Living in Iowa, chances are you’ve experienced your fair share of storms over the years. Whether it’s in the form of a tornado, derecho, hailstorms or summer squalls that bring chaotic wind and blasting rain- storms can wreak havoc on your property in so many ways. One of the biggest ways it can affect your home is by causing damage to your roof.
Types of Storm Roof Damage
Wind Damage
High winds are classified by meteorologists a couple different ways either hurricane-force winds (74mph and above) or gale- force winds (39-54mph). Both can cause incredible damage to your home’s roof by removing shingles, leaving the underlayment or roof deck exposed to the elements. During these high wind events, sharp gusts of wind cause the shingles to lift and curl. When a roof is installed, the shingles are purposely installed overlapping to form a tight waterproof seal. When wind causes your shingle to lift and curl this seal can break, thus leaving your home vulnerable to further damage and leaks.
Hail Damage
While hailstorms have a tendency to be less than 15 minutes long. That doesn’t mean that you should take the effects of these storms lightly. Hail can leave dents in shingles and break shingle granules loose. This is a problem because those granules help protect your roof against rain and sun damage.
Standing Water Damage
After a rainstorm, roofs without proper drainage will experience standing water- especially in uneven areas. Thus allowing moisture to penetrate the underlayment or the roof deck. Clogged gutters can also cause backed up water under your shingles resulting in interior leaks, mold and decay.
Debris Damage
Depending on the severity of the storm, sometimes debris can end up on top of your roof. Everything from small branches, to trampolines all of which can dent or impact the structural integrity of your roof.
What are the long term effects of storms on a roof?
When strong winds last for more than a minute, it causes stress on the shingles- thus creating the start of roof damage. Typically, damage begins around the perimeter of a roof and works its way toward the center. The center of the roof can withstand higher winds. High winds can cause several types of damage on asphalt shingles, such as lifting, tearing, curling, missing shingles, granule loss, cracks, creases, and even complete detachment. This often exposes the underlayment, potentially leading to leaks if not promptly repaired. This damage primarily results from the suction force created by wind moving across the roof surface.
What to look for when assessing damage after a storm.
Missing Shingles
Strong winds can entirely remove shingles, leaving gaps that expose the underlying roof structure. This can significantly compromise the integrity of your roof. If not promptly addressed, it may lead to more severe issues, such as water damage and leaks.
Curling Shingles
Wind pressure can cause shingles to curl at the edges, creating openings that allow water to creep in. This can compromise the roof’s integrity and lead to leaks and water damage if not addressed promptly.
Granule Loss
High winds can dislodge the protective granules from the surface of shingles, diminishing their weather resistance. This can lead to faster wear and tear, potentially compromising the roof’s overall durability.
Cracks or Tears
Wind can cause cracks or tears in shingle material, particularly at the edges. This damage can weaken the shingles’ protective qualities, making your roof more susceptible to leaks and further deterioration.
Bent or Creased Shingles
Shingles can become bent or creased due to wind pressure, compromising their integrity. This damage can weaken the shingles’ protective capabilities, making your roof more vulnerable to leaks and further deterioration.
Flashing Damage
Wind can also damage the flashing around chimneys and roof penetrations, resulting in leaks. Flashing is vital for keeping water out at these vulnerable points, and if it’s damaged, water can penetrate, causing water damage and potentially expensive repairs. It’s important to check your roof after high winds to catch any problems early.
What to do if you suspect you have wind damage after a storm?
Contact a roofing contractor: A professional roofer can assess the damage, take photos, and provide an estimate for repairs. They can also help you prepare for an insurance adjuster’s visit. Document the damage: Take photos and document any other relevant details.
How can we help? At Henry’s Roofing we pride ourselves in being a GAF Certified contractor servicing both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. We work with you and your insurance to make sure the repairs on your roof are addressed promptly in order to keep your home secure. Call us at (319) 440-4748 or request an Online Quote today!
