Asphalt shingles cracked by hail are fairly easy to spot. Leaking rainwater is hard to miss. Even snow damage and ice dams can’t escape observant roofers. Wind damage, on the other hand, is more subtle. In fact, you’ll rarely detect the effects strong winds leave behind until after it’s too late. To make matters worse, no state is immune to windstorms. It affects homes and buildings coast to coast. So, how do you even begin to deal with this invisible enemy?
When it comes to the effects of high winds, it’s important to separate the facts from fiction.
Wind Damage is 100% Invisible
Strong winds produce a difference in air pressure between the top and bottom sides of your roofing shingles. This pressure builds up and slowly “lifts” the shingles off their factory-applied adhesive. As the wind forces continue, more of the shingle is lifted off until it becomes creased, cracked or, worse, carried away. These may be difficult to see right off the bat, but they are not completely invisible.
Winds Are the Number One Cause of “Lifted” Shingles
Many in the roofing industry throw around the terms “wind-lifted” and “wind-damaged” shingle willy-nilly. While winds can cause individual tabs to come off their adhesive layer, there are many other reasons for blown-off shingles that are not wind-related. Poor product quality and inadequate maintenance can cause shingles to tear away even without wind. Understanding whether or not you have wind damage is important when planning out a suitable solution.
Surviving Shingles Are Safe From Wind Damage
Strong wind forces can leave most, if not all your shingles, looking intact. It’s easy to think that these “survivors” are stronger and would not need emergency roof repair services. Don’t neglect to have professionals conduct a proper inspection to ensure the strength and durability of the rest of your roof.
Willi Roofing Services is your leading provider of storm-damaged roofing repairs and services. Give us a call at (512) 504-7900, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Austin, TX.
