“Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain!” What other states might consider gale-force winds, Oklahomans feel as a light breeze. While the “breeze” sure is nice on a hot summer day, it is always good to consider how wind can damage your roofing system.You can expect your roofing system to withstand a reasonable amount of wind over time, with the exception of events like tornados and other natural disasters. There are two different types of wind that can hit your roof: positive pressure (pushing) and negative pressure (suction). The stronger the winds, the more stress points it creates in your roofing system.The shape of your roof and type of pressure, positive or negative, depends on where the wind will do the most damage. The corners and edges of your roof incur the most damage when wind starts actually moving the roofing materials. Once the materials become loose, it’s easy for wind to suction the shingles up, allowing for the next gust of positive pressure to push the shingle up and off the roof. This leaves your underlayment exposed to rain and the area around the lifted materials vulnerable to being lifted themselves. Wind damage may start small with the removal of a single shingle but will increase in severity over time causing a peeling effect on the roof.Even more damaging than wind itself can be wind-blown debris. Check out these steps for inspecting your property for wind damage after high winds and how to take precautions.
CHECK FOR DEBRIS
After strong winds come through your area, check your yard for shingle debris and look for damaged shingles still attached to your roof (look for curling, cracking or tearing). Wind can also do damage to roof accessories like chimneys, gutters, flashings, ventilation pipes and the underlayment if it becomes exposed.Large trees that are next to your home, especially trees with branches that hang over your roof can be especially problematic with gusting winds. The branches’ damage can intensify with high winds causing scrapes or even gouge the roof’s surface. Watch out for tree debris blown onto your roof like pine needles and leaves. Debris that accumulates on your roof can trap moisture and, if left too long, it can cause rot or deterioration in the shingles and roof deck. Gutters tend to fill with windblown leaves and other debris during storms. If left to accumulate, gutters become blocked and can cause water to collect on your roof leading to damage to the underlayment, staining and even foundation issues. Make sure to clear gutters of debris often and check that rainwater is flowing off your roof properly.
IDENTIFY LEAKS
It is always best to schedule an inspection before storm season rolls around to make sure your roofing materials are secure, but if you find your roof is leaking consistently after rainfall, schedule an inspection right away. Besides the obvious sign of noticeable water dripping into your home, other signs of a roof leak include staining on the ceiling or walls and missing or damaged shingles.However, it’s important to know that after a heavy, blustery rain storm, sometimes roofs can be affected by wind-driven rains. Roofs are designed to shed water that comes in vertically.Wind-driven rain blows horizontally with help from the wind, penetrating crevices under your shingles and in your roofing system that are impossible to predict. Wind-driven rain must enter your roofing system at the perfect angle, but it is not necessarily a cause of roofing concern. Not sure if your leaking roof is related to wind-driven rains or a true roofing concern? Don’t worry – our team of experts is always happy to help you identify the cause of your roof leaks.
SCHEDULE REGULAR ROOF INSPECTIONS & REPAIRS
Call your local roofer to replace what might look like minor damage to you as soon as possible to avoid a total roof replacement in the future. It’s best not to give the next wind event easy access!For your own safety and to avoid damaging the roof further, we never recommend that you climb onto your roof to do an inspection, so call in the experts at Elliott Roofing. During an inspection, our staff will look for damage from wind on your shingles and accessories, wind-blown debris and identify what might be causing any leaks. Estimates are always complimentary at Elliott Roofing, so you can put your dollars into what matters most: the safety and security of your family with a stable roof over your heads.
