There are several things that can damage your roof. After all, it is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. One thing that can be extremely damaging is high wind. High wind can be even more destructive than heavy rain, snow, and even hail. High wind damage makes up for 40% of insurance claims for homeowners. However, it doesn’t have to always be that way. There are some things that can be done to make sure that your roof is set up for success against even the strongest winds. Nickerson Roofing is here to talk about why the wind is so damaging, and what you can do to keep your roof protected against it.
What Wind Damage Looks Like
It is important for homeowners to know what wind damage looks like so that they can inspect their roof after a large storm and know whether or not it needs to be repaired. Here is what to look for:
– Shingles: The first and most obvious thing that homeowners can look for is damage to their shingles. You might have shingles that are missing completely as well. When strong wind hits, your shingles need to remain in place. If you notice that there are any that appear to be loose or lifting, it is time to call in the professionals. If you have some that are missing completely, get them replaced as soon as possible.
– Flashing: Flashing is what is around all the obtrusions on your roof. This would include things like chimneys, skylights, vents and more. You need to make sure that the flashing isn’t bent or loosened. If this is the case, that means that there is space for water to make its way into your home.
How to Strengthen Your Roof Against High Wind
Like mentioned above, there are some things that homeowners can to do strengthen their roofs so that the next time a big wind storms blows through, it’s ready. Here are some tips to do that:
– Shingles: The shingles that you have on your roof matter. There are different shingles that are rated and designed for different purposes. If you live in an area that experiences high wind frequently, then you are going to want to have shingles on your roof that are rated for high winds. These shingles are going to be less likely to lift, loosen or tear during a large windstorm.
– Flashing & Fasteners: The flashing on your roof needs to be inspected regularly to ensure it is solidly in place. There are high quality fasteners that can be used to ensure your roof has an even better chance of withstanding wind. These fasteners will help to reduce weak points on your roof.
– Impact Resistance: Another thing to think a bout when it comes to high winds is the debris that will surely be blown all over the place. This means that your roof needs to be able to handle any impact that could occur because of blowing debris. Make sure your roof is ready with impact resistant materials.
Roof Repair, Replacement & More in Truckee, Mystic, Tahoe City, Kings Beach & The North Lake Tahoe Basin of California
While most roofs are engineered to withstand typical wind speeds, factors such as age, maintenance, and installation quality can impact a roof’s resilience. In extreme cases, wind speeds exceeding 100 mph can lead to catastrophic roof failure. If you have sustained roof damage due to high winds, you can rely on Nickerson Roofing to fix it. Call us today!
