We have had several high wind alerts here in central Indiana this week. Our crews have been out nonstop, helping customers repair their homes. The news has reported that wind gusts reached as high as 50 to 60 mph. That’s high enough to damage any modern shingle roof.
Asphalt shingle roofs are popular for residential roofing because they are affordable, durable, and easy to install. Shingle roofs are susceptible to wind damage, though. While moderate wind damage to a roof is pretty easy to repair, it can compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home from the elements if you don’t take action immediately. Let’s investigate how you can tell if your shingle roof has wind damage.
High Winds Can Cause Roof Damage
The amount of wind that can cause damage to a shingle roof depends on several factors, such as the roof’s age, the quality of the installation, and the quality of the shingles. Generally, winds with speeds of 50-60 mph can cause damage to a shingle roof, but even lower speeds can cause damage if sustained for an extended period.
How do different wind speeds affect the damage?
- 45-55 mph – Broken tree limbs, possible loose shingles blown off
- 55-75 mph – Small trees down and shingles ripped off
- 75-90 mph – Large trees can be blown over or uprooted, and a lot of damage to the roof occurs
- 90+ mph – Significant structural damage
Damage to your shingle roof doesn’t only occur from sustained winds. A strong gust of wind can cause sudden and severe damage to a roof. Wind gusts are also a factor to consider when checking if your shingle roof has wind damage.
What Are The Signs Your Roof Has Wind Damage?
Several signs indicate wind damage to an asphalt shingle roof. These include:
- Missing shingles – Strong winds can completely rip off whole shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable if you don’t fix it.
- Bent or torn shingles – You do not want asphalt roof shingles to be bent because this causes them to break down and become weaker and weaker.
- Cracked shingles – Baurle Roofing can assess your roof for cracked shingles that can be difficult to spot.
- Exposed underlayment – In severe cases, the damage can extend to the roof decking and structural supports, leading to leaks and other problems.
Another obvious sign is if your roof is leaking. If shingles are damaged, they won’t be able to repel water and keep it out like functioning shingles, and therefore, you may begin to get leaks from the roof. If there is discoloration on walls, wet spots, or peeling paint, this is a sign your roof may be leaking.
Is Wind Damage Always Visible?
In short, no. Wind damage is not always visible to the naked eye. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if your shingle roof has wind damage. Typically, you’d think you must have missing shingles or big signs of damage. However, wind can cause minor damage, such as spots of granules missing from your shingles. Small curls on the edges of the shingles are also a sign of damage that may not be apparent until further inspection.
What Other Factors Impact Wind Damage?
Other factors affecting a shingle roof’s ability to withstand wind:
- The quality of the shingles
- The quality of the installation
- The age of the roof
High-quality shingles with a solid adhesive bond are more likely to remain intact during high winds. Proper installation techniques, such as using enough fasteners and correctly placing starter strips and underlayment, can also improve the roof’s wind resistance. Additionally, a newer roof is generally more resistant to wind damage than an older roof that has experienced wear and tear over time.
What Wind Ratings Do Shingles Have?
Baurle Roofing is an Owens Corning Certified Partner. They not only have a vast shingle collection but also the best warranties in the industry. Supreme shingles have a 25-year Limited Warranty, a 60-MPH Wind Resistance Limited Warranty, and a Class A UL Fire Rating—the industry’s highest. In addition to all manufacturer warranties, Bauerle Roofing offers a 10-year labor warranty on all roofing work.
