Your roof is essential for the protection of your home. Homeowners must ensure that their roofs are in good shape to keep the weather where it should be; outside. You should address roof wind damage immediately. Here’s how.
What Type of Wind Damages Your Roof?
Many believe it takes a hurricane or a tornado to damage their roofs. Unfortunately, roof damage can occur during severe thunderstorms or wind gusts over 45mph.
Strong winds can break tree branches or remove shingles that are a bit loose. Property damage can range from uprooted trees to significant structural damage.
Roof wind damage may not be caused by the wind but by flying debris with excessive weight or fallen trees. You may have clogged or damaged vents or ventilation pipes.
Missing flashing is also a significant concern. Wind damage may cause leaky seams, which will lead to further damage.
If you suspect roof damage due to strong winds, it is essential to have a professional inspection completed by a roofing contractor.
A professional roofing contractor can determine the roof damage caused by high winds. Homeowners will need this information for their insurance company.
Types of Wind Damage to Your Roof
Hurricanes and tornado winds cause catastrophic damage. If your roofs can withstand high winds associated with these storms, they will likely sustain hail damage.
Straight-line winds are thunderstorm winds without rotation, with wind gusts reaching above 100mph. These winds can cause widespread property damage.
Derecho winds is a long-lasting straight-line wind storm with wind speeds up to 58mph covering a large area and causing widespread damage. These strong winds can cover an area of more than 240 miles.
How Can You Tell if You Have Wind Damage to Your Roof?
After a storm with high winds, you should check for roof damage. Even though you may not see wet spots on your ceiling or damp rafters, your roof may have extensive wind damage that requires immediate roof repair.
The first sign of wind damage is missing shingles. Curling shingles risk being blown off when there is a wind event. If you have an older roof, look for missing shingles or roof flashing.
Damaged shingles are another sign. Asphalt shingles showing granule loss will indicate that you need roof repairs.
You may notice leaks in your home. Peeling paint or water on the attic floor can indicate that your roofing materials are damaged and water is leaking into your home.
Inspect your property for loose debris, such as outdoor furniture or damaged bricks that may have struck your roof during the storm.
What Can You Do if Your Roof Is Damaged by Wind?
You should contact a roofing contractor if you suspect roof damage. Most roofing companies offer a free inspection, and you should ask for a written estimate of the damage and the roof repairs cost.
Once you have scheduled an inspection, you should check your homeowner’s insurance policy to determine if it covers wind damage.
You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They can refuse insurance claims if homeowners wait too long to report the wind damage.
Roof coverage depreciates over time, so you may not be eligible for a replacement. When your roof is over ten years old, you may only get reimbursed for part of the repair process.
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind Damage to Your Roof?
Homeowners will be glad to learn that their homeowners’ insurance policy will cover damage to the roof caused by wind. The insurance claim process will be different for everyone.
The payout of the insurance claim will depend on the shape of your roof before the storm, and it will also depend on the type of roofing materials.
Should I Make a Claim For Wind Damage to My Roof?
You should make your claim immediately. Damaging winds can compromise your roof shingles and other roofing materials, and homeowners can experience water leaks or increased energy costs when roofs sustain damage.
Homeowners should contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Documenting any damage with photographs is essential because some people commit insurance fraud to get a new roof.
How To Repair a Wind-Damaged Roof
A professional roofing contractor should address severe damage.
When there is minor damage, you can fix it temporarily by applying roofing cement to damaged shingles or any stress points. You can clean clogged gutters and ridge vents to prevent leaks while waiting for professional repair.
How To Find a Contractor To Help Repair Wind Damage?
Unfortunately, less than reputable contractors will use a wind storm to take advantage of homeowners.
Homeowners should have estimates from at least three different roofing contractors. Compare the quotes and ask for references. Hiring a company with experience working with insurance companies is best.
Areas and Properties More Susceptible to Wind Damage
Several factors can increase a home’s chances of suffering wind damage.
If the house is in an area prone to damaging wind events, you are at risk for damage.
The type of roof can also increase your chances of damage. A gabled roof will be more susceptible to damage than a flat roof.
The age of your roof and the installation can also increase the chances of wind damage. Older roofs may be damaged anywhere the roofing material has weakened. The roof’s sturdiness will depend on how the installers fastened the roofing material.
Protecting Your Roof From Wind Damage
Homeowners can help prevent wind damage. Ensure that you keep any trees trimmed that are near your house.
Ensure that all flashing, such as chimney flashing, is sealed. You can install windproof sheathing and hurricane clips to help stop your roof from being blown off.
When they predict a windstorm, you can use ropes to tie down a house’s flat roof or small commercial buildings.
Final Thoughts
Weather is unpredictable. Dealing with the damage is not. Knowing how to deal with roof wind damage as quickly as possible is best. A roof with damage can lead to other problems that can be costly.
You may not need a roof replacement, but you must complete repairs as quickly as possible. Don’t wait; contact a contractor as soon as you suspect wind damage.
