With the recent increase in abrasive storms, it is important to keep an eye out for wind damage to your roof. Even when these storms bring no hail or rain, the strength of the winds can cause serious damage.
Certain roofs will be more vulnerable than others
An obvious factor that plays a part in whether your roof could get damaged during these weather conditions is its age. If you have a roof that has been standing through many storms over the last few years, it is likely that it has been chipped, worn out or lifted. This means that it will be in the bounds of possibility to gain wind damage, whereas a newer one would be more protected. Once a part of the roof material has been lifted, it will be easier for the wind to get underneath and lift it further, potentially pulling it off all together, and possible other surrounding areas of the roof. This is when the larger problems start to take a hold.
How it starts…
Once a corner of roofing material has revealed an area of insulation, your home will be more susceptible to leaks and water damage. It is also common for the aggressive winds to collect debris from around the garden or surrounding roads, and deposit them onto your roof. These objects, such as sharp pointed branches, can scratch or puncture holes into your roofing materials and create more significant damage than the wind itself.
What to look out for
The first thing you should look for is shingle damage. You may see that the corners are curling or may even find some on the ground if the storms have been increasingly aggressive on any previously damaged areas. If only a small area has been damaged, then a localised roofing repair could be your solution. However, if the damage covers a larger area of your roof, a replacement may be needed. It is best to look out for this damage and catch it as early as you can. Other things you need to look out for consist of crumbling cement, rust, cracks or leaky seams in your gutter or a leaning and cracked chimney. You can also have a look for any water damage and stains from the inside of your home. This would indicate that water is getting in through your roof due to damage.
How to deal with the damage
The faster you catch roof damage, the simpler the fix will be. Try to avoid leaving damage sitting for a long period of time, as this could result in a more costly fix or full roof replacement. It is always safer to hire an experienced professional to take care of your roof to eliminate the risk of injury to yourself.
If you think that your roof has been damaged, or if you are looking for advice into how to protect it from the wind, give us a call at Roof Rescue on 020 3189 1618 where we will be happy to assist.
