High Winds and Your Roof!

​WOW! It’s windy out there today!  There actually is a wind warning in effect for the niagara region…but what does that mean for your roof?

Damaging Wind

Roofs are designed to resist the typical wind loads of their location but sometimes things can get extra gusty and that can cause damage to the roof system.

As wind moves over a roof, its effect is not uniform. Certain parts will be subject to higher pressures, like along the perimeter.
Depending on the way the wind blows, the shape of the roof and the location on the roof, there will be negative pressure — suction — or positive pressure — pushing, like when the wind slaps your face as you round a corner.  But bottom line is that most wind damage that occurs on roofs start on the edge of the roof systems.

This is no need for concern however as long as the wind does not start moving materials. Materials may include the membrane itself or the shingles. Anywhere material is even a little bit loose, the suction of the wind is going to raise it up and then the wind can get below it and push it up. Once the underside of the roofing is exposed, rain can get in, but it also gives the wind more to grab on to.
The damage starts small and grows through repeated wind cycles, usually over time but the main takeaway is to be observant if you see any roofing issues and get a professional to assist you as soon as you see things moving around that should not be.

The other materials a significant wind event moves about — shards of glass, tree branches and so on is wind-blown debris that can equally damage a roof so be observant of these issues as well . Wind-blown debris also tends to accumulate and clog drains and downspouts which could cause problems in the future.

If you have questions or concerns about your roof, my team and I at Class Eh! Roofing would be happy to share our professional insight so that you can rest easy in every season.

To request a free estimate please go to our link HERE
 

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