Storms can be incredibly harsh, and if you’ve just experienced one, you might worry about the state of your roof. High winds, torrential rains, and flying debris can cause damage that doesn’t always reveal itself right away. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), severe storms can produce wind speeds exceeding 75 mph, enough to inflict significant damage on your roof. So, what does wind damage look like on your roof? Let’s dive into the five clear signs of wind damage and what steps you should take next.
Missing Shingles:
One of the most glaring signs of wind damage is missing shingles. After a storm, grab your coat, step outside, and take a good look at your roof. Do you see shingles scattered in your yard or gaps where shingles should be? These are clear indicators that your roof might have taken a hit.
High winds can yank shingles off your roof, leaving the underlayment exposed. This layer is your roof’s first line of defence against rain, snow, and ice. When shingles go missing, you expose your home to potential leaks and water damage.
What to Do Next:
Start by checking your roof from the ground for any bare spots or loose shingles. If you see missing shingles or find them on the ground, act quickly. Reach out to a local roofing professional for a comprehensive roof inspection. Many roofing companies offer free storm damage inspections, so it’s a good idea to schedule one right away.
A roofing expert will assess the damage and recommend the best repair options. Sometimes, they might just need to replace a few shingles. If the storm causes more severe damage, like issues with the underlayment or roof decking, they’ll create a plan for more extensive repairs.
Ignoring missing shingles can lead to bigger problems, such as water leaks, mold growth, and structural damage. By addressing these issues promptly, you can prevent them from getting worse and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Lifted or Curled Shingles:
Even if you don’t see missing shingles, your roof might still have storm damage. High winds can cause shingles to lift or curl, which can be just as problematic. These subtle signs of damage might be harder to spot but can lead to major issues if left unaddressed.
Storms with strong winds can catch the edges of shingles, causing them to lift or curl. When shingles are damaged this way, they lose their protective seal. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), this type of damage often occurs in winds as low as 40 mph, but severe storms can push winds much higher, reaching over 60 mph or more. This can create gaps where water can seep into your roof, potentially leading to leaks, mold, and more severe structural problems.
What to Do Next:
After a storm, take a close look at your roof from the ground. Look for shingles that appear to be lifting at the edges or curling upwards. You might also notice that some shingles seem to be misaligned or out of place. These signs indicate that the adhesive that holds your shingles in place might have been compromised.
A certified roofing contractor will come out to inspect the damage closely and determine the best repair solutions. They might replace the damaged shingles, secure any loose ones, or reseal areas to make your roof watertight again. Addressing lifted or curled shingles right away is crucial. If you ignore these issues, you risk facing water leaks, which can lead to mold growth and structural damage over time.
Gutter Damage:
Don’t forget to check your gutters after a storm, they’re a key part of your roof’s defence system. Gutters channel rainwater away from your home, helping to keep your roof and foundation dry. They also provide important clues about storm damage that could be affecting your roof.
Strong winds and flying debris can seriously impact your gutters. While gutters are designed to handle a lot of weather, debris like tree branches or hail can dent them, bend them, or even pull them away from the roof. According to the American Roofing Manufacturers Association, storm debris can compromise gutter systems and lead to more significant damage if not addressed promptly.
What to Do Next:
Start by checking for any dents or bends in the gutters. Flying debris can easily cause these issues, so keep an eye out for anything that looks out of place. Next, see if the gutters are sagging or pulling away from the roof edge. This could mean the storm was strong enough to damage the gutter’s attachment to your house.
Don’t forget to clear out any debris like leaves, twigs, or branches that might be blocking the flow of water. Clogged gutters can lead to bigger problems, so it’s important to keep them clean. Also, look for shingle granules in the gutters. These tiny bits of gravel are crucial for protecting your shingles from the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you find a lot of granules, it might be a sign that your roof is starting to wear out. Checking these things right after a storm can help you catch problems early before they turn into bigger issues. By staying on top of gutter maintenance, you can keep your roof and home in great shape.
Missing Granules:
Granules are those small, colourful pieces on your asphalt shingles that you might not think about often, but they play a crucial role in protecting your roof. These granules shield your shingles from the sun’s harmful UV rays and help prevent damage from impact and weather. However, after a severe windstorm, you might find that these granules have started to come off, which can signal that your roof is in trouble.
What to Do Next:
After a storm, take a moment to check your gutters and downspouts for any accumulation of granules. If you see a significant amount of these granules gathered there, it’s a clear sign that your shingles might be losing their protective layer. It’s normal for a few granules to end up in the gutters over time, but if you see a large amount, it indicates that your shingles are suffering from excessive wear.
Granules are like the armour for your shingles. They protect against the sun’s UV rays and help keep your roof from getting damaged by impacts like hail. When these granules start to shed, your shingles become more vulnerable to the elements, which can lead to leaks, accelerated wear, and even more severe roof damage. If you notice a significant build-up of granules in your gutters, don’t wait to address the issue.
Soffit and Fascia:
After a storm, don’t forget to inspect your soffit and fascia for signs of damage. These two components might not be the stars of your roof system, but they play crucial roles in protecting your home. High winds from severe storms can wreak havoc on your soffit and fascia. Strong gusts can cause these parts to crack, bend, or even detach from your home. This damage isn’t just cosmetic, it can lead to serious issues if left unaddressed.
What’s the Difference? The fascia is the visible board that runs along the edge of your roof, right where the roof meets the exterior walls. It acts as a barrier, keeping water from running down into your siding and home. The soffit, on the other hand, is the underside of the roof’s overhang, extending from the side of the house to the edge of the roof. It helps ventilate your attic and directs water away from the roofline.
What to Do Next:
After the storm, it’s time to give your fascia and soffit a thorough check-up. Start by looking for any visible cracks or splits in the fascia board or soffit panels, as these could be signs that the wind caused some damage. Next, inspect for any bending or warping; if you notice that the fascia or soffit looks misshapen or out of place, strong winds might be the culprit.
Addressing soffit and fascia damage quickly helps maintain your home’s structural integrity and keeps your roof in top shape. A quick repair can prevent water from seeping into your attic, stop pests from entering, and avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
Wrapping it up:
Storms can put your roof and home through the wringer, but knowing what to look for can help you spot damage early and prevent bigger issues down the road. Whether it’s missing shingles, lifted shingles, gutter damage, granule loss, or problems with your soffit and fascia, catching these signs of wind damage can save you from costly repairs and ensure your roof stays in top shape. Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a drone roof inspection and keep your roof in excellent condition!
