Wind and hail are two of the most common culprits of roof damage. However, the worst part is that wind and hail damage to roofs could be difficult to spot from the ground. So, when a strong storm hits your area, it’s best to have your roof inspected and save yourself the trouble of discovering the damage once it’s reached the inside of your home.
What Kind of Damage Can Wind and Hail Cause to My Roof?
Strong winds, quick directional changes, high wind speeds, and hail are all major factors in roof damage. When you put them together, you have the perfect recipe for wind and hail damage to your roof. These winds can lift the edges and corners of your roof and tear off and curl shingles.
Meanwhile, hail can create round dents in your shingles and even leave your asphalt shingles shiny, seriously compromising your roof’s integrity and ability to keep water out of your home.
How Can Wind and Hail Affect My Roof?
When a roof is not properly managed and maintained, there are quite a few ways that wind can work to destroy it. Wind can pull up the corners and edges of your roof, allowing debris to slide under and work at destroying its integrity. Each time a big gust gets ahold of your roof, it pulls it up farther, and in very extreme cases, your roof can be blown right off.
In a less extreme case, the wind will still rip and pull at shingles, creating open spaces, breaks, and cracks that leave your roof susceptible to driving rains and water damage.
As for the consequences of hail damage, the results can be just as grave. In addition to dents and cracks in your shingles, large hailstones can knock the shingles right off of your roof, create punctures in the roof’s flashing, and damage gutters and downspouts.
Signs of a Wind and Hail Damaged Roof
High winds also pick up heavy debris like tree limbs, glass, and other objects, which can seriously damage your roof in unexpected ways. Check for dents, scratches, and the like on your shingles. If any shingles have dark marks or bruises, this is a sign that the granules that protect your roof from UV rays and rain have been dislodged.
Make sure to take a look from the inside, too. Flaking paint, drips, or discolored spots are signs that the integrity of your roof may be compromised. Checking the attic ceiling with a flashlight is another easy way to tell if you’ve got any leaks or holes.
How Can I Prevent Roof Damage From Wind and Hail?
The most important thing to remember is that the more times the wind gets to your roof without repair, the more damage you’ll have to pay for later. The best way to avoid significant damage is to regularly inspect your roof, especially after big storms and bouts of high winds, and fix any issues as soon as they present themselves.
For additional protection from high-speed winds and hail damage:
- Ensure your roof is properly installed and maintained
- Install wind-resistant shingles
- Trim trees and other vegetation that could harm your roof during a storm
Your Roof Is Important. Trust Werner Roofing to Protect It from Wind and Hail Damages
When your roof shows signs of storm damage, it’s critical to have your roof inspected by a trusted professional. Roof damage isn’t something you can just let go unfixed because it could result in water damage to your home’s interior and lead to a series of other severe consequences.
If you’re unsure about the extent of your roof damage or how to fix it, call Werner Roofing today at (616) 844-5382 or visit our website for a free quote!
