Wind, often perceived as a gentle force of nature, lends its touch to our world in many ways – rustling leaves, fluttering curtains, and the soothing hum of wind chimes. Yet, beneath its tranquil facade, wind harbors a hidden potential for mischief.
Even before it reaches the intensity of a tornado or hurricane, wind can sow the seeds of trouble for your trusty roof. It can be a silent troublemaker that sneaks up on your roof and leaves its mark in subtle yet potentially damaging ways.
In this article, we’ll discuss the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of wind damage on your roof. Let’s proceed.
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Lots of Debris
After a fierce windstorm, don’t be surprised if you notice the presence of scattered debris in your yard. You may even notice that your patio chairs, trash cans, or other light exterior home fittings have gone on an unplanned adventure.
This kind of scenario is a serious whistleblower. When the wind’s force is mighty enough to scatter your exterior home items, your roof might be a victim too.
Pay close attention to shiny specks, which could be telltale shingle granules. And don’t dismiss shingles that have found a new home in your yard.
Keep in mind that the scattered debris can wash into your gutters, leading to clogs that spell double trouble. These blockages can give rise to stagnant water which is a mosquito magnet.
Stand at a distance and investigate both your roof and gutters for signs of debris around your roof and gutter.
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Shingle Damage
If you’re on a post-storm stroll in your yard and stumble upon shingles lying scattered like fallen leaves, you’ve just uncovered a wind damage clue. Those shingles weren’t sunbathing; the wind had just swept them away.
But even if your shingles remain in place, look for telltale signs at the roof’s edge – curled-up shingles are a silent cry for help. They are a revelation of the wind’s relentless grip on your shingles.
It’s only a matter of time before those curled-up shingles finally peel away to leave your roof’s underbelly exposed.
You should be aware that not all damage is as obvious as missing shingles; some may hide in plain sight. Even if the damage isn’t immediately apparent, don’t dismiss it.
Just keep in mind that if your roof looks wounded, it probably is. There’s no such thing as damage that can be safely ignored in the world of roofs.
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Loss of Granules
Your roof’s asphalt shingles contain a protective layer of granules. These granules are the tiny mineral warriors that ward off fires and lend color to your home’s design. Over time, granules naturally wear down and get swept off the roof.
While minor losses are normal. It can quickly be a wary sight of looming trouble. When you spot long horizontal lines resembling bare spots or cracks, know that there’s definitely some trouble afoot.
These lines signal a breach in your shingle’s armor, which is often courtesy of the wind’s relentless tugging. When shingles flap and collide in the wind dance, granules scatter like confetti.
If you notice these telltale lines, then your roof is most likely bearing the scars of wind damage.
The silver lining? It doesn’t always spell catastrophe. Sometimes, it’s a localized skirmish, requiring only minor repairs. But heed the warning, for it won’t always be a minor skirmish.
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Interior Water Leakage
Sometimes, your roof’s cries for help become evident indoors. Keep a watchful eye on your ceilings and walls as these spots can help you spot roof damage.
When shingles falter, rain sneaks in. This is where water damage typically starts. It will start slowly but it will eventually grow over time.
The telltale signs? Look out for discoloration on ceilings and walls. Keep your eye out for discolorations like pale-yellow to deep brown stains, or even the musty odor of lurking mildew.
Most times, high winds are often the primary cause of this issue. Leaks may emerge as subtle water spots or cracks in your ceiling, often near the shingle-challenged areas.
It is therefore important that you take swift action. Get tarps for safety or buckets to catch the drips while awaiting a roofer’s rescue. Remember, roofs exist to shield against water’s relentless embrace.
If you neglect the issue, molds may become your unwanted houseguest.
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Damaged Soffit or Fascia
Don’t overlook one of the best places to check for signs of wind damage – the soffit and fascia. The soffit and fascia play a crucial role in safeguarding your home from water intrusion.
They are always perched at the roof’s edge like vigilant sentinels. When wind damage strikes, the soffit and fascia may fall victim to cracks, bends, or loosening.
Imagine a gust of wind tearing a piece away, leaving your roof exposed to the elements. Without them, your roof’s ventilation can suffer, fostering the growth of mold, mildew, and potential leaks from condensation buildup.
To assess wind damage, check your roof’s edge. If you notice any damage, quickly hire the expertise of a professional roofing company.
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Lifted or Curled Shingles
While missing shingles are an obvious red flag, wind damage often lurks in subtler forms. They may lift or curl, causing their watertight seals to break.
In such a case, you will notice the edges of your shingles rising as though they are about to peel off the surface. This seemingly minor damage can be elusive and that’s where the danger starts from.
The danger lies in its sneakiness. If left unchecked, it can escalate into a costly issue that potentially necessitates a full roof replacement.
Don’t let roof damage play hide-and-seek. Schedule periodic professional inspections and consider a roof tune-up every few years to safeguard against this quiet menace. It’s a small investment that can save you time and money down the road.
Conclusion
At TheRoofPro, we understand the importance of keeping your roof in peak condition. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to ensure your roof remains steadfast.
Don’t wait until wind damage becomes a costly headache. Contact us today.