Everyone who invests in a new roof hopes it will stand the test of time to reach or exceed its estimated lifespan — but did you know that 33 percent of homeowners who get a roof replacement don’t do so because of age-related wear and tear, but due to storm damage?
You could say that storm damage is the Number One threat to roofs everywhere. Fortunately, that doesn’t always mean that your roof needs replacing. Repairs are possible after wind damages your roof much of the time. It is, however, critical to act quickly!
How Can Heavy Wind Damage Your Roof?
Storms (including snowstorms, hailstorms, thunderstorms, and, of course, tornadoes and hurricanes) can damage your roof:
- Directly — by lifting off roofing materials and allowing water to penetrate.
- Indirectly — by inflicting damage related to impacts from trees or flying debris.
The best case scenario after wind damage to your roof? A few missing shingles. The worst? Structural damage or complete roof collapse. While you inevitably hope that your Texas property can avoid any kind of storm damage, knowing what can happen helps you understand what to look out for after heavy winds devastate your area.
What does wind damage look like on a roof? If you’re asking this question, you’re taking a crucial step to protect your property and family from the sometimes turbulent Texas weather. Here’s a look at the things to keep an eye out for.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles or roof tiles are among the most visible signs of roof damage after a storm — not just because you can spot the “bare patches,” but also because you might find the shingles in question on your lawn.
Wind Damaged Shingles
However, wind doesn’t always succeed in lifting your roofing materials off completely. Cases of “wind lift-off” can also be partial. In this case, your asphalt shingles may look a little like cookie dough you’re in the process of rolling.
Cracked or Damaged Shingles
Cracking, cupping, or curling are some of the other types of wind damage shingles can be exposed to after a heavy storm wreaks havoc. Depending on where the damage occurs, the issue might be very noticeable, or the storm roof damage could be quite well hidden. Granule loss is another common issue with asphalt shingles, and homeowners may notice these granules in their gutters.
Damaged Flashing
Roof tiles or shingles are your roof’s primary protectors, but flashing quite literally “seals the deal” around penetrations. Because flashing is integrated into your roof’s structure, lift-off during a storm can take entire shingle sections with it.
Sagging, Waving, or Bowing
A roof deck that looks uneven because it sags, waves, or bows inward always spells trouble. Because this sign indicates that your roof could have suffered severe structural damage after a storm came crashing into your property, it’s absolutely crucial to act fast!
I Think the Latest Storm Damaged My Roof: What Now?
Your safety matters more than anything, so don’t venture out to take inventory before the storm has died down completely — and please don’t climb up on your roof. You can, however, inspect your attic for spots of sunlight (meaning missing shingles) and water damage. When it’s safe, you can look from the ground and check if you see debris around your property.
If you’ve spotted wind damage to your roof, always call a reputable roofing company immediately. If you can, try to take pictures as soon as possible; this will help with your insurance claim. Even if you don’t see any obvious damage, it’s a good idea to call a team of trusted roofers, like Qualis, to check after a heavy storm.
Need Storm Damage Roof Repairs? Qualis Has You Covered.
You hope you’ll never experience (serious) wind damage to your roof, but when a storm damages your Texas home, getting ahead of the situation by engaging a skilled roofing team is the best way to prevent further damage.
Did you know that only 12 percent of roofers have been in the trade for more than 10 years — and few roofers specialize in roof repair after storm damage? The Qualis Roofing & Construction team is proud to say that we’ve got over five decades of combined experience in the field. If your roof can be saved, we’ll do it. If not, we’ll help you make sure you get the insurance coverage you need to get a full roof replacement.
Need wind damage restoration now? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll take temporary steps to secure your Texas home immediately, and come up with a plan of action to restore your roof.
