Severe storms, including hurricanes and tornadoes, can wreak havoc on a roof. Strong winds can be especially destructive, causing falling debris or damage to shingles and tiles.
If your roof is damaged by the wind, taking prompt action to repair any issues is necessary to prevent further damage to your home or business. The question becomes whether your property has sustained roof wind damage.
This article outlines what signs to look for and how to proceed if you suspect that you have roof wind damage. If you're ready to make the switch to a more durable and wind resistant roofing material, be sure to check out Brava Roof Tile.
Wind Speeds That Can Lead to Roof Damage
Even relatively low-speed winds can cause damage to a roof. This is especially true if your roof is older, or your current shingles or tiles have sustained some damage in the past.
While wind speeds of 45 miles per hour are enough to remove already-loose shingles and cause tree branches or limbs to fall, speeds as low as 30 miles per hour can also lead to damage.
Generally speaking, most roofs should be able to resist damage when speeds reach up to 110 miles per hour, and some materials (like those from Brava Roof Tile) can withstand top speeds of up to almost twice that figure (188MPH with nails and up to 211MPH with high wind / screw installation).
Areas of the country that regularly experience severe weather should be equipped with higher-quality roofing materials, especially since winds ranging from 75 to 90 miles per hour can cause significant, catastrophic damage.
How To Determine If Your Property Has Roof Wind Damage
It’s important to inspect your roof for wind damage as soon as possible after a storm that has been accompanied by strong winds.
While it’s recommended to reach out to a professional roofing contractor to schedule a roof inspection, you can do some preliminary examinations yourself. Just be sure not to put yourself in physical danger.
Roof wind damage can be evident in several places, so we recommend looking for the following signs of roof damage:
Missing shingles is one of the most obvious signs of roof damage. Strong winds can cause them to completely fly off and land in your yard. Therefore, you may notice shingles missing from your roof or notice that they’ve fallen off and been scattered around your property.
You can also take stock of your neighbor’s roofs to see if you notice any damage. For example, if you have a better vantage point of their roof than your own and see damage next door, there’s a decent chance that your roof is also damaged.
Look for damage to the shingles themselves. Loose, curling, peeling, or missing shingles can also result from high wind speeds. Curling and peeling shingles can let in water and lead to further roof damage.
Check for granule loss. If you have roof shingles, you’ll notice that they have a granular surface that looks like sandpaper. These granules can come off during extreme weather, and though they’re small, the granules are critical for reinforcing and protecting your roof.
Take note of any chimney damage or damage to other parts of your roof structure. A crooked chimney is a surefire sign that your roof has sustained damage. It’s also a good idea to look for damage to the soffit, which is the exposed area under the eaves of the roof.
Look inside your home. Sometimes, roof damage is evident when you check inside the home. Specifically, any interior leaks or discoloration in the wall is a sign that your roof has been damaged by wind.
Can a Roof Damaged by Wind Be Repaired?
In most cases, the answer to this question is a resounding yes. Further, storm or wind damage may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. When repairing roof damage, it’s important to select high-quality materials that can resist extreme weather conditions and future storms.
Prevent Roof Wind Damage With Brava Roof Tile
Prevention is the best defense against roof wind damage, which is why savvy homeowners are making the switch to highly wind-resistant roofing materials from Brava Roof Tile.
We manufacture synthetic roofing materials, including synthetic cedar shake, slate, and Spanish barrel tile, that are built to withstand wind speeds of up to 188 to 211MPH. Contact us today to request a sample or get a quote.
