If a wind storm has blown through, you see uprooted trees and downed power lines – but have you considered potential damage to your roof?
Here's how to know when to call experienced roofers in Lehigh Valley to inspect your property.
The Ways That High Winds Damage Your Roof
High winds can damage your roof in two main ways; one is the impact of debris, such as broken tree limbs or shards of glass, being blown onto or across your roof, and the other is the incremental weakening and loosening of shingles.
As wind hits your roof, it doesn't move uniformly. Higher pressures concentrate along the eaves and rakes, with lower stress in the center of the shingles. The wind gets under any loose edges and lifts them. The next gust of wind has more to grab and can lift the entire shingle. Left unchecked, this process creates a vicious cycle of shingles lifting.
Once the shingles are loose, the underlayment will also suffer damage. The next thing that happens is that rain penetrates and causes rot in your home's structural components, leaks, and mold growth.
What Makes Roofs Vulnerable to Wind Damage?
Most wind damage to roofs is from moderately intense winds with gusts in the region of 70 to 77 miles per hour. Although the average speed may be considerably lower, you must consider these gusts.
Asphalt-shingled roofs can withstand such gusts without much harm if applied correctly. If they are nailed too high, they would repeatedly flex in the blasts, weaken, and blow off.
If they are correctly nailed, but the free tabs at the edge aren't cemented down, repeated gusts will lift them. Testing has shown that uncemented shingles will lift after less than 100 wind gusts, whereas cemented ones can withstand more than 2000 gusts. As you can see, hiring a reputable Lehigh Valley roofing company to apply your shingles will substantially prolong the lifespan of your roof.
What to Look for to Evaluate Damage to Your Roof
Loose shingles in your yard are a sign that you need help from roofers. Lehigh Valley can experience severe weather, and it's best to turn to the most experienced Lehigh Valley roofing company.
You may not have shingles missing, but if they are curling and loosening, they create entry points for water. Loss of granules on the shingles shortens their lifespan: the easiest way to check this is to inspect your gutters, where the granules tend to accumulate.
Inspect your soffit or fascia, too – damage to these components of your roofing system can result in leaks and let in rodents and birds. Check the flashing around features such as chimneys for damage. Lastly, check inside your home for any signs of dampness, peeling paint, or mold that could indicate a leaking roof.
Final Thoughts
High winds are a menace to roofing – even if the damage isn't apparent at a glance, it's worth booking an inspection after a storm. Contact experienced and professional roofers in Lehigh Valley for expert advice.