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Atlanta’s summer storms can bring about heavy rains, hail and strong winds. Unfortunately, when these winds are especially strong, the impact they have on your home’s roof can be significant.
High winds can cause structural damage to a home, leading to expensive repairs. If a roof isn’t properly secured it can even be lifted (this is most common in severe hurricane- or tornado-strength wind conditions).
High winds can also cause debris, such as tree branches, to be hurled at your home, potentially damaging siding, windows and shingles. Strong winds can cause shingles to be ripped off a roof, allowing water to leak in and greatly increasing the risk of mold growth.
If your roof been subjected to strong winds, a heavy downpour or hurled debris, after which you notice roof damage, it’s important to have your roof inspected and fixed by an expert roofing specialist. A detail-oriented inspection by a knowledgeable and skilled roofer can prevent the problem from getting worse.
The strength of the wind necessary to damage a roof will vary depending on roofing materials and the condition of the roof. Your roof’s ability to weather high-speed winds may also be impacted by its age.
Generally, wind speeds of 40 to 50 mph are enough to cause damage to asphalt shingle roofs, particularly those which are older or in poor condition. Higher wind speeds can cause even more severe roof damage, including total roof collapse.
In the Atlanta Metro area, severe weather accompanied by powerful sustained wind and wind gusts is not uncommon, which means your roof can suffer serious damage and require repairs.
High wind speeds can uplift shingles and cause them to be torn away. Even if strong winds don’t lift or tear off shingles, they may contribute to other damage like curling or buckling. Shingles may also be damaged by flying debris, such as sticks and branches, which can penetrate the roof and cause leaking.
Roof flashing is a thin waterproof material, usually metal, that is installed around roof features (vents, chimney, skylights, etc.) and the edges of a roof to protect the attic and interior of your home from water damage. Although the materials are typically metal, they can also be made of rubber, plastic or various composites.
Strong winds can damage roof flashing by causing it to lift, pull away from the roof or become completely detached. Wind can also cause the flashing to become bent and distorted, resulting in gaps and crevices that allow water to penetrate the roof and the interior of the building.
Powerful winds can damage roof gutters by loosening or yanking at the gutters and pulling out the nails and/or screws that hold the gutters in place. High-speed winds can break the gutter itself, especially older style seamed gutters, and pull the gutters off the roof entirely. Additionally, winds can cause debris to accumulate in the gutters, clogging them and preventing proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to landscaping damage, foundation damage or water damage in the home.
When high winds damage or blow off roof shingles, they create opportunities for water to enter your home. Strong winds can cause debris like tree branches to hit the roof, damaging shingles and exposing the roof decking. The exposure of the underlying layers of your roof can allow water to soak in and leak through to your attic. High winds can also cause the roof to expand and contract, creating gaps in the roofing material that can allow water to seep in.
Signs of a leaky roof include:
You can do several things to minimize the impact of strong winds on your roof. When severe weather is in the forecast, make sure to follow these tips:
If your roof has been damaged due to high winds or a recent storm, the expert roofers at Total Roof Solutions are here to help.
We specialize in professional roof repairs and replacements on homes and businesses in the Atlanta Metro area.
To learn more about our services or schedule a roofing estimate, call 678-752-8668.
Total Roof Solutions provides the best home and business roofing and gutter installation and repair services in the Greater Atlanta metro area.
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Total Roof Solutions
928 Hwy 42 North
McDonough, Ga 30253
Phone: 678-752-8668
Fax: 678-759-0625