Wind Damage

Even when a storm produces no rain or hail, your roof can still sustain damage. Roof damage related to windstorms is one of the most common types of roofing repairs. If your home has suffered wind damage, our expert roofers will evaluate your roof’s damage, provide an accurate repair estimate, and ensure your roof gets the appropriate repairs done correctly and quickly.

How Wind Damages Your Roof

The wind does not move over your roof evenly across the surface. Over time, the stress points on your roof can weaken and the entire roof system can become compromised.

Anywhere the roofing material is even a little loose, the wind can get below it and push it up. The roof’s perimeter is the most vulnerable part during a windstorm since high winds will usually start to dislodge shingles and shakes at the corners, edges, and ridge. This type of wind damage can start very small, but with repeated exposure to wind, it can quickly create a chain peeling effect progressing toward the center of the roof.

High winds will get under a corner or small piece of the roof’s shingle and cause it to curl or even completely rip off. When this happens, it leaves your roof exposed and can lead to leaks.

Another danger of high winds is “lifting.” Your shingles may look intact from the ground, but the wind can come up and create a suction effect that lifts the shingles upward and loosens the nails that are holding them down. Lifted shingles can break the sealant between each layer and cause leaks.

Roof Issues Caused By Wind Damage

While roofs are designed to withstand typical wind, as your roof ages, it can become more susceptible to damage by high winds and debris carried by the wind.

Strong windstorms that impact your roof’s material can lead to a variety of problems in your home, including:

• Missing shingles or broken roof material which leads to water damage
• Mold and mildew
• Loss of insulation which leads to higher energy bills

Signs of Wind Damage After a Storm

Your home may need roof repairs if you notice any of these wind damage signs:

• A leaky roof – This might be the easiest way to notice wind damage since water is in places it shouldn’t be, such as your attic.
• Broken or missing roof shingles – Strong winds, heavy rain, or falling tree branches can damage and completely pull off your roof’s shingles.
• Shingle granule loss – Wind and rain can often wash away shingle granules into the gutter.
• Curled shakes or shingles – You may see creases in shingles that have come unsealed or hear them flapping in the wind. The curled shakes and shingles no longer protect water from leaking through.
• Buckled or torn chimney flashing – This is another stress point on the roof when high winds hit at just the right angle and lift the flashing.

It may be difficult to know the full extent of roof damage that your home has endured if you aren’t sure what to look for. It is always best to have your roof inspected by a professional to catch any and all roof issues.

South Side Roofing delivers high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Contact our St. Louis roofing experts today for an affordable roofing solution for your wind damage!