High winds can damage your roof via leaks, missing shingles, and gutter problems. However, different roofing issues are incorrectly linked to the effects of wind.
In today’s post, your local roofing company, Georgia Roof Advisors, discusses common misconceptions surrounding wind damage on roofs.
Wind-Damaged Shingles Aren’t Always Visible
Heavy and sustained winds can cause shingles to flutter and bend, which leads to the development of creases. Strong winds can break off shingle sections that are then carried downwind. This is common in the areas of the roof that are vulnerable to high winds such as the eaves, hips, and ridges. Shingle failure usually happens at the top of the exposed area below the overlying shingle’s butt end.
Roof affected by wind will most likely show signs of damage like creases, folds, tears, and missing shingles. A shingle that’s just not adhered and doesn’t indicate any of the said signs isn’t affected by wind damage.
Choose a reliable local roofer like Georgia Roof Advisors to ensure you get an accurate assessment of your roof. Immediately perform roof repair on problem areas to prevent further damage.
Shingles With Insufficient Adhesion Is Wind-Damaged
There are different reasons shingle adhesive fails. These include manufacturing deficiencies, improper installation, deterioration and aging, installations on cold weather, adhesive contamination, and thermal cycling. Strong wind forces can lift and remove inadequately adhered shingles, but not all poorly adhered shingles are caused by wind.
Empirical Tests Accurately Indicates a Shingle’s Strength Reduction After a Storm Event
The Standard Test Method for Wind Resistance of Asphalt Shingles or the ASTM D7158 is referred to as a proper and simple method to test a shingle’s strength following a storm event. The method aims to compare field-measured strengths to the rating originally determined by the manufacturer.
Uplift forces must be calculated by the manufacturer using test results from an independent laboratory. However, laboratories capable of performing ASTM D7158 testing are uncommon and can be costly if available. This causes some to calculate the design or intended uplift forces using different methods. There are no alternative tests to ASTM D7158 with similar accuracy, however.
Moreover, when it comes to wind damage assessment, consider the location of damaged shingles, patterns and direction of slopes of unsealed shingles, and the wind direction during the storm.
You can rely on Georgia Roof Advisors, your best roofing company, for proper storm damage assessment. Our Haag-Certified Residential Roof Inspectors have undergone extensive training to understand how hail and wind interact with roofing. Call us at (678) 203-6558 or complete our online form for a free estimate. We work with homeowners in Marietta, GA, and nearby areas.
