It’s fall in Michigan, and with that comes cold driving rain and high winds. While we might not often have thunderstorms in the fall, our biggest harbinger of winter is the wicked autumn winds we experience every year. Other than hail, this wind is one of the biggest threats to your roof.
This time of year winds are very strong, tend to shift direction quickly, and change speeds often – all major factors in roof damage. These types of winds can lift up the edges and corners of your roof, tear off and curl shingles, and generally wreak havoc on the unprepared roof. It’s important to ensure that you have the right type of material connecting your roof to the top of your home, and that these materials have not been compromised.
If 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, 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.
High winds also pick up heavy debris like tree limbs, glass, and other objects, which can seriously damage your roof in unexpected ways. Make sure to 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.
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 major 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.
Roof damage isn’t something you can just let go. If you’re not sure about the extent of your roof damage, or how to fix it, make sure to call Werner & Son’s Roofing today at (616) 844-5382 or visit our website for a free quote!
