Georgia is no stranger to strong winds. Brief but powerful thunderstorms are common, and high winds often accompany them. While sustained winds may not be high enough to cause damage, it only takes one particularly strong gust to wreak havoc on your roof. But it’s not just storms you have to worry about. Most homeowners recognize that storms accompanied by strong winds can affect your roof. But many homeowners are surprised to learn that even a clear but windy day can rip up shingles and cause other damage. Aging roofs tend to experience damage more often than newer roofs. Enough wind at the wrong moment could cause damage that amounts to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.
The Effect of Strong Winds on Your Roof
Many homeowners imagine that the primary danger to your roof from strong winds is ripped-up shingles. But that is far from the only risk. Strong winds can cause damage in many ways.
Storm winds can rip shingles off a roof, exposing the surface to the elements. When this happens, the damage is not restricted to the shingles. Without the shingles, high winds and intense downpours drive water deep into your roof’s structure. Even after the rain stops, the water continues to damage the inner layers of your roof. Eventually, leaking water can ruin underlayment, rot and warp decking, and even weaken the framing that holds up the roof.
Over time, even everyday winds can break the seal that holds down shingles. A stray gust here or there, even on a clear day, can peel back the edge of a shingle very slightly. As your roof ages, each gust loosens the shingle just a bit more. Eventually, shingles can become loose enough to allow water to penetrate. At that point, one strong gust can rip the whole shingle loose. If the shingle has been bent up by the wind, a strong gust could tear off part of the shingle at the weak crease point.
Hail can dent and degrade shingles or other roofing surfaces. According to the National Weather Service, small hail in the ½” range can fall as 20 mph. Large, baseball-sized hail can reach 100 mph. While large hail is rare in Georgia, even small hail moving at 20mps can knock loose the gravelly coating on asphalt shingles. Without the coating, shingles are exposed to UV rays that can degrade the material and cause leaks.
Strong wind can also intensify rain damage. High-speed wind forces driving rain into every open crevice, increasing the likelihood of a leak.
Is Wind Damage Avoidable?
Newer roofs are often better prepared to handle strong winds than older roofs. Still, strong enough winds can cause damage more often than homeowners would think. Storms with sustained high wind speeds are not that common in Georgia. But when they occur, high winds can damage even newer roofs.
Strong winds can affect your roof any time, and the best defense is to install roofing specifically designed to withstand high winds. It is more expensive, but most manufacturers sell products with extra adhesive, more nails, and other features that can survive higher winds. Whatever roof you choose, make sure you check out the wind rating for your chosen material. Choose a wind rating that is appropriate for the weather in your area.
How to Protect A Roof Or Deal With Damage
Not all new roofs need to be built with an exceptionally high wind rating. In Georgia, we almost never see hurricane-force winds. Instead, choose the most reasonably priced roof you can with a wind rating adequate for your locale. Your new roof should be able to withstand the strongest gusts you experience in your neighborhood.
Without a doubt, property owners with aging roofs should consider replacing them. As your roof ages, it will likely show signs of cumulative wind damage. Contact Eagle Watch Roofing for a professional inspection. We’ll provide a detailed analysis of the state of your roof.
Installing a new roof provides a stronger defense against wind and the elements. After any acute damage to your roof, such as after a severe storm, you should explore professional solutions. DIY approaches to roof repairs and installations often lead to mistakes that leave a roof even more vulnerable to wind damage.
We Provide Professional Roofing Solutions!
At Eagle Watch Roofing, we handle new installations and repairs with ease. Our top-notch team of Newnan roofers uses the best practices in the industry and tackles wind-damaged roofs throughout the year. For that reason, homeowners have peace of mind that our team knows how to protect and repair roofing at the right cost. Lucky for you, you’ve already found the better Newnan roofers to protect your home against strong winds—or to repair the damage after heavy winds.