subject: Repairing A Roof After Wind Damage [print this page] Heavy wind is a relatively common cause of damage to roofing, and can actually be quite dangerous to the integrity of the roof. If your house has recently weathered a storm or other period of heavy winds, your roof may have been damaged.
Having a few tricks to make repairing the roof easier can help, although the majority of the repairs will need to be undertaken by a maintenance team, depending on the severity of the damage. Here we will address some of the simple types of maintenance you can do to prepare for a professional repair team, as well as some general information about wind damage.
Wind damage to roofing typically comes in the form of debris being blown into the roof. The heavier the wind, the heavier the debris that can be picked up, and of course larger debris will cause more significant damage. Things like heavy branches can break shingles and damage seals and flashing.
Heavy wind may also tear loose or poorly maintained shingles off the roof, and can move around gravel surfaces. Debris can also puncture any blisters that may be on your roof, causing them to expose the material underneath.
The best way to avoid damage to your roof from wind is to keep it well maintained beforehand. Ensuring that no shingles are loose or damaged and that all flashings, sealant, and caulking are secured and functioning properly will reduce the chances of your roof experiencing significant damage.
In the event that debris heavy enough to harm your roof strikes it, you should always wait until the weather is fair until you clear the debris from the roof. It may not be safe to go on your roof if it is not in good shape after a storm, especially if it is still wet. In this case, calling a professional repair and maintenance team is the best course of action.
Keeping your roof clear of debris will help it avoid water damage, which will in turn keep shingles and flashings from loosening. Having your roof in good condition when foul weather hits will enable your roof to avoid damage more effectively. It is also a good idea to have a professional roofing team inspect your roof on a somewhat regular basis in order to assess any damage you may have missed, and to organize repairs in order to keep damage from getting any worse.
