Has it not rained since the storm this past weekend? You’re probably thinking that your roof is smiling right now, but the truth is that it could still be damaged. Strong winds create stress points on the roof, and over time, this can weaken and compromise it. Most roofs are designed to resist typical wind loads, but incremental damage over the years can seriously build up from high winds and debris. The strongest course of action is to replace missing shingles and fix the initial roof damage in order to prevent subsequent damage and high fuel costs.
Why Does Wind Damage My Roof?
The reason that wind is damaging your roof is because the effect of wind moving over it is not uniform. There are areas like corners and the perimeter which can be vulnerable to high wind pressures, while the center of your roof enjoys lower stresses. The National Roofing Contractors Association has stated that most wind damage to a roof starts at the edge. Where the roofing is a bit loose, the wind can get underneath it and push it up. This type of damage can start very small, and it can be hard to spot.
Locating the Damage
So, how do you spot roof damage?
Start by inspecting your attic for leaks and any signs of water damage. If there are water stains on your ceiling or walls, you likely need to make repairs or even get a roof replacement. Now, you can even spot storm damage by looking from the ground. Keep your eyes peeled for missing shingles or any missing pieces of metal fascia. This includes metal pieces displaced from around the chimney. Check out the condition of exhaust pipes, outer edges, valleys, and angles where the roof joins with the wall.
If a tree has fallen on your roof, then it’s going to be pretty obvious, right? But if this is the case, you want to stay out of your home until a professional can see whether any structural damage occurred. How can you recognize hail damage? Hail damage commonly comes in the form of dimples, and these are made by small chunks of hail that point against the outer layer of the shingles. The final rule of thumb: Always remain safe. Don’t go up on the roof to check for damage yourself. Hire a professional.