Common Misconceptions About Wind Damage on Roofs

Wind damage to roofs isn’t a closely-observed phenomenon, which is probably why myths and misconceptions about it still persist to this day. In today’s post, local roofing and siding contractor Right Angle Roofing & Siding debunks some of the most common misconceptions about wind damage on roofing.

Wind Damage Happens Only During Storms

Wind damage is usually caused with storms, but high-speed winds can hit the roof even on a clear day. Many homeowners overlook this fact and tend not to notice signs of wind damage, of which there are certain symptoms. On asphalt shingle roofs, the most common sign of wind damage is a horizontal crease about an inch below the edge of the shingle above it. The creases are caused by the wind lifting and folding the shingle as it hits the roof’s surface. A significant amount of granules from the asphalt shingles that’s knocked loose may be found in the gutters.

To combat this, roofing manufacturers apply adhesives to the underside of the shingles during manufacture. The adhesive needs to cure by heat from the sun over several days after installation. This means for a short period after completion, every new roof is at greater risk of wind damage.

You Can Put Off Wind Damage Repair

By itself, wind damage doesn’t look as severe as storm damage. This doesn’t mean you can postpone roof repair. Keeping in mind that roofs are constantly exposed to the elements, damage to the roof will only get worse over time, which may incur higher repair costs. As described above, wind damage can strip the granules from affected shingles, which would expose the asphalt layer to deterioration caused by UV rays.

A Wind-Damaged Roof Has to Be Replaced

Wind damage is repairable. In fact, replacement should only be considered when the wind damage is so severe that it causes structural damage to the roof. This is why you have to have your roof inspected by a roofing professional before deciding between repair and replacement — you could end up prematurely replacing your roof and spending too much on it.

Right Angle Roofing & Siding is the leading roofing contractor serving communities in Suffolk County. Give us a call at (631) 849-8988. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.