs.
Slate and Tile Roofing
Slate and tiles are aesthetically pleasing and wind-resistant. Slate can withstand winds up to 150mph, while tiles can withstand up to 125mph, making them ideal for homeowners in areas prone to high winds. These roofing materials are heavier than their counterparts and may require extra structural support.
Influence of Roofing Design on Wind Resistance
Some roof designs for wind resistance include:
- Hip roofs: Hip roofs are ideal for wind resistance due to their geometric design. Their pitched sides meet at a common ridge, forming a pyramid-shaped structure. This design lets wind pass over, minimizing pressure on the structure. They can also have robust framing materials that increase stability and wind resistance.
- Aerodynamic roof designs: Curved shapes and other streamlined designs reduce drag and distribute wind pressure evenly, minimizing air resistance and better withstanding strong winds. They reduce the risk of wind damage by allowing wind to pass over the roof.
Contracting the Right Roofing Contractor
As a homeowner, you should consider several factors when choosing a roofing contractor:
- Experience and expertise: Look for a roofing contractor with an excellent reputation and a proven record of client satisfaction.
- Credentials and licenses: Ensure the contractor has the relevant documents and permits to operate in your area, including certification and insurance.
- Communication and availability: Choose a contractor who communicates about the project’s progress and is easy to reach when you have questions.
- Cost: Ensure the contractor you choose is transparent about the costs of their services.
Preparing for a Wind Event
If you are in a wind-prone area and have a severe weather warning, you should prepare before the wind event hits. Follow these steps to prepare for a wind event:
- Inspect your roof and prepare it for the wind event by repairing any damage to reduce its vulnerability.
- Anchor outdoor furniture as they can become projectiles in high winds.
- Prune and tree branches near your house.
- Reinforce your doors and windows with storm shutters to protect them from projectiles.
- Move your car to a garage or a carport — if you can’t, cover it with a car cover and secure it with straps.
- Clear any debris in your property.
- Clean the gutters and overflow pipes.
- Check your insurance to ensure you’re covered if damage occurs.
Protect Your Home From Strong Winds With Equity Builders Roofing
Your home is a significant investment, and it is crucial to be proactive in protecting it from wind damage. Equity Builders Roofing has professional roof inspectors and residential roof repair technicians to ensure your roof is in top shape and can withstand strong winds. Our inspectors look for vulnerabilities and record repairs before wind events. We offer affordable services and use quality materials in our projects.