Construct This: A Contractor's Blog

Roof Repair Concerns After Heavy Winds

29 March 2023 by Joyce Rivera

After a tornado or hurricane, you may believe if your roof is intact you are in the clear for roofing issues. The truth is, there can be many small bits of damage to your roof left behind by the heavy winds. Even a small inspection on your own may not turn up all the repairs that may be necessary.

Here are a few of the issues you may face after severe heavy winds and storms that necessitate roof repair.

Loose Shingles

The most common roof issue that may lead to roof repair is loose shingles. You can notice these shingles fairly easily. You may even notice a few that are barely hanging on or have been ripped off. These shingles will need to be replaced as soon as possible. If they are left loose or missing, you are at risk for a large amount of water damage. This water damage can affect the foundation of your roof and cause wood damage that leads to leaks in the home. Even a small loose shingle can allow water in, ice, or even snow. 

Gutter Anchors

Your gutters are anchored in place. During heavy winds and storms the anchor points can be tugged and pulled on. If these anchor points loosen, they leave the area open to water damage and further wind damage. As the anchor points are pulled on, roof damage can also occur. There can be rips and cracks in the wood as well as damage from the gutters themselves moving. The gutters, if the wind is heavy enough, can move and begin to rip at the shingles above them. They can also fly off during heavy rains causing damage to the roof. Ideally, after any heavy winds and storms, you should check the gutters and ensure that all the anchors are in place and there is no sagging or damage to the gutters themselves. 

Flashing and Ventilation

You may not think about the flashing and ventilation when you consider roof damage and potential roof repairs. These areas can be damaged significantly during heavy winds and storms. Ventilation vents can be bent or ripped from their anchor points. This will also rip and damage the surrounding roofing, including shingles, around the area. The same issues happen with flashing. During a self-inspection, make sure to check these areas and determine if there is any obvious damage to the area. Report the damage to your contractor when you call regarding roof repairs. 

The first step you should take following a storm with extremely heavy winds is to do a self-inspection of your roof. Note any issues you find and contact your roofing contractor. You can schedule a routine roof inspection from that point. The inspection will help determine if there are further issues with the roof and the total of the repairs that may be necessary. You can schedule a time for those repairs and ask any questions you have about the repairs during the inspection. 

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