Wind can cause major damage to roofs, especially older 3-tab shingles. When wind catches shingles, it damages the seal, lifts shingles, creases them, and can even blow them off the roof completely. Any wind damage to a roof should be cause for concern, because moisture can now begin to work its way into your home or business which means costlier repairs.
Some wind damage can be seen from the ground. Here is what to look for:
- Shingles that are lifted.
- Shingles that are creased and flipped back
- Shingles that are completely missing. You will see the gap (often darker from the un-faded shingle below it) or even black patches of exposed felt. Felt is just a safety net for temporary water proofing while a roof is being installed. It can be torn by hand and does have holes in it from roof installation.
- If you see exposed wood on your roof, you need to act even more urgently as water damage risks are greater due to the absent felt underlayment. Moisture is absorbed into the wood and will work its way through your attic, insulation, ceilings, and drywall.
Wind damage isn’t uniform. One slope of your roof can be pristine, while another can be damaged from high winds towards it. Neighbors can also have varying amounts of damage if their home is sheltered by surrounding trees. (We see this increased protection with hail damage as well, but those homes have a higher risk of a tree falling on them.)
Not all damage is visible at ground level and requires inspections. Shingles can be loosened, flipped upward, and then returned to their usual position in a single storm, but the damage is done. Future rain then penetrates under the shingles and water damage increases. Wind can also push debris under the flapping shingles.
Repairing wind damage really is an urgent item. Your roofing system is designed to protect your interior, and a fault in your roof means that you are exposed to eventual interior repairs from water damage and mold exposure. The good news? As a storm damage item, these types of roof repairs and replacements are covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Our representatives are trained in this process and are happy to explain further.
If you suspect you have wind damage, please contact Total Pro Roofing for an inspection at: 770-624-1009. Learn more about us at www.totalproroofing.com or by clicking the links above. We are an accredited BBB member with an A+ rating, fully insured, and were proudly voted Best Roofer for Best of Gwinnett 2016.