It’s inevitable that heavy winds will sweep through your neighborhood every now and again, and these types of severe wind events can actually end up compromising your home’s roofing system.
There are many instances in which wind-related roofing damages are obvious and dramatic, and there are even more scenarios in which these issues are subtle and easy to miss—until drafts or leaks appear later on in the future.
We recently interviewed the experts to get a more in-depth glimpse into how exactly homeowners should go about inspecting, assessing and acting after strong wind events.
So, whether your home’s roofing system has recently been damaged or you simply live in a wind-prone area, check out the below checklist guide to better understand when reinforcing, repairing and replacing your roof is your best option!
1. Starting Out With A Safe & Visual Roof Inspection
Before you go up and climb on your rooftop, begin with a visual inspection simply from the ground. This can also include walking around your property after a big storm and being on the lookout for the following red flags:
- Curled or missing shingles near the edges of your roof
- Shingle granules in your gutters or around your downspouts
- Damaged flashing near your vents, chimneys or skylights
- Sagging gutters and loose fascia boards
If you do end up seeing visible damages around your home, be sure to take photos of it for your insurance documentation. And if it’s safe, inspect your ceilings and attic for moisture, water stains or even daylight peeking through boards. These are all serious red flags indicating that the wind has in fact cracked or lifted some of your roofing system!
2. Deciding When Roof Repairs Are Sufficient
Minor wind damages can fortunately be quickly repaired by qualified roofing professionals, and this is especially the case if only a few shingles are missing or loose. Repairs are also the go-to solution when your flashing has slightly peeled away in just one or two spots.
However, you’re going to need to report your roofing repair needs as promptly as possible—because delaying your appointment request can potentially lead to serious issues like mold, water intrusion and insulation damages.
But when you hire licensed roofers to come to your home and conduct a storm damage assessment, they’ll help you confirm whether or not your ongoing issues are structural or cosmetic. This distinction will ultimately help you determine if a repair job will be sufficient, or if you need a full-on roof replacement.
3. Knowing When A Roof Replacement Is Your Smarter Option
If your home’s roofing system is over 15 years old or if wind has unfortunately impacted multiple areas of your roof, then the odds are that a roof replacement might be your most cost-effective solution.
Here are some red flag warning signs that you should be on the lookout for that’ll indicate your need for considering a replacement:
- Spongy or soft-feeling decking
- Large number of shingles curling or missing
- Persistent leaks, even after patch repairs
- Moisture or daylight coming through attic rafters
Although a roof replacement may initially seem like a hefty investment, the truth is that it’s also a great opportunity to upgrade your system to wind-resistant materials like architectural shingles that are specifically designed for high-speed gusts. You could also consider upgrading to a metal roofing system that’s more equipped to handle extreme weather.
4. Reinforcing Your Roof Before The Next Big Storm
Even if your roof wasn’t scathed by the most recent windstorm, you’re not going to want to wait until another storm comes and tests your system’s strength. Preventative maintenance and reinforcement always goes a long way as one of the smartest long-term investments that you can make in your home.
Even rather basic upgrades like improving attic ventilation, adding hurricane clips and sealing roof decks can significantly improve your roof’s overall performance. And when you combine these efforts with annual inspections from your local wind damage roofing company, you’ll be doing your part toward identifying any lingering weak spots long before they fail.
This is particularly important if you live in a stormy area, so be sure to discuss your maintenance plan options with your roofers in order to extend your roof’s lifetime and minimize your insurance claims!
5. Partnering With The Right Wind Damage Roofing Company Experts
It’s no secret how roofing companies will typically flood neighborhoods after serious wind events, but the tough truth is that not all roofing companies are created equally.
You should always be on the lookout for established, local roofing contractors that have licensing, solid reviews and proof of insurance. You should also avoid anyone who tries to pressure you into paying upfront or immediately signing agreements.
This is why homeowners should ask for documentation of the specific roofing damages that they’ve identified during inspections, and you should always receive a detailed scope of the estimated work that comes with pricing information.
Trustworthy wind damage roofing companies will also help you with complicated tasks like filing insurance claims, explaining the details of your repair options, and they’ll always treat your property as they would their own!
Strong Roofs Create A Stronger Household
Your home’s roofing system does a lot more than simply keep rain out, because it also protects everything that you love.
By remaining proactive with your roofing repairs and maintenance, knowing what red flags to be on the lookout for and partnering with reputable specialists, you’ll be doing your part toward transforming windstorm recoveries into even better opportunities for your entire property.
Wind damages are often a harsh reminder of how a home’s strength starts with its roofing system, and with the right upkeep and reinforcements, your roof can ultimately weather anything that comes its way!
