In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of extreme weather events in Denver, CO. Hail storms and hurricanes are becoming more common and have been damaging roofs across the state. However, people tend to forget about the high winds that can do just as much damage by destroying unsecured roof components. High winds can cause several hazards to your home, including falling trees and branches, downed power lines, shingles, and other materials are blown off the roof. A strong gust of wind is all it takes to have shingles blown off your roof. Many homeowners are shocked to hear that even a modest wind speed can cause roof wind damage to their homes.
Because of these winds, it is essential to understand how they damage your roof. This blog aims to discuss everything a homeowner should know about wind damage to the roof. Let’s get to it!
What Are Damaging Winds?
If winds move across open country, they are generally described as “straight-line winds” or “outflow winds.” Whereas severe thunderstorm winds affect one area of the state, straight-line winds can damage a large region. In the case of straight-line winds that occur with a cold front, the wind direction is likely to change several times during a particular storm event.
Are Damaging Winds A Big Deal?
The winds from a severe thunderstorm are so destructive that they cause more damage than tornadoes do. These winds can grow up to 100 mph and spread for hundreds of miles & and since most people live in urban areas, the likelihood of you encountering a damaging thunderstorm is higher than that of you encountering a tornado.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong breeze begins at 25 miles per hour.
- Strong Breeze at 25 to 31 mph: Large branches in continuous motion. Whistling sounds are heard in overhead or nearby power and telephone lines. Umbrellas are used with difficulty.
- Near Gale at 32 to 38 mph:Whole trees in motion. Inconvenience felt when walking against the wind.
- Gale at 39 to 46 mph: Windbreaks twigs and small branches. Wind generally impedes walking.
- Strong Gale at 47 to 54 mph: Structural damage occurs, such as chimney covers, roofing tiles blown off, and television antennas damaged. The ground is littered with many small twigs and broken branches.
- Whole Gale at 55 to 63 mph: Considerable structural damage occurs, especially on roofs. Small trees may be blown over and uprooted.
- Storm Force at 64 to 75 mph: Widespread damage occurs. More giant trees were blown over and uprooted.
- Hurricane Force at over 75 mph: Severe and extensive damage. Roofs can be peeled off. Windows broken. Trees uprooted. RVs and tiny mobile homes overturned. Moving automobiles can be pushed off the roadways.
How To Identify Roof Wind Damage
If you’ve recently experienced winds of 45 mph or higher, then call us, and we will get outside and take a look at your roof for some of the common signs of roof damage. After a storm, it’s essential to inspect your property to ensure that your home hasn’t sustained any damage.
Missing Shingles: Strong winds can easily rip shingles off roofs, exposing vulnerable home interiors — and homeowners don’t always see it happening. One of the easiest ways to tell if your roof has been damaged is to look for missing or lost shingles. That’s how you know your roof needs to be repaired or replaced before severe problems arise.
Missing Granules From Your Shingles: When we inspect your roof, we look at the tops of your gutters — this is where the granules usually get stuck. While it’s normal for some granules to fall off over time, if we notice one side of your roof looks emptier than the other, it could mean you have more severe issues with your roof’s health.
Peeling Or Curling Shingles: When the wind picks up, it can cause the shingles to peel or curl. To prevent water damage, we’ll look for curling shingles that have been exposed to the wind and repair them before they damage the interior of your home.
Cracks in a Flat, Rubber Roof: If you have a flat roof, be sure to check for cracks or tears in the material. Wind can easily lift the material and rip it away. Find small tears early – bubbles in the material signify a more significant problem. Call us ASAP to ensure your business stays adequately covered and protected if you notice these signs.
Damaged Soffit or Fascia: Wind can cause cracks, loose or bent areas, or even entirely blow off the loose fascia. If your soffit or fascia shows damage, we will immediately fix the problem.
Don’t Let Wind Damage Ruin Your Home
If you’re worried that your roof is damaged, don’t hesitate — schedule a free roof inspection right away because roof wind damage will only worsen the longer your roof and home are exposed. Sol Vista Roofing is the preferred roofing contractor in Denver, CO.
Once you call us, we will dispatch an expert to identify the type of damage. Once we have identified the type of damage, our repair team can begin fixing up any holes or leaks, bringing your home back to optimal conditions.
