Whether rain or shine, one element that can put a significant amount of stress on your roof is wind. Most shingled roofs have a wind resistance rating of 60MPH, however this doesn’t factor in flying debris and tree limbs-which can cause even more damage.

Assess the Roof

After a wind storm, it’s important for a homeowner to take a look at their roof. There are a few key things to look for when evaluating the roof damage:

• Are there any missing tabs or shingles?
• Are the shingles cracked, curled, or buckled?
• Are any roofing nails popping up?

Lastly, it’s important to inspect for any signs of water seepage. The flashing from chimneys, vents, or attic fans can cause separation which could lead to water damage inside your home. If you have a multilevel roof, check the intersections with walls to make sure there are no openings where water can seep in.

Repair or Replace?

Many times homeowners are faced with deciding if a roof replacement or just a repair is the better option. On one hand, if you keep replacing the damaged areas, it could add up costs significantly and a full replacement would be more cost efficient. But on the other hand, if you replace the whole roof, you could be paying more than you wanted, especially if you just needed a simple repair- it’s vicious cycle.

What Should I Do?

If you notice that just a few shingles flew off or some are curled, these are signs that the shingles are past due and all you would need is for those to be replaced. But if you notice the majority of those shingles are curled or broken, it’s time for a new roof.

Roof objects that show deterioration, such as chimneys, pipes, and vents, can be confined and fixed to those areas with no need to replace your roof.

Lastly, if you notice that with each storm or high wind your roof keeps continuously showing signs of damage-it may be time to replace it. Most roofs last between 20-25 years, so if you have an older home now may be the time to call a professional for an inspection.

For the most part, roof repairs are generally covered by your home insurance. If a strong storm or wind causes some unsightly damage to your roof, your insurance will likely cover the cost.

If you notice any damage to your roof, it’s important to have your roof inspected by professionals, contact the skilled roof inspectors at RoofAdvisor today for a thorough roof inspection.