Wind Damage

Roof damage isn’t something you’re likely to consider or notice as you approach your home. We typically welcome the sun’s appearance through the clouds after a week of storms. But keep in mind that those storms could have seriously damaged your roof, either from hail or strong winds. The roof may have cracks, loose shingles, and areas where the asphalt has been removed. If you live in an area that was recently affected by high winds, it’s important to inspect your roof for damage. The pointers below may even guide you along the way. Strong Winds May Cause Damage to Your Home Many times, homeowners are surprised to hear that strong winds could harm their houses. That said, your property and the surroundings around it may be at risk from hazards brought on by strong winds, including downed power lines, uprooted trees, and fallen branches. Although these risks are what come to mind when a major storm passes, the wind itself can also cause structural damage to your home. Shingles may become loose or come off when strong winds strike a roof. Even new, solid shingles can be torn off by really strong winds. Damage from falling materials and debris, such as tree branches and broken power lines, can also result in wind damage to a roof. Wind Damaged Roofs Roofs are extremely vulnerable to wind damage, partly because strong gusts don’t always hit them evenly. Instead, the margins of the roof or portions of the roof that are already loose are typically damaged by wind. Since winds can easily rip up loose shingles, starting a chain reaction, these exposed areas of the roof are easy targets. Debris and falling objects frequently cause roof damage as well. Your roof may eventually begin to leak or decay as a result of sustained wind damage. Which Roof Is Best for High Winds? The decking beneath the shingles must be strong and stable, and your fasteners should be of superior quality if you want the greatest roof for heavy winds. Craftsmanship is additionally crucial. Some metal roofing types can survive winds reaching 150 mph or higher. Which Wind Speeds Should I Be Worried About? 45 – 57 mph The National Weather Service states that gusts up to 45 mph can start to cause minor damage, but this speed range is regarded as “non-severe.” These weak winds may break some tree limbs and harm already loosened or vulnerable shingles. 58 – 74 mph When the wind becomes particularly strong, buildings and landscapes sustain serious damage. At this range, the wind will uproot trees, peel off shingles that were in good shape, damage chimneys, and take down entire tree limbs. 75+ mph At this speed, the wind will significantly damage the roofs of homes and businesses as well as causing widespread damage to trees and mobile homes. Determining Wind Damage to Your Roof Call a professional if you’ve recently had gusts of 45 mph or more, and they will come out and check your roof for some of the typical indications of roof damage. Roofs may exhibit loose or missing shingles, chimney problems, curling or peeling shingles, granule loss, damaged soffit or fascia, and inside leaks as a result of wind damage. Tree branches that fall during strong winds might harm a roof. Conclusion Overall, if your roof was damaged by high winds, you will need to call a roofing contractor to assess the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. Roofing contractors are familiar with the specific requirements for repairing high wind damage, so they will be able to provide an accurate estimate for the necessary repairs. If you’re interested in a roof inspection or need roofing help, then contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or call us at817-668-6131! We offer free roofing inspections and Fort Worth roof installation so we can help you choose the best roofing option for your home. In addition, we can work on any type of roof and help you determine what may need to be repaired. If you need a free roof inspection, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Storms are destructive and unpredictable. High winds are an aspect of most storms and can easily do damage to your roof. So, after a storm, it’s important to know how to deal with wind damage. Honey Bees Roofing & Solar has four easy steps to follow when learning how to deal with wind damage. Pre-Storm Preparation Identify Damage Clear Any Debris Call A Trusted Professional Step 1 – Preparation If you live in an area with prevalent wind damage then the best thing you can do is prepare for the next storm. Make sure the area around your house doesn’t have anything that could do major damage to your property. Keep trees properly trimmed so limbs don’t fly off, and consider landscaping with softer materials. Mulch or shredded bark do less damage when picked up by the wind than gravel or rocks. Also, bring in any outdoor furniture, trash cans, garden decorations, and other loose outdoor property. You should also check your roof, or get a free roof inspection at least once per year. Making sure there are no loose shingles and all flashing is in place can help prevent damage to your roof. If your area has consistent high winds, consider getting weather-resistant shingles and storm shutters. Step 2 – Identify Wind Damage After storms or strong winds, you’ll need to identify any damages to your property. Call a local roofer if you’re nervous about getting on a ladder to inspect your roof. Many reputable roofers offer free roofing inspections. However, if you’re going to look yourself, you should inspect your shingles, flashing, and just general damage you hadn’t noticed before. High winds can cause a plethora of damages to shingles. They can tear shingles and even pull them from your roof. Shingles can also curl and lose granulation due to winds, which will allow water to leak into your roof if not repaired. Flashing can be torn, punctured, and may buckle if it’s on a corner. Damaged flashing will also lead to water damage. Check out this video to see examples of some of these types of damage. Step 3 – Clear Any Debris If things were thrown around during the storm, they’ll need to be removed. Try your best to clean up branches, shingles, and other debris. If a tree or large limb has fallen onto your house, evacuate until a trained professional can come to remove it. Be careful if you see a downed power line. Don’t touch fallen power lines or attempt to retrieve anything close to them or touching them. After a storm, make sure to make the area around your home safe before letting out any children or pets. Step 4 – Call a Professional Once the area around your home is safe and you have a good idea of the damages, call a trusted professional. They’ll be able to help you with any repairs that are needed. There are tons of roofing contractors available, especially after a storm, so make sure you pick a reputable one. Many contractors offer free inspections so you and the contractor can know more about the work needed. Once you find the right contractor for you, they’ll fix any damages you have from the high winds. If you know how to deal with wind damage then you’ll never be caught off guard after a storm. If your roof has been affected by high winds, follow the four steps above and then Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call at 817-668-6131 to schedule a free roof inspection and consultation!