Do you think your roof might have been damaged by high winds? Hail and wind damage to Denver roofs is a common occurrence, and we can help identify when wind contributes to roof damage.
Wind can affect your property in several ways, including fallen tree branches, uprooted trees, broken power lines, and loose or torn roof shingles and tiles. When wind is strong enough to damage your roof, it’s common for it to lift up shingles near the roof’s edge. Once one or two shingles become loose or torn under high sustained winds, it’s common for a chain reaction to occur with many shingles being affected on each facet of the roof.
Wind Speeds and Roof Damage
- 45-57 MPH – this wind speed is capable of causing damage, but is considered “non-severe” by the National Weather Service. If there are shingles that are already loose, winds at this speed can make the damage worse.
- 58-74 MPH – winds in this range are considered severe and will begin to loosen and tear shingles that were previously in good condition.
- 75+ MPH – at this speed, wind can cause significant damage to roofs of all types (shingle, tile, metal, flat). Other property damage is also likely including landscaping, windows, siding, and others.
Identifying Wind Damage to Your Roof
- Missing shingle granules – similar to hail strikes, wind can cause shingle granules to detach from the shingles. The granules protect the shingle from harmful UV rays. If you notice a buildup of granules in your gutters, you might have had wind damage.
- Curling shingles at edge of the roof – wind damage tends to happen most often at the edge of the roof where shingles are lifted up.
- Missing shingles – this is a tell-tale sign of wind damage. If you see from the sidewalk that there are shingles missing from your roof after high winds, or if you find shingle pieces in your yard, you may have a wind damage problem to have repaired.
- Damaged fascia, soffit, and gutters – your fascia, soffit, and gutters work together with your roof to keep your home dry. Wind can pry these components loose, which can allow water in and potentially result in a leak.
- Chimney damage – winds can cause tilt to your chimney, and can also blow off critical metal flashing around your chimney.
What to Do About Wind Damage
If your roof matches any of the descriptions above and has wind damage, you have options and we can help. First, we suggest having a professional roofer inspect the roof to assess whether there is damage. If there is minor wind damage, a full-service roofing company like Sol Vista Roofing can assist with performing minor repairs (sometimes on the spot). If the wind damage is significant enough to warrant a roof replacement, you should get in touch with your insurance carrier to ensure you are covered for wind damage and begin a roof claim if so. You’ll have the ability to choose your roofer to perform the repairs, and the team at Sol Vista Roofing has the experience it takes to get wind damage corrected the right way.
Time to schedule your inspection? Call our office to get set up with a Sol Vista professional.
