Regardless of the time of the year, Atlanta's homes are always subject to wind damage, making roof wind damage one of Georgia's most common reasons for roof replacement.
Even though everybody associates wind roof damage with a severe storm, in most cases, expensive roofing problems result from minor issues that, due to lack of maintenance and timely assessment, grow into widespread damage as high winds hit throughout the years.
This blog post will explore the wind categories and how they can potentially cause damage to your roof, the most common signs of roof damage caused by wind and the best course of action to resolve them.
Wind Categories and Roof Wind Damage
Throughout history, high winds have swept in and lifted roofs off of homes, torn tiles, shingles, and metal panels away, or tossed tree limbs and other debris onto roofs. On average, damaging winds can gust up to 115 mph here in Georgia, says the National Weather Service. Nevertheless, even at 74-95mph, winds are perfectly capable of causing minor roof damage to your roof, particularly if it has older asphalt shingles on (above 10-years old). Therefore, periodic roofing maintenance and timely roof repairs are crucial to extending its life as your roof ages. In the infographic below, you will find more detailed information about wind speeds and the levels of threat to your roof.
Signs of Roof Wind Damage:
Water Leaks
Looking for interior damage is a way of finding out whether your roof has an issue. It is easy for rain to get past shingles if they have been compromised in any way by strong winds. A clear sign is a discoloration on the walls or ceiling or sensing mold in your house, which indicates moisture in your walls. Leaks may start small, but the damage will accumulate if you do not fix them, resulting in a huge problem. The moment you spot a leak, it's always best to fix it immediately as it can lead to further damage to your roof and extensive structural problems.
Missing Shingles
It is easy to notice shingle damage since it is often visible. If you realize that your roof has some missing shingles, chances are high you have a wind damaged roof. It doesn't matter if it's just 2-3 shingles, do not hesitate to contact a local roofing contractor to examine the damage and give you a free estimate for roof repair if needed.
Debris
Waking up to a bunch of trash, tree branches, or other pieces of stuff in the yard or around your home indicates that there were strong winds overnight. Flying debris and tree branches can hit your roof and tear off asphalt shingles. Look keenly from the ground level to see whether there are any signs of shingles beginning to tear off. For safety reasons, we recommend you don't climbing up to the roof on your own. Instead, contact a local specialist to provide you with a free roof inspection. Professional roofing contractors will use a drone to give you a comprehensive view of what's happening with your roof without putting yourself in danger of getting injured or causing further damage to the roof while walking on it.
Loss of Granules
Over time, granules on the shingles wear and thin. The primary sign of granule loss is visible horizontal lines. They may appear as cracks or spots, which indicates that the shingle's seal is broken. The granules tend to rub off when the shingles flap in the wind and crash into other shingles. If you can see the granule lines, it's safe to assume have a wind damaged roof. Note that this kind damage is not significant at first but you may want to fix it with a minor repair to prevent it from extending.
Shingles Flapping When Its Windy
It is rare for homeowners to look up and see what is happening on their roofs. However, it is essential to look at your roof during a windy day. If you notice that some flapping or curling shingles calling a roofing contractor can help you determine if you need a roof repair or roof replacement.
Solutions to Roof Damage Caused By Wind
When you notice any of the above-discussed signs, turn to a professional roofing contractor, and they will fix the issue. If you take too long to address or fix the above issues, wind damage might do so much more than compromise the performance of your roof. Here are two solutions to roof storm damage.
Roof Repair
If you suspect your roof has wind damage, call a roofer immediately so you can get the necessary repairs to ensure your roof continues to offer quality protection against severe weather. Roof repair will not just restore the system; it will also extend its lifespan.
If your insurance covers roof storm damage restoration, let a specialist assess the roof's condition before starting the repair process. We can help you accurately evaluate the level of wind damage to your roof to augment your insurance claim and ensure you get enough coverage from your insurance company for the restoration and repair work involved.
Roof Replacement
If the wind damage to your roof is so severe that repairs are not enough, consider turning to your homeowners insurance to file a claim or investing out-of-pocket to install a new roof. A new and roofing system will offer long-lasting weather performance, so wind damage will not be a big concern. Ensure you get you roof inspected regularly to ensure it stays in good shape throughout the years.
The Most Important When you Find Roof Wind Damage is: Fix-It Fast
After strong winds hit your neighborhood, contact a reliable roofer to fix the problem fast. Whether it is looks like minor or severe damage, never let it sit unattended.
Most roof wind damage is easily repairable if you act immediately. Contact the professionals of Pro Roofing today to learn how we can help protect your home and roof from wind.
We are a reliable roofing contractor in the Metro Atlanta area with over a decade of industry experience dealing with wind damage restoration and helping homeowners file insurance claims.
Need help with Roof Hail Damage?
Please submit your information and our team will reach out to you as soon as possible