Severe weather conditions can wreak havoc on your home — including your roof. High winds can loosen or break shingles, damage the flashing, and even cause the entire roof to collapse.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how wind and severe weather can damage your roof in all kinds of ways and what you can do to mitigate the damage.
It’s always good to be prepared, and you can use this information to stay ahead of potential disaster when it comes to your home.
Let’s get started!
What Are the Different Ways Wind Can Damage My Roof?
While most people think of severe thunderstorms or hurricanes when they think about wind damage, any type of high winds can cause problems for your roof. Here are some of the different ways in which wind can damage your roof:
- High Winds Can Loosen or Break Shingles
Shingles are designed to withstand a certain amount of wind before they start to come loose. However, if the winds are strong enough, they can actually break the shingles off entirely. Once the shingles are gone, it leaves your roof vulnerable to all kinds of other damage from the elements.
- Damaged Flashing
The flashing is the metal strips that are used to seal around vents and chimneys on your roof. If the flashing is damaged, it can cause leaks in your roof that can lead to all kinds of other problems.
- Collapsed Roofs
In extreme cases, high winds can actually cause the entire roof to collapse. This is most likely to happen if the roof is already weakened from other damage, but it is still a possibility even if the roof is in good condition.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Wind Damage?
If your home suffers wind damage to its roof, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. If you don’t, you could be facing some serious long-term effects, including:
- Water Damage
One of the most common long-term effects of wind damage to your roof is water damage. If your roof is damaged, it’s more likely to leak, and that can lead to all sorts of problems like mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and more.
- Structural Damage
Another long-term effect of wind damage to your roof is structural damage. If the damage is bad enough, it can cause the walls or ceiling to collapse, which could injure anyone who happens to be inside the house at the time.
- Higher Energy Bills
If your roof is damaged, it’s not going to be as effective at keeping your home warm in the winter or cool in the summer. That means you’ll end up paying more in energy bills each month, and over time, that can really add up.
How Can I Protect My Roof From Wind Damage?
There are a few things you can do to help protect your roof from wind damage:
- Inspect Your Roof Regularly
One of the best ways to protect your roof from wind damage is to inspect it regularly. If you catch the damage early, it will be easier to repair and won’t have a chance to cause as much long-term damage.
- Trim Trees Near Your House
If there are any trees near your house, make sure they are trimmed back so that they can’t fall on your roof in high winds.
- Install Hurricane Straps
If you live in an area where hurricanes are common, consider installing hurricane straps. These straps help to keep the roof attached to the rest of the house in high winds, which can help to prevent it from collapsing.
- Reinforce Your Garage Door
If your garage door is not properly reinforced, it can be blown in by high winds and cause damage to your roof. Make sure the door is securely fastened to the frame and that there are no gaps that could allow wind to get through.
- Be Prepared for Severe Weather
If you know severe weather is on its way, take some time to prepare your home. Bring any loose items inside and make sure everything is securely fastened down. If possible, park your car in a garage or sheltered area so that it doesn’t get damaged by flying debris.
When Is the Right Time To Replace My Roof?
If your roof is damaged by high winds, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. However, there may come a time when it’s just not worth repairing anymore and you need to replace the entire roof.
Some signs that it might be time to replace your roof include:
- The Roof Is More Than 20 Years Old
If your roof is more than 20 years old, it’s probably time to start thinking about replacing it. Most roofs will last for about 20-25 years before they need to be replaced, so if yours is getting up there in age, it’s probably time for a new one.
- There Is Extensive Damage
If the damage to your roof is extensive, it might be more cost-effective to just replace the whole thing rather than trying to repair it. This is especially true if the damage is widespread or if there are multiple layers of shingles that need to be replaced.
- You’re Getting Frequent Leaks
If you’re getting frequent leaks, it’s a sign that your roof is no longer doing its job. This is usually a good indication that it’s time for a new roof.
- The Roof Is Sagging
If the roof is sagging, it’s a sign that the structural integrity of the roof has been compromised and needs to be replaced.
- You Want To Save Money on Energy Bills
If your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be because your roof is no longer as effective at keeping your home warm or cool. Replacing an old, damaged roof with a new one can help to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save you money in the long run.
If you’re not sure whether you need to replace your roof or not, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional. They will be able to inspect the damage and give you their expert opinion on whether repair or replacement is the best option.
Not Sure What To Do With Your Roof? T. Simpson Roofing Can Help!
If your roof has been damaged by high winds, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. T. Simpson Roofing is a trusted name in roofing, and we can help you get your roof back into tip-top shape.
We offer a variety of services, including repair and replacement, so we can find the best solution for your needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
