Nailing This Down

Posted on: 17 January 2022

Roofs come under attack from weather and the elements on a daily basis. Storms and wind can do a lot of damage to a roof. But that damage isn't always easily apparent without inspection. Just one loose piece of flashing can cause an expensive leak on a rainy day. That's why you need to be able to spot wind damage after a windy or stormy day. 

Look for the following five signs if you suspect that wind might have damaged your roof.

1. Torn or Buckled Flashing

Flashing is composed of metals like copper and galvanized steel along with other materials like plastic. The long strips of flashing you see along the sides of chimneys and other vertical objects on roofs stop water from penetrating the gaps where your roof materials meet vertical structures.

Strong winds can tear flashing loose or even cause it to buckle. Water can then leak into your roof. If you spot loose flashing, call a roofing service immediately.

2. Granule Loss

If your roof is composed of asphalt shingles, then wind may have stripped the granules from the surface of those shingles. The granules help to protect shingles from the elements, so granule loss is a problem that could weaken your roof significantly over time.

If you spot granules on the ground and in your gutters, wind may be the culprit.

3. Missing or Curling Shingles

Wind can get under shingles, especially at the edge of a roof. When this happens, singles can curl or even dislodge completely. If your shingles have suffered, they won't prevent rainwater from penetrating your roof. Immediate repair is necessary.

4. Visible Debris on Your Roof

If you spot tree branches and other objects on your roof after a storm or windy day, those objects may have damaged your roof in some way. The best thing to do in this instance is to hire a roofing service to inspect your roof for damage.

5. Blistering and Wrinkling on Flat Roofs

Although flat roofs suffer less than traditional roofs in windy weather, the wind can sometimes work its way under the roofing materials and cause blisters and wrinkles to form. If you see blisters and wrinkles in your flat roof after a storm, your roof may need some urgent maintenance to prevent leakage in the future.

Wind damage shouldn't be taken lightly. What might seem like minor damage now could worsen and leave your home exposed. If you have spotted wind damage to your roof, call a roofing maintenance company today to have the damage repaired.