High winds can be especially damaging to shingle roofs. Following a storm, it is always a good idea to walk around your property and survey the roof for damages. Some damages, like broken shingles lying in the yard, are obvious. But others may not be immediately apparent unless you take the time to survey your roof.
1. Corner Damage
The corners and edges of your roof are often more prone to suffering damage from high winds. This is in part because the shingles along these areas are more prone to suffering from uplift from high winds. Corners, in particular, are also where other components of the roof, such as the eaves and fascia boards, come together. Wind can get into these seams and force the boards apart. This will then drive rain into the fascia seams or beneath the shingles, which can lead to water damage inside your home or to the roof decking beneath the shingles.
2. Shingle Concerns
Although edge shingles are more at risk, any shingle can be damaged by wind. The most common type of damage is ruffling, which is when shingles are lifted but they don't lay down flat after the wind dies down. In minor cases the shingles can be gently forced into place. If the shingles become warped or torn, then they will require replacement. Missing shingles, popped nails, and punctures are other concerns. Generally, missing shingles and nails are simple to replace, but a puncture from a branch or another object may require full replacement of both the shingles and the decking in that area.
3. Loose Fixtures
Roof fixtures include the vent covers and ridge caps, flashing, and the gutter system on the roof. High winds can knock loose or completely remove vent covers and ridge caps. Although not immediately damaging, without covers, water and pests will eventually find their way into your home through the vents if they aren't properly covered. Flashing can also be peeled up in high winds. Since flashing creates the barrier between the roof and where rooftop fixtures like chimneys protrude, a leak will form at this seam if the flashing is damaged. Even more common is the gutter systems being knocked loose by high winds. This can damage your eaves, leaving behind holes where pests or water can make their way into your attic.
Contact a residential roofing contractor if you suspect wind damage has affected your roof.
