Roofing damage is generally associated with major weather events like storms and hurricanes, but high winds on a clear day can inflict just as much. In today’s post, the roofers at Ken Morton & Sons LLC discuss how wind, even on a clear day, can cause damage to a roof.
Direct and Indirect Wind Damage
Wind can cause damage to a roof in two ways.
- Direct damage happens when high speed winds exert pressure on a building. The wind that hits the exterior walls and other parts under the roof changes direction, which results in pressure hitting the roof from two directions. When this happens, the outermost parts of the roof become the most vulnerable, as the difference in wind pressure causes a rocking motion that may cause fatigue, and even lift the roof given enough pressure. The wind that’s hitting the roofing surface may also lift shingles, panels and flashing if they’re not held down by fasteners and/or adhesive.
- Indirect damage happens when the wind lifts objects like debris, or when tree limbs break off and land on the roof. Similar to hail damage, impact damage caused by debris is not readily visible. But make no mistake, it can inflict the same level of damage. On asphalt shingles, it can expose the asphalt layer to UV damage, while on metal roofs, dents can expose the bare metal layer to corrosion.
How To Mitigate Wind Damage
Fortunately, it is possible to mitigate wind damage:
- Invest in a roof with high wind ratings. If you are planning on getting a new roof, ask your roofer about high wind ratings. Many roofing manufacturers offer complete roofing systems that come with a guarantee or warranty coverage against high wind speeds.
- Schedule regular inspections. Keeping up with your annual roofing inspections will let your roofer spot wind damage that would have gone unnoticed. This, in turn, can give you the opportunity to have it repaired before continuous exposure to the elements can worsen the damage.
- Keep your yard clean. If you have trees on your property, you can reduce the risk of a limb falling on your roof by maintaining a clearance of about 10 feet between it and the roof. An arborist can help you trim limbs without harming the tree.
Thinking about getting a new, wind-resistant roof or scheduling a roof inspection. Give Ken Morton & Sons LLC a call at (856) 582-8800! You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Sewell, NJ, and the surrounding communities.
