How to Check Your Roof for Wind Damage

The fall often brings windstorms, and a strong storm might leave you wondering about your roof. It is worth taking the time to check up and make sure no damage has been incurred because identifying a problem now will allow you to fix the problem before it becomes much more serious down the road.

Strong winds cause damage to your roof in two ways. First, the sheer force of the wind itself can unseat shingles or faulty fasteners – especially around corners or edges. Second, airborne debris can cause damage if storms are throwing larger objects like branches or whole trees against your home.

What to look for

First, examine your shingles. Look for any that might be loose or missing, cracked or dented, or even just scratched or marked in some way. Missing shingles should be replaced right away, while you might need a closer look at any that might be damaged. If the protective coating of your shingle has been compromised, it might need to be replaced.

You should also check other elements of your roof, like ridge caps, vents, chimneys, eavestroughs, and skylights. These elements are all essential, working together to keep your roof functioning as designed.

Next, look for fallen tree limbs and other debris that may have come down during the storm. Branches and debris that are resting on your shingles or eaves should be removed quickly to avoid further damage. If it is safe to do so, you could do this yourself, but if the branches are large it is best to contact a professional. Your top roofing company in Lakewood, Littleton, Castle Rock, Parker, and Morrison can help to inspect assess the situation and decide what action should be taken to remove debris and secure your roof.

Preventing future issues

It is also a good idea to assess trees around your home before they lose debris or branches in a storm. Look closely for any trees that look diseased or dead, and for any branches that might be compromised. These are the highest risk for falling on your house and causing damage. As a rule of thumb, it is also good to cut branches back so they are about six feet from your roof. This prevents limbs causing damage and also prevents critters from gaining easy access to your soffit and eavestroughs.

If you have concerns about your roof after a storm, contact the trusted professionals at Horn Brothers Roofing to assess the damage.