How to Spot Roof Damage After Strong Winds
Oklahoma is notorious for having strong winds all year round. Even if there is no rain or hail, your roof can still be damaged by the wind.
Strong winds have the ability to create stress points on a roof and over time it can weaken the roof and become compromised. Most roofs are designed to withstand normal wind from year to year, but in the midwest where those can be high winds, that could possibly carry debris with them, a roof can sustain more damage than one realizes. It is important to fix initial roof damage and missing shingles quickly because it will prevent further unwanted damage.
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How Can Wind Damage Your Roof
Wind is not necessarily uniform, meaning that areas like the corners and perimeter of the roof can be susceptible to higher wind pressures. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), most wind damage starts on the edge of the roof. The corners are more likely to be damaged because they have loose ends that the wind can get underneath. Once the wind rips up one shingle the rest come up like pulling a chain. This type of damage generally happens over time, rather than all in one night.
Another issue being that once a corner of insulation is exposed, rain can get in and start to cause leaks and water damage. Avoid this type of wind damage by making sure materials on the edge and corners of the roof are up to building code.
How to check for roof wind damage
- Perform an Outdoor Inspection: Look for missing or damaged shingles on or around your property. Keep in mind that not only the roof can be damaged but the chimney, ventilation pipes, roof flashing, gutters and fencing can also be damaged. Here is a basic list of what to look for:
Composition shingles: curling, loss of granulation, broken, damaged or missing shingles
Wood shingles/shakes: Mold or decay, splitting or curling
Flat roof: Obvious patches, cracks or tears, several blisters and/or wrinkles (also check patched areas from inside the attic)
Flashing: Tears, buckling around roof penetrations
Roofing cement: Excess cement, crumbling
Soffits and fascia: Decay, stains
Soffit and ridge vents: Clogged or damaged vents, flashing and shingles around them curling or missing
Gutters: Decay or rust, leaky seams, loosely attached to the structure, bent or sagging, missing sections of gutter or downspout, filled with debris. Clogged gutters can easily freeze shut and cause excessive weight on gutter fasteners, ice dam conditions, and slippery walks below.
Chimneys: Leaning, loose or missing flashing, damaged bricks, cap or cracked joints. Chimney flashing is especially prone to tearing because a chimney settles independently from the house.
- Perform an Indoor Inspection: Moisture marks, brown, yellow, or gray stains, and peeling paint on walls and/or ceilings could all indicate a damaged. Check your attic for damp rafters or leaks. If you experience a sudden upcharge in energy costs, it could be a sign that your roof has been compromised.
- Call in a Professional: Call us for a professional inspection. Getting on your roof yourself is not recommended as it can lead to personal injury and also further damage to your property. We have the tools and safety techniques to get up on your roof and check for damage.
What if my roof has wind damage?
The longer you wait to get your roof fixed can cause more damage than before. It’s important to get if fixed immediately. Remember, it is cheaper to fix some minor roof issues than to buy a new roof completely. Contact your insurance agent to assess the situation and determine whether you should file a claim. Document all receipts, including any you do yourself, such as covering windows or holes in your roof in order to get reimbursement if you file a claim. Many policies will cover these expenses when submitted with a claim.
Choosing a roof contractor
There are a lot of large corporate companies that say they can get if fixed quickly and they wind up working on it for weeks. We at Dason Fire & Water Restoration are local and care about our neighbors. Always ask to see a business’ licenses, proof of insurance, certifications, permanent business address and Better Business Bureau rating. We want to make sure that you and your family are taken care of.
For a roof inspection call us today (918) 379-0390 or contact our Oklahoma Office.
