Wind Damage to Roof: What Should I Do Next?
The roof is vulnerable to adverse weather conditions ranging from hailstones and snow to strong winds. Unfortunately, the elements can damage your roof and reduce its efficiency in protecting your home. Since there’s little you can do about the weather, the best course of action is to understand wind damage and learn how to handle it when it occurs.
This article breaks down various ways to detect signs of wind damage to your roof and what to do to mitigate the situation.
How Does Wind Damage Your Roof?
While most people only classify damage by tornadoes, hurricanes, and storms as wind damage, any strong wind can ruin your roof. Here are two main ways that wind damage to your roof can occur.
Damage From Wind Intensity
Roof damage by wind depends on the wind's intensity. Your roof is safe in winds that blow below 74mph. However, stronger gusts of winds during tornadoes or hurricanes can cause significant roof damage.
Usually, a Category 1 hurricane, which falls between 74mph and 95mph, can ruin your roof's siding and shingles. The damage gets worse with an increase in intensity. Similarly, tornadoes with winds that range between 73mph and 112mph can peel off your roof.
Wind Damage Caused by Debris
Strong winds and storms can also carry debris like tree branches, glass, and other objects that can hit your roof and damage it. It may also cause nearby trees to fall on it. Debris can scratch and even puncture your roof, leading to holes and leaks. In cases where your roof can hold up to strong winds, it may not survive the impact of debris.
The eaves, corners, and any other loose part of the roof that the wind suction can easily rip off is vulnerable to wind damage. When the roof's underside becomes exposed, wind can ruin it further and cause rainwater to get in.
What Does Wind Damage Look Like?
Knowing what wind damage on your roof looks like enables you to act fast and prevent further roof damage. To help you identify wind damage early, check for the following signs.
- Roof edge curling
- Curling, lifted, broken, or missing shingles
- Flapping shingles when it's windy
- Roof leaks
- Flashing problems
- Soffit and fascia damage
If you see the above signs after a windy episode, call your roofing partner immediately for an inspection and repairs.
What to Do When Your Roof Suffers Wind Damage
The earlier you address wind damage, the better your chances of salvaging your roof. Here are a few steps to take when your roof suffers wind damage.
1. Schedule a professional inspection
It is crucial to visually check for any roof damage after adverse weather conditions, including strong winds. If you suspect wind damage, schedule a professional inspection immediately to assess the extent of damage and begin repairs.
2. Document the incident
You don't have to climb up the roof to gather information about wind damage on your roof as it is dangerous. Observe from the ground and document visible damage by taking pictures whenever possible. This will help you when you decide to file insurance claims. However, your professional roofing partner will also document the damage in written form and photographs and provide an inventory of the necessary.
3. Notify insurance
Homeowner’s insurance covers wind damage to the roof. Once you schedule an inspection, check your policy's details and report the roof damage immediately. The earlier you notify your insurance provider, the higher your chances of filing a successful claim.
4. Schedule a roof repair
Never attempt to repair your damaged roof without the expertise, skills, and appropriate equipment. It is also dangerous, and you may make mistakes that will cost you even more. Reach out to a reliable roofing contractor in Las Vegas and schedule repairs to restore your roof and address any potential issues before they escalate.
Emergency Roof Repairs in Las Vegas
If your home's roof suffers wind damage, don't waste your time looking for roofers in Las Vegas. Instead, call Cooper Roofing & Solar today for all your emergency roofing and solar panel services. We offer speedy emergency roof repairs to bring back your roof's efficiency as soon as possible.