Today, we’re going to address one specific problem – wind.
As a homeowner, you probably already know that strong winds can be hard on a roof, especially with Tennessee thunderstorms. These pesky weather events can cause a myriad of problems such as broken or missing shingles, leaks, and pooling water.
That’s why it’s important to be able to spot wind damage and take the correct actions to fix the issues as soon as possible.
Wind Damage To Roof
The first thing to keep in mind is that winds can vary quite a bit in strength. A small 15mph breeze won’t do much damage to a roof, but a 100mph behemoth storm definitely will.
If you happen to live in a particularly windy region, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect your roof for possible damage.
Signs Of Wind Damage To Roof
Here are some of the most common signs of wind damage:
- Missing shingles
- Peeling or curling shingles
- Damaged soffit or fascia
- Tree branches littered across your roof
- Granule loss
- Loose or “flapping” shingles
If you notice any of these signs of wind damage, it’s best to call a roofing expert for an inspection as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the longer your roof has missing shingles, the higher the chances of rainwater eventually leaking into the home.
Wind Damage Roof Inspection Guide
First of all, keep in mind that most roofing companies recommend scheduling a roof inspection at least once a year.
Having said that, if you’ve recently had a storm or other windy event, and suspect that your roof may have sustained some wind damage, it’s best to get it checked out ASAP.
The easiest and most sure-fire way to keep your roof in good shape is to hire a roofing company or contractor for inspections. You can either do this through a local roofing company such as Austermiller or by finding someone via a gig platform such as Angi or Porch.
Hiring A Roofing Company
Cost
Did you get a quote for the roofing services? It’s always best to get a cost estimate before proceeding with an inspection or repairs.
Property
Ask the roofing contractor what they do to ensure that your property is taken care of during the inspection/repairs.
Credibility
How long has this roofing company been in the industry? Do they have any customer reviews or testimonials that you could look at? All of these are great questions to ask before hiring a roofing expert. For example, Austermiller Roofing has been in the industry for over 30+ years.
Preventing Wind Damage
Probably the number one thing to do to protect your roof from wind damage is to secure the area around it. This means removing or trimming any branches that are above or near your roof. You can either do this yourself or hire someone to trim the branches for you. Regardless, this will help minimize damage from loose tree branches the next time there’s a storm in your area.
The second most important thing to do is to keep your roof in good condition year-round. Shingles and flashing that are already loose are more likely to fly off during a heavy storm.
Wind Resistant Roof Design
No roof is 100% wind resistant. Having said that, there are some things you can do to help your roof survive a strong storm.
For example, the LSU College of Agriculture says that a hip style roof is “aerodynamic and inherently more resistant to uplift forces of high wind”.
Likewise, metal is known as an excellent choice for home or business owners living in windy areas. Why? Because metal is significantly more durable and wind-resistant than asphalt shingles.
How Much Wind Damage To Replace Roof
Oftentimes, you can get away with a quick and low-cost repair for minor roof damage. For example, a few missing shingles, or a single piece of missing flashing is a fairly straightforward job that would most likely not require a full roof replacement.
If however, the damage to your roof is significant enough that repairs would cost as much as a full roof replacement, it’s probably best to just go with the replacement.
The best thing to do is to reach out to a local roofing company for a cost estimate for repairs versus replacement. Once you have the estimates, compare the two numbers, and see which option provides the best value.
Keep in mind that a fresh new roof will probably not require very many repairs for the next few years. An old roof, on the other hand, will keep incurring costly damage until you get it replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few more answers to frequently asked roofing questions.
How To Estimate A Roofing Job?
Roof repairs and replacements are typically calculated based on the size of the work area, the material being used, and the market rate for roofing labor in your area. The best way to get an accurate estimate is simply by contacting a roofing company or contractor. In fact, here at Austermiller, we even offer FREE roofing estimates. Simply call or fill out our online form to request your very own, custom quote.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Wind Damage To Roofs?
It depends. Since each insurance policy varies in what costs are covered, and under which circumstances, it’s always best to consult with your insurance company. It is definitely worth going the extra mile to do this however since many home insurance policies do cover unexpected accidents.
The good news is that many roofing companies can actually give you a hand when it comes to dealing with insurance. Always reach out to us here at Austermiller Roofing before filing an insurance claim. We may be able to help by showing your insurance adjuster the damage or explaining the issue directly.
How Much Does Roof Repair Cost?
Like most other cost-related questions, this one also heavily depends on a handful of factors. The size of the repair area, type of repair required, and materials required.
Having said that, here are a few data samples that might give you some idea of what kind of bill you might be looking at. According to Forbes Advisor, the average minor repair can cost you between “$150 and $1,500”. This does mean minor, however, so things like a few missing shingles, gutter cleanings, small leaks, or other minor fixes. A major repair, on the other hand, can cost you between $1,500 and $7,000. This may include more complex work such as electrical wiring problems or significant water damage.
How Long Does A Roof Last?
The short answer to this is that it depends. Here’s a more in-depth explanation, however:
Different roofing materials have different lifespans. For example, according to American Family Insurance, asphalt shingles typically last about 12-15 years. Metal, on the other hand, is expected to last about 30-40 years.
The other important factor to keep in mind is how well the roof is maintained. A well-kept roof in a temperate climate is likely to hold strong for many decades. A poorly maintained roof, however, will not. That is why it is so important to perform bi-annual inspections and clean snow and leaves off your roof in a timely manner.
Tennessee Roof Repair
Has your roof been damaged by high winds? If so, don’t forget to get the issue addressed as soon as possible. As we mentioned earlier, missing or damaged shingles can leave your home vulnerable to leaks and other rain damage.
Local Roof Repairs & Replacement Contractors
Here at Austermiller Roofing, we’re happy to offer roof repair and replacement services for your home. Not only will we come out there and get the work done quickly, but we’ll do a quality job that’ll last you years.
Here at Austermiller, we pride ourselves on the care we take when working with clients. We understand that this is your home, so we treat it as such. Our workers do their best to leave the surrounding property as clean and undisturbed as possible.
The best part? We offer FREE roofing quotes. That way, you have all of the information you need to make the best decision for your home.