High winds can result in some damage to your home and roof, even if there isn’t any rain or hail. Some of the most common problems associated with roofs, including leaks, gutter issues and missing shingles, are all common results of high winds. This is because the winds will not hit the roof evenly across its surface, but instead put quite a bit of extra pressure on the edges, corners and ridge line. When the wind gets under a single corner or small piece of shingle, it could curl it up and rip it off entirely, resulting in your roof being exposed in some areas.
This is especially an issue with shingle roofs, which can take quite the beating when the winds get strong, even though most are rated to withstand 90 mph winds. Roof damage can begin at winds of 50 mph, so it’s important to know what the signs of wind damage area and how you can address them.
Here are some of the ways you can spot wind damage on your roof so you know to call a roofing contractor in central Florida:
- Missing shingles: If you have any missing shingles noticeable on your roof, that’s a clear sign you’ve sustained some wind damage. While heavy rain or falling branches can pull shingles off, it is strong winds that are most likely to do this type of damage.
- Curling shingles: Shingles that begin to curl up at their edges are most commonly found at the roof’s stress points, such as around the chimney, at the ridge and near the edges and corners. As shingles curl, they are unable to prevent water from leaking through the roof. Curls can be harder to find than missing shingles if you’re looking from the ground.
- Leaks: Leaks are the most noticeable roof issue you’ll find, because there will be water coming into your house where it shouldn’t be. Look in your attic first (or on the top floor) to find wet spots or water dripping while it’s raining. If you notice leaks, make sure you call a roofer immediately—the longer you let the problem go, the more likely you’ll end up dealing with issues such as rot and mold.
- Gutters: High winds can blow the granules off the shingles, and heavy rain will wash them into the gutters. Therefore, look inside the gutters for evidence of granules. If you find excessive granule counts in there, be sure to get in touch with a roofer so they can come over and check to see what types of repairs are needed.
- Chimney flashing: Look up at the chimney to see if the flashing is split or missing. This is a big stress point for high winds, and it can easily get lifted up when winds hit it at the right angle, especially if it’s already unsecured.
For more tips about discovering wind damage to your roof, contact Winter Springs Roofing & Repair to speak with a roofing contractor in central Florida.